(197) Natural Aphrodisiacs Consumption by Male Workers in the Katanga province, DR Congo

Abstract Introduction In a previous cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of ED among artisanal mineworkers, we found a significant association between aphrodisiacs consumption and erectile dysfunction (Musa et al. under review). Objective This study aimed at investigating the main reasons of aphrodisiacs consumption and their possible health effects in male workers in the Katanga province. Methods We conducted a mixed method study in which a first quantitative phase (survey) was conducted from March 2021 to May 2021, and included by convenience sampling, 127 artisanal miners and 122 drivers of collective taxis. All participants responded to the IIEF in the first survey. We measured urea, creatinine, sGOT, sGPT, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglyceride in serum. The second qualitative phase (interviews) took place later, and included 16 participants from the first quantitative study, 8 in each group. Results Self-reported aphrodisiacs consumption was 1.6 as prevalent among taxi-drivers compared to miners. ED was 1.5 as prevalent among aphrodisiacs' consumers compared to controls. Total cholesterol and LDL were significantly higher in aphrodisiac consumers than in non-consumers. Cultural perceptions about masculinity, support of erectile function and/or prevention of ED were themes that emerged from interviews in both groups. Two most consumed aphrodisiacs including Securidaca longepedunculata and Mitragyna stipulosa were taken with alcohol. No evidence of nephrotoxicity or hepatotoxicity was found. Conclusions In a population with high rate of herbal treatment use, we found a high prevalence of natural aphrodisiac plants that are widely consumed instead of pharmacologically proved synthetic drugs probably due to cultural beliefs. More ethno botanical studies of plants consumed as aphrodisiacs including isolation and rigorous identification of the active constituents are needed to provide the poor population with the right information and to protect them against unwanted toxic effects. Disclosure No.