African Violet Tree

When a South African man experiences the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, he's not too likely to go and buy Cialis. Instead, he chews on the root of the African violet tree. Although this practice has been going on for a few centuries now, it has only recently occurred that scientists believe that they have been able to isolate the violet tree's active ingredient. And while patents have been applied for, any sort of recognition of this tree root may end up benefiting the local healers who recommend its use.

The root of the violet tree, which is found in Northern South Africa and other African countries, has been tested in the laboratories of the botany department at the University of Pretoria, headed by Dr. Marion Meyer. When it was tried on smooth muscle samples, the muscle relaxed and allowed more blood to pass into it. Smooth muscle is the same type of tissue found in the penis, and the root's vasodilating effect is similar to that of the current erectile dysfunction medications.

In spite of these encouraging results, there still may be a while before a medication developed from the violet tree's root enters the market. According to Dr. Meyer, who was quoted on news.bbc.co.uk, it will take a minimum of three years until human trials can take place, and two more years before an actual drug could be released. Another hindrance might be the fact that locals ardently guard the trees, and only native tribal chiefs are authorized to sell the ground roots.

This is yet another example of mother nature providing an organic solution that improves specific health conditions in humans. One can only wonder, what else is there to discover? Is the cure for more serious diseases like cancer or Alzheimer's hiding in a tropical forest near you? We can only hope it does.