The alligator pepper, though small in nature, it is however said to be a wonder spice.
Medical experts have said that alligator pepper is a stimulant that helps to increase sexual desire.
According to them, a healthy lifestyle, physical exercise, tiger nuts and a strong financial status can also increase sexual drive.
A renowned fertility expert, Prof Oladapo Ashiru, said alligator pepper might act as a stimulant, thereby increasing the testosterone level in the blood.
“There have been very few reports on the effect of alligator pepper on the positive effect of erectile ability and erectile dysfunction. Same as ginger; they may be acting as a stimulant and also by increasing the testosterone level in the blood,” he said.
Asked if it also works for women, the don said, “I have not come across (such) for women. However, it is not out of place since it is a stimulant.”
Also, a consultant urologist at the Ogah Hospital and Urology Centre, Fugar, Edo State, Dr Gabriel Ogah, said alligator pepper could boost sex drive and libido in individuals.
Ogah said, “Alligator pepper can boost sex drive because it is a stimulant; it’s just like kola nut. Any stimulant that energises and increases your stimulant can increase your sex drive. It’s a general stimulant.
“You can just chew the alligator pepper just like you chew kola nuts and your sex drive will improve. There’s a research that they said it doesn’t boost sex drive but I studied that research and how it was carried out, and I found out that the sample size was too small and was not a well collected research.
“So, the impression that it improves sex drive remains. Until you have a very good research with a large size that disproves it, then it remains, and I believe it does. Alligator pepper does a great job.”
He added that having more money could improve sex drive.
“When you can fund your desire, you will have an increased sex drive. Normally, when you have more money in your pocket, your sex drive will increase because you can afford the consequences of the sex drive.
“If your wife asks you to buy her something for Christmas and you don’t buy it, the woman will not be interested in sex. Financial status increases sex drive. Comfort increases sex drive because sex is not a necessity.
“You can always do it (sex) if you have money. On the other hand, life that is hard (poverty) reduces sex drive. You don’t need to be a scientist to know that.
“If a man controls his weight and is physically fit, his erection will be better. He will perform better at sex if he is physically fit. It is well known that when you are very good at something, it gives you enjoyment or pleasure.”
However, below are the numerous benefits of alligator pepper as copied from Global food, by Blessing Okpala
- Consumption Purposes
Alligator pepper is a popular spice that is normally snacked upon especially by elders and sometimes youths. In traditional meetings and events such as baby naming ceremonies, traditional marriages, burial ceremonies, town meetings etc, the alligator pepper is usually served together with kola nuts and peanut butter (ósè ọ́jị́) as part of the customary rites.
Both the seeds and leaves can also be used for garnishing salads and for preparing assorted dishes such as pepper soup, stews, chicken and lamb dishes etc. It’s hot peppery and pungent flavour augments dishes and makes them spicy. While cooking, alligator pepper can be substituted with black pepper, grains of paradise, piper guineense or black cardamom. The seeds are usually ground before adding to dishes as they tend to be a little bit hard. Furthermore, the beer industry normally uses the alligator pepper for strengthening and flavouring alcoholic beverages such as gin, beer, wine and ale.
- Anti-oxidizing Properties Alligator pepper seeds are an excellent source of phytonutrients such as terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, saponin and phenolic compound. They scavenge for free radicals and offer protections against viruses, allergens, microbes, platelet aggregation, tumors, ulcers and hepatotoxins (chemical liver damage) in the body. This suggests why it is commonly used in folk medicine for preventing and tackling intestinal problems. 3. Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders The seeds extracts of the alligator pepper can be used for treating gastrointestinal disorders such as stomach pain, diarrhea, ulcer and intestinal worms.
- Wound Healing The seeds can be crushed and used for preparing concoctions for treating and healing wounds. Alligator pepper contains a high amount of tannin that is distinguished by its stringent property and as such it is very effective for healing wounds, treating burns and soothing inflamed mucous membrane.
- Antimicrobial Properties The seed extract has antimicrobial properties due to its constituents of phenolic compounds that are normally used as disinfectants. Studies reveal that Aframomum melegueta extract is broad spectrum and as such has inhibitory effect on the growth of bacteria such as Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia etc.
- Aphrodisiac Properties Studies reveal that the alligator pepper is aphrodisiac in nature thus can be used for stimulating sexual desires.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties The seed has anti-inflammatory properties due to its constituent of gingerol that inhibits the leukotriene and prostaglandins synthesis. It offers protection against inflammation of the body.
- Analgesic Properties The aqueous extract of the plant is analgesic in nature and as such can be used for relieving and alleviating pains such as joint pain, toothache, stomach pain, arthritic pain and rheumatoid pain.
- Dermatological Care Alligator pepper can be used for preparing herbal remedy for treating infectious skin diseases such as measles, chickenpox and smallpox. 10. Stimulating Properties Due to its stimulating properties and peppery pungent taste, the alligator pepper is normally chewed as a stimulant to keep the body alert.
- Malaria Treatment The leaves are used for preparing herbal medicines for preventing and treating malaria. 12. Digestive Properties The seeds aid easy digestion of food thereby preventing constipation and bloating. Side Effects of Alligator Pepper There are no recorded side effects of the alligator pepper, however, pregnant and lactating mothers are encouraged not to consume it based on the following reasons; An experiment by Inegbenebor et al., (2009) show that high dosage of alligator pepper administered to pregnant rats led to the termination of their first trimester pregnancies. Based on this report, pregnant women in their first trimester are highly recommended to refrain from eating the alligator pepper in other to avoid miscarriages. Uloneme et al., (2014) agree that lactating mothers should avoid taking alligator pepper in high quantities as it can reduce the prolactin secretion. Prolactin is a hormone released from the pituitary gland that stimulates milk production after childbirth. No doubt that breast milk is essential for newborn babies as it offers them immunity and nutrition before they are of age to easily eat and digest solid foods.
