Introduction:
Spilanthol, an active metabolite of the herb
Spilanthes acmella
, has many biological and pharmacological effects with limited studies on humans.
Objectives:
To determine the extent of increase/decrease in muscle mass and sexual frequency over a period of 3 weeks and 2 months in participants consuming SA3X capsules (containing 500 mg of
Spilanthes acmella
extract, standardized to 3.5% spilanthol delivering 17.5 mg spilanthol).
Materials and Methods:
The study is longitudinal in nature and is conducted among 240 male participants consuming SA3X capsules at three points – first at recruitment, second at the end of 3 weeks, and lastly at the end of 2 months in Hyderabad and Secunderabad who were assessed for muscle gain by measuring mid upper-arm circumference (MUAC), chest circumference (CC), thigh circumference (TC), and for sexual activity by a change in frequency of sexual activity and duration of penile erection. The nutrient intake was assessed by 24-h dietary recall method at each visit along with the daily activity.
Results:
A significant increase in the MUAC, (
P
= 0.050), frequency of sexual intercourse (
P
= 0.028), and duration of penile erection
(P
= 0.032) were observed at the end of 3 weeks; however, no changes were observed in CC and TC. At the end of 2 months, a significant increase in the parameters MUAC (
P
= 0.031), frequency of sexual intercourse (
P
< 0.001), duration of penile erection (
P
= 0.029) along with significant increase in CC; (
P
= 0.048) and TC; (
P
= 0.036) was observed.
Conclusion:
The study reflects the herb
Spilanthes acmella
to be a potent muscle gainer and aphrodisiac. However, further studies on humans need to be carried out to establish the temporality of the association of spilanthol with its claimed benefits.
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