Approximately 30 million men in the US deal with varying degrees of erectile dysfunction (ED) issues. This condition can severely hamper a man’s quality of life, and affect relationships. For this reason, it’s no surprise that drugs like Viagra and Cialis bring in over four billion dollars a year.
As if the potential side effects of Viagra and similar drugs weren’t bad enough, scientists are now working on a new line of ED drugs – genetically modified from the venom of banana spiders.
When it comes to Viagra, it does deliver the desired results for about one in three men – at the risk of certain health issues. Some common side effects include urinary tract infections, blurred vision, headaches and digestive trouble. Long term use may be especially dangerous for those with heart conditions or hypertension. In rare cases, it may lead to blindness.
And, let’s not forget that a single joyride with Viagra can land you in the emergency room with an erection that does not go away… scary.
So, why the spider venom?? Well, it appears that the venom of banana spiders, officially called Brazilian Wandering Spiders, has in rare cases led to priapism – an erection that does not cease without medical intervention.
Researchers are taking this effect and trying to subdue and bottle it. In 2014, they genetically modified the gene which causes this, and combined it with caterpillar cells to make their own GMO spider toxin. The toxin was found to induce erections in mice and rat studies.
You won’t have to worry about seeing this stuff on the shelves or at the pharmacy yet – it’s still very much in development, and is expected to take years to complete. However, why would one want to take a GMO spider venom for ED – sounds scarier than Viagra to us – when nature has many options available.
If you are experiencing ED or any other virility issues, it may be time to visit a health professional that you trust, and ask about the following natural herbs, which have been linked to male virility:
- Muira puama
- Ginkgo biloba
- Maca root
- Epimedium (aka “horny goat weed”)
Do not try any of the above herbs without talking to a professional first. They may not be chemical-based, but they are potent. To find the best course of action for you, make sure to do your research, and get as much professional input as you can.
It’s a pretty important part of your body, after all.
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.wired.com/2015/02/gmo-spider-venom-may-be-the-next-viagra
http://www.livestrong.com/article/94384-natural-herbal-alternatives-viagra
https://www.thealternativedaily.com/3-herbs-that-naturally-stimulate-the-male-sex-drive
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-horny-goats-weed.html
