Dr. Grey AI

Massularia acuminata

Massularia acuminata is a Nigerian plant traditionally used as a chewing stick (for oral health) and aphrodisiac in Yoruba medicine. Preliminary rat studies suggest testosterone and libido increases, but HIGHER DOSES SHOWED LIVER TOXICITY. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - only animal research exists. The anti-gingivitis/oral health use is traditional but not rigorously validated. Cannot recommend use due to lack of human evidence and hepatotoxicity concerns at higher doses in animals.

Quick Answer

What it is

Massularia acuminata is a Nigerian plant traditionally used as a chewing stick (for oral health) and aphrodisiac in Yoruba medicine. Preliminary rat studies suggest testosterone and libido increases, but HIGHER DOSES SHOWED LIVER TOXICITY.

Key findings

  • Grade D: Testosterone
  • Grade D: Libido
  • Grade D: Liver Enzyme Levels

Safety

  • Preliminary rat studies suggest testosterone and libido increases, but HIGHER DOSES SHOWED LIVER TOXICITY.
  • No human studies exist, and higher doses (1000 mg/kg) caused liver toxicity in the same animal models, suggesting a narrow therapeutic window.
  • This adverse effect represents a serious safety concern and narrows the potential therapeutic window considerably.
ℹ️ Quick Facts: Massularia acuminata

Quick Facts: Massularia acuminata

  • Best Evidence:Grade D
  • Conditions Studied:0
  • Research Outcomes:4
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C0
D4
0 conditions · 4 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

D
Testosterone
In rat studies, Massularia acuminata aqueous extract at lower doses (50 mg/kg) increased serum testosterone levels. No human studies exist, and higher doses (1000 mg/kg) caused liver toxicity in the same animal models, suggesting a narrow therapeutic window.
2 studies
moderate↑Improves
D
Libido
Rat studies observed increased sexual behavior and libido-related endpoints following administration of Massularia acuminata extract at lower doses. These findings have not been replicated in humans and must be interpreted cautiously given concurrent hepatotoxicity findings at higher doses.
2 studies
small↑Improves
D
Liver Enzyme Levels
In rat studies, Massularia acuminata at higher doses (1000 mg/kg) produced significant hepatotoxicity with elevated liver enzymes, indicating dose-dependent liver damage. This adverse effect represents a serious safety concern and narrows the potential therapeutic window considerably.
2 studies
large↓Worsens
D
Gingival Health
A small RCT in 60 Nigerian schoolchildren compared Massularia acuminata chewing sticks to toothbrushes over six weeks. Slight improvements in gingival health were observed in the chewing stick group, but differences were not statistically significant.
small↑Improves

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