Burantashi (literally "penis get up") is a native Hausa-Fulani powder derived from the bark of the African tree Pausinystalia yohimbe.
Burantashi is used as a food additive to barbecued meat (suya) in Nigeria, especially the Northern parts. It is claimed to have aphrodisiac and penile-erection enhancing properties.
The extracts contain the alkaloidyohimbine, an alpha-2antagonist that has been used widely with variable success in erectile dysfunction, but the whole bark of the tree was not studied until recently. In one recent study, pure Burantashi powder obtained from a local suya vendor in Lagos, Nigeria was extracted aqueously and studied on the renal circulation of Sprague-Dawley rats.[1] In the in vivo study, the extract code-named "CCD-X", caused a rise in mean arterial pressure (MAP), and a rise in renal medullary blood flow (MBF). This systemic vasoconstrictor and renal medullary dilator action was attenuated separately by the endothelin -A receptor blocker - BMS-182874, ET-B blocker -BQ788, but blocked by their combination [1]. Further, the nitric oxide inhibitor (NO), L-Nomega - nitro-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME) 10 mg/kg totally inhibited the rise in medullary blood flow due to CCD-X. In vitro studies in isolated perfused kidneys (IPK) and in pressurised microvessels (PMV) confirmed the in vivo effect to cause vasoconstriction, which was inhibited by endothelin A and B antagonists. The pressor dose response characteristic of CCD-X on PMV was similar to that of endothelin-1 with EC50 close to 100ng. It was concluded from these studies that, the aqueous extract exhibited a vasoconstrictor effect -possibly alpha-2 mediated like yohimbine. However, it possessed additional effects as an andothelin receptor A and B agonist, and also released nitric oxide. The possibility of a post-receptor cross-talk among ET-B, alpha-2 receptors and NO release was also considered. Burantashi is already being used dissolved in solution in the USA as a herbal alternative for erectile dysfunction " agbomola" - meaning - saviour of man hood. Thin layer chromatography showed that the bark is rich in sesquiterpenes, and has antifungal and antibiotic properties as well. Whether CCD-X will be useful in sickle cell disease (releasing NO) is unknown. Further basic and clinical research are needed before the effects of Burantashi can be effectively evaluated.
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