Viagra, savior of endangered species?
2006/01/08 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia
In traditional Chinese medicine bones and shells of various animals are used to make medicines. In general, these animals used in traditional medicine are not usually common or numerous, but are unique species and some endangered. The use of its derivatives in traditional medicine has in some cases led to a loss.
To treat erection dysfunctions, Chinese men drink drinks based on seals penises, rhinoceros horns, reindeer horns veils, etc. These powers cost money and some of these animals, such as rhinoceros, are protected and cannot hunt. However, on demand, pharmacies offer these drinks.
Market orientation
When Viagra came out on the market, more than one thought that these species would benefit from medicine, as from then on patients could replace traditional potions with Viagra.
It seemed that it came true. In fact, in 2002 the investigative brothers von Hippel reported that both the market of seal dogs and the veils of reindeer frogs decreased. And Viagra was credited with the "fault" of the decline.
The environmentalists disagreed. The organization TRAFFIC, for example, has been working for endangered species for a long time and considers that this decline is due to the economic catastrophe that occurred in Asia in 1998 in the market of reanimators and not Viagra.
However, they have now shown that the Viagra trade is growing in China. The producer of Viagra, the multinational Pfizer, has conducted a study on the medication taken by patients in Hong Kongo hospital. As for erection dysfunctions, it seems that it is strengthening the tendency to rule out other remedies and take Viagra.
According to researchers, it is easier for the Chinese to flee traditional remedies when Western medicines have a notable influence. And that happens, apparently, with Viagra. However, to treat arthritis, indigestion, gout and other diseases, they maintain the usual remedies.
It seems that TRAFFIC is not wrong. Since the bones, skin and inside of these animals are also used for medicines against other diseases, Viagra does not help them at all.
Tongkat ali versus Viagra
In addition to all this, they have created in Malaysia a product that makes competition to Viagra, which can also influence the market of reanimators.
The Malay version of Viagra is made with a plant called Tongkat ali. The plant is normally taken in infusion and has a stimulating effect. Now, Malaysian researchers have concentrated in the dry plant laboratory and have shown that they have an aphrodisiac effect. According to them, one of the glycoproteins in the plant stimulates the production of testosterone, which is because the plant has an effect similar to that of Viagra. The plant will be abundant! Otherwise, if the product is successful, it will soon be included in the list of endangered species.
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