Ferula hermonis
Ferula hermonis
Safety & Hazards
The plant has a long history of use, especially in Arab countries but also more recently in other countries, as an aphrodisiac and fertility enhancer. Research has shown that a single dose can very significantly increase testosterone levels in males and that the plant can be a very effective single dose treatment for frigidity and infertility. However, if taken for extended periods, the effect is to greatly reduce testosterone levels and to have a negative action upon the reproductive organs. Although Ferula hermonis roots have been recommended to improve erectile and fertility problems, use of this plant, even for short periods, should be considered experimental and approached with extreme caution. Further clinical studies to ensure its safety and efficacy are needed[ 2239 Title Is the chronic use of Ferula harmonis to enhance mice erectile function effective and safe? A histopathological stud Publication Syst Biol Reprod Med, 2014; 60(5): 282-292 Author Ayoub N.N. et al Website https://doi.org/10.3109/19396368.2014.923059 Publisher Year 2014 ISBN 1939-6368 Description ].
Botanical Description
Ferula hermonis is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a taproot; the stem can be 100 - 150cm tall[ 93 Title Flora of Turkey. Publication Author Davis. P. H. Publisher Edinburgh University Press Year 1965 ISBN - Description Not for the casual reader, this is an immense work in many volumes. Some details of plant uses and habitats. ]. The plant has a high reputation for medicinal use and is harvested in quantity from the wild for local use. It is sold by herbalists and exported to mainly Arab countries for medicinal use. Ferula hermonis is under threat throughout its range due to the collection of plants in the wild for medicinal uses. The Israeli-occupied part is partly considered to be a protected area, however the creation of a ski resort, plus other recreational developments and road construction have greatly affected the natural habitats and the plant communities there. Further developments at the resort, such as the expansion of the pistes or the construction of roads and buildings could occur in the future and increasingly threaten the habitats of the species. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2020)[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].