Africa's Natural Viagra

During the 2010 World Cup, Waka Waka was the African mot du jour, courtesy of Colombian singer Shakira. However, the current buzz is all around Vuka Vuka, the Dark Continent's answer to Sildenafil Citrate. Dubbed 'Africa's natural Viagra,' Vuka Vuka has been well known in Harare, Zimbabwe's capital, for over 20 years. One Peter Sibanda is the go to guy at M'Bare market for those who want to rejuvenate their marriage. Mr Sibanda's rationale behind the popularity of this remedy? After a couple of years together, man and wife will become more like brother and sister, so they need something new to rekindle the fire.

Regardless of the reason, Vuka Vuka has a very devoted fan base. Lyson Soke, for instance, credits his successful marriage and five children to using this remedy. The medicament is not for himself though, but for his wife, who needs it to go the three or four rounds a night that he's accustomed to. So far, this sounds like your regular quack aphrodisiac, but here's the twist, it may actually be legit. Vuka Vuka is made with ground Myalabris beetles; these insects use a substance called cantharidin as a defense mechanism. Cantharidin blisters the skin but also fills the genitalia with blood, basically the same effect as Sildenafil. The similarities do not end there either. Just like Viagra online, North American and European companies have started to sell Vuka Vuka on the internet. On the other hand, some of its side effects are the same as those of Sildenafil, such as priapism (painfully prolonged erection), and kidney failure. Other criticisms include the fact that it may promote promiscuity, although a case for the opposite could also be made. But while you need a prescription to buy Viagra, at Harare you can even get a side of Vuka Vuka with your beer at a local bar.