Miraa chewing can lead to heart attack, high temper – Study

A new study by dons from Moi University has now proven that consumption of miraa affects sexual performance among men.

The study that was commissioned by the government last year shows that the plant affects the mortality of sperms.

This emerged when scientists tasked to study the effects of the plant after a report was released at the Great Rift Valley Lodge in Naivasha.

The two day forum was organized by Consortium for National Health Research (CNHR).

According to the lead scientist Dr. Ochiba Lukanda, the study had established that the plant was harmful to reproductive parts of the body.

“The study has proven that the consumption of miraa affects sexual capability of men and could lead to heart attack,” he said.

Lukanda said that a similar study conducted in the Middle East had proven that men who stopped taking the plant performed well in bed.

“The consumption of the drug also results to a rise in blood pressure but it does not cause cancer as has been reported in some quarters.”

The don also noted that a study conducted in areas where miraa is grown also showed an increase in school drop outs especially among the boys.

“The boys are working in miraa farms with some packaging the product which has adversely affected the quality of education in these areas,” said Lukanda.

On his part Dr. Lukoye Atwoli, who is also the Dean of Students at Moi University School of Medicine, said that the ingredients in the plant also affected the quality of sperms after a long use.

Atwoli added that miraa also caused some mental disorders like mood swings and depression noting that there was need for studies on the miraa plant.

“Apart from affecting education the plant has health issues and there is need for more funding on the effects of miraa,” he said.

The doctor noted that the report had been handed to Parliament for action adding that it was upon the consumers to determine if they would continue using miraa.

Meanwhile, the CNHR director Matilu Mwau admitted that funding for research in the country is wanting.

Mwau said that there was need for researchers and scientists to share information on studies done and welcomed the move to allocate two percent of the GDP to research.

Dr. Elkana Onguti from the Ministry of Health also acknowledged that funding remained a challenge but was quick to note that this been addresses.

By Karanja Kimani / Written by Jemimah Gathoni