Dodder
Dodder other names: Cuscuta (Latin), Tu-Si-Zi (TCM), Devil's Guts, Devil's Hair, Beggarweed, Strangle Tare, Scaldweed, Dodder of Thyme, Greater Dodder, Lesser Dodder, Devil's Ringlet, Goldthread, Hailweed, Hellweed, Hairweed, Hellbine, Love Vine, Pull-Down, Strangleweed, Angel Hair, Witch's Hair
Dodder (Latin name Cuscuta) is a genus of parasitic plants with over 100 species. It has thin stems that wrap around the host plant and from a short distance, has the appearance of an untidy mass of hair, hence some of its nicknames such as "Devil's Hair". Dodder is found in many locations in the world, although with more species being found in tropical regions. It is usually yellow, orange or red in appearance or occasionally green. [1]
Dodder (Cuscuta) growing on Acacia tree, Pakistan
Photo: Khalid Mahmood - lic. under CC BY-SA 2.0
Dodder It is a notorious parasitic plant pest that can overwhelm and choke a host plant, stealing nutrients from it and potentially killing it. It can damage a wide variety of host plants, including several agricultural and horticultural crop species. Dodder is very difficult to control and eradicate and is of such serious consequence as a noxious weed that the Unites States Department of Argiculture (Oct 2006) stated that whole dodder seeds (or any product containing whole dodder seeds) are prohibited from entry into the USA! Dodder seed that has been crushed or powdered was not considered a threat by the USDA, reporting in the document referenced. [2] Dodder infestations have been found in crops in California. It can be particularly damaging to alfalfa, lespedeza, flax, clover and potatoes - and can be problematic in the case of seed crops, which owing to the difficulty of removal of the Dodder from the host, can result in the Dodder seed being intermixed. [3]
Many other countries have laws prohibiting the import of Dodder seed, and require all other imported seeds to be free of dodder contamination.
Another curious fact about Dodder is that it can "smell" other plants, and grows towards them. However, it must reach them within 5-10 days of germination or it will die, being largely or entirely dependent on the host for nutrition. [1]
Dodder ought not to be confused with Cassytha, a genus of parasitic plants which bear much resemblance to it, but are not related. The resemblance is said to be so close that when the plants are not fruiting or flowering, only experts can tell them apart. Many of the common names used for Dodder, such as Love Vine, have also been used for Cassytha. However, Cassytha are not as serious a pest problem as Dodders.[4]
Is Dodder an Aphrodisiac?
Dodder has a history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine as an aphrodisiac (in addition to everal other uses). It is stated that Dodder / Cuscuta seeds are used in long term medications, by which the sexual functions and kidneys of both male and female are strengthened. [5] Another Chinese Herbalist states "In some Western circles, we actually use the Dodder seed as kind of an aphrodisiac. Since it does seem to boost up the libido, just a bit." [6] Several sources online repeat the statement that Chinese or Japanese Dodder is an aphrodisiac.
Dodder has also been included in modern herbal "sexual enhancement" formulas for sale in the West, such as Dr. Ray Sahelian's Passion Rx. [7]
Although there is a possible hint in the old name for dodder, the "Love Vine", I can find no reference actually linking this name to any aphrodisiac effect of the plant. there may well be a connection, but I have not so far been able to verify it.
In addition to several studies exploring various other medicinal qualities, there has been a little scientific research into the aphrodisiac potential of Dodders:
In 1997, a study found that a decoction of semen Cuscutae (Dodder seed) increased sperm motility and sperm membrane function, concluding that Dodder seed may have potential in treating male sterility and may raise success rate in artificial insemination. [8]
In a 2000 study, Dodder seed extract increased the weights of testis, epididymis and pituitary gland, and stimulated testosterone and luteinizing secretion both in vitro and in immature rats. ("Effects of flavonoids from Dodder seed on the reproductive system in male rats" (Asian J Androl. 2000. Jun;2(2):99-102. 67.) - as quoted by [7], original paper not found.)
In a 2006 study, extract of Cuscuta japonica was found to "significantly protect the sperm membrane, the acosomic structure and the mitochondrion function" from oxidative damage caused by active oxygen. [9]
In 2008, a study was performed on a formula including Lycium chinense, Cornus officinalis, Rubus coreanus, Cuscuta chinensis and Schizandra chinensis - materials which have had a history of use in the orient with regard to sexual function. The study showed that the herbal formulation enhances intracavernous pressure and NO-cGMP activity in penile tissues of male rats. [10] While this does not prove conclusively that the Dodder has any action, it indicates potential for further research in Erectile Dysfunction studies.
Conclusions
From the traditional use and the few studies that have been done, it would appear that dodder may be have some potential for benefit in cases of Erectile Dysfunction or as part of general sexual function tonic formulas, however it seems that much more study / human trial needs to be done before these effects can be regarded as scientifically proven. Note again, Dodder is considered a noxious and very troublesome weed that has potential to do great damage to agriculture, and international transportation of any form of whole Dodder seed is restricted in several countries.
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Sources:
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuscuta
[2] http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/plant_health/content/printable_version/ia_dodder.pdf
[3] http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/TRA/dodder.html
[4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassytha
[5] http://thetrumphet.blogspot.com/2009/03/cuscuta-seeds-dodder-as-aphrodisiac.html
[6] http://www.ehow.com/video_7860933_herbal-uses-japanese-dodder-seeds.html
[7] http://www.raysahelian.com/dodder.html
[8] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9863078
[9] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16711433
[10] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18762238
Note - the information on this website is not medical advice, is not a substitute for medical consultation, has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure any disease. Please seek advice from a medical professional if you have symptoms, are concerned about your health, or before using supplements or aphrodisiac products.
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