Malaysia has patented a jungle plant reputed to boost male sex drive.
It says developing tongkat ali will give the country a big push into the herbal medicine industry.
Villagers have long used tongkat ali, which means "Ali's walking stick" and describes the shape of the plant's root, to improve blood
circulation and cure skin diseases.
Dr Azizol Abdul Kadir, director of medicinal plants at the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia, said: "An aphrodisiac is not its only benefit.
"Your energy level increases, you are more fit, more alert. When your energy increases, you can do many things."
The institute has taken two local patents on tongkat ali and applied for three more to protect Malaysian interests as multinational drug companies scour the world's rainforests for new products.
Dr Azizol said tongkat ali could be marketed next year as a "health enhancer" that in time could outsell ginseng.
The plant's legendary aphrodisiac effect has made it a popular additive at even the smallest roadside tea stalls and has prompted the production of 140 brands of tongkat ali pills.
In May, Malaysia unveiled plans for a 50 billion ringgit ($31.85 billion) biotechnology industry.
Dr Azizol said the tongkat ali project, with 85 researchers from various Government agencies, was a test case for the future "Bio Valley."
The institute was now testing tongkat ali pills on volunteers.
Dr Azizol said early results were positive.
- REUTERS
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