In September 2015, a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) concluded that tigernut tubers had aphrodisiac effects, increasing male libido. The study was done in mice and observed in those who tigernut was provided a better sexual performance and increased testosterone levels compared to untreated individuals. 

These properties are also cited in a scientific article in 2011 where horchata appears as a powerful aphrodisiac that can be used as a sexual stimulant and for erectile dysfunction.

The funny thing is that these aphrodisiac properties of groundnut already known in the twelfth century, being contained in the celebrated treatise of agriculture Kitabb al-Fallah (The book of agriculture) of Ibn al-'Awwam. In this medical treatise he is attributed to the tigernuts, among other effects, increased genital semen.

Accordingly, a compound contained in the Tigernut of Valencia and therefore also in the horchata, can perform this function.

Scientists consulted do not provide a definitive answer; some attribute the increase in the level of testosterone in the presence of quercentina tigernuts, vitamins and zinc, as they say, all these components have been shown to increase testosterone production. (Quercetin is a flavonoid with many health properties that beneficial effects on the vascular system including the arteriosclerosis as well as for high cholesterol, hypertension and circulatory problems are attributed.) Others suggest that the key would be in a groundnut compound called arginine; a type of amino acid by action of the enzyme oxide synthetase becomes nitric oxide; being the vasodilator which increases vasodilation in the genital area, increases blood flow in the area.

These compounds are most in horchata made with Tigernut of Valencia than in other made of tigernuts from other countries, so from the Regulatory Council recommend looking for the label that distinguishes the authentic Horchata de Valencia and enjoy the summer