Efficacy Evaluation of Plant Products in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction Related to Diabetes

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction affects more than 50% of diabetic male patients, with a higher prevalence compared with the general population. Age, clinical factors, and lifestyle habits have been suggested to contribute to the pathophysiology and worsening of erectile dysfunction in diabetic patients. First- and second-line standard treatments are represented by phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors and alprostadil, respectively. However, natural compounds have been suggested to ameliorate this clinical condition. This study aims to preclinically characterize the potential synergism among plant-derived products for the improvement of erectile dysfunction in the diabetic condition. The effects of a nutritional supplement composed of Panax ginseng, Moringa oleifera and rutin, as single agents or as a mixture, were evaluated in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model with erectile dysfunction. The treatment efficacy was evaluated by measuring sexual-related parameters (i.e., mount and intromission latencies, the mount and intromission frequencies and the ejaculation latency). Results showed that only the mixture was able to significantly reduce the diabetes-related delay in mount latency (p < 0.01). Substantial similar effects were observed by measuring the intromission latency and the mean number of mounts was very similar between rats treated with the mixture and controls. Single agent treatments showed very low effects in terms of intromission frequency, whereas the mixture was able to increase this parameter. Additionally, a statistically significant reduced ejaculation latency was observed in rats treated with the mixture compared with the STZ control. These results are in agreement with the available literature and suggest that the study mixture may ameliorate sexual behavior compared with the administration of the study natural compounds as single agents in diabetic rats. Further preclinical and clinical studies are needed to perform a more comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy and safety of the study mixture.

The use of medicinal plants as stimulators of eroticism for well-being, health and self-steem in women and men

“…Many of these affectations in men and women have been evaluated and associated in many diseases as cardiovascular, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, cancer among others (Imprialos et al 2018;Nappi et al 2022) [2,3] and treated with pharmacotherapy (Including serotonergic antagonists and dopaminergic agonists as flibanserin or bremelanotide; hormone therapy) (Clayton and Valladares, 2017;Bala et al 2018; Sousa Rodriguez Guedes et al 2022) [4,5,6] . In addition, it is possible that some component of plant extracts can synergize with pharmacotherapy, diminishing doses, and therefore side effects (Nobili et [7,8,9] , and increasing or improving the restorative effect on the sexual dysfunction or in the increasing of sexual desire (Da Cruz et al 2017) [10] for an increase in self-steem and sexual well-being and an integral health (Figure 2). In general, the literature is vast in indicate the medicinal herbs used in traditional medicine of many countries and provinces that are widely used to treat sexual dysfunction; however, the information available in the literature on the use of plants as sexual stimulants or as sexual recreative is limited.…”

Icarifil in Association with Daily Use of Tadalafil (5 mg) versus Standard Tadalafil Daily Dose (5 mg) or Alone: Results from a Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial

“…On the other hand, several nutraceuticals compounds, supplemented as single agents and/or in different combinations, have been reported to offer benefits in the treatment of ED, without adverse effects. Several compounds, such has carnitine, ginseng, Tribulus terrestris or damiana, have been reported interesting results in terms of clinical efficacy in patients with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction [7][8][9]. Considering the concept that nutraceuticals or phytotherapeutic compounds are considered safer and are generally efficacious for the treatment of mild-moderate ED, some components might represent a valid therapeutic alternative in the treatment of ED alone or in association with PDE-5is.…”

Icarifil® in Association with Daily Use of Tadalafil (5 mg) versus Standard Tadalafil Daily Dose (5 mg) or Alone: Results from a Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial

“…On the other hand, several nutraceutical compounds, supplemented as single agents and/or in different combinations, have been reported to offer benefits in the treatment of ED, without adverse effects. Several compounds, such as carnitine, ginseng, Tribulus terrestris or damiana, have been reported to show interesting results in terms of clinical efficacy in patients with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction [8][9][10]. Considering the concept that nutraceuticals or phytotherapeutic compounds are considered safer and are generally efficacious for the treatment of mild-moderate ED, some components might represent a valid therapeutic alternative in the treatment of ED alone or in association with PDE5-is.…”