Interaction of Sildenafil With Herbal Supplements: A Review

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as a man's inability to achieve or maintain an erection long enough to complete sexual activity. Sildenafil (SILD) is a drug that is used to treat ED all over the world. In this review article, the interactions between SILD and herbal supplements recorded in the literature were summarized using the Medline database (via PubMed) and the key-words: Sildenafil, herbal supplements, and interactions. In the present review article, pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) interactions were reported during co-administration of herbal supplements with SILD. Reduction in SILD bioavailability was found as a result of interaction of SILD with Horny goat weed, Thai ginseng, Arugula, Black seed, Garden cress, Fenugreek, and Pummelo juice in human and/or animal models. Meanwhile, Citrus lemon juice has not significantly altered the PK of SILD. Also, PD interactions were found as a result of the interaction of Curcumin, Yohimbine, and Pomegranate juice in human and rat models. Healthcare professionals should be aware of this potential and researchers should strive to fill the numerous gaps in our present understanding of this problem.