Traditional chinese medicine to prevent and treat diabetic erectile dysfunction

Abstract

Diabetic erectile dysfunction (DED) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus. However, current therapeutics have no satisfactory effect on DED. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown good effects against DED. By now, several clinical trials have been conducted to study the effect of TCM in treating DED; yet, the underlying mechanism is not fully investigated. Therefore, in this review, we briefly summarized the pathophysiological mechanism of DED and reviewed the published clinical trials on the treatment of DED by TCM. Then, the therapeutic potential of TCM and the underlying mechanisms whereby TCM exerts protective effects were summarized. We concluded that TCM is more effective than chemical drugs in treating DED by targeting multiple signaling pathways, including those involved in oxidation, apoptosis, atherosclerosis, and endothelial function. However, the major limitation in the application of TCM against DED is the lack of a large-scale, multicenter, randomized, and controlled clinical trial on the therapeutic effect, and the underlying pharmaceutical mechanisms also need further investigation. Despite these limitations, clinical trials and further experimental studies will enhance our understanding of the mechanisms modulated by TCM and promote the widespread application of TCM to treat DED.

Efficacy and safety assessment of traditional Chinese medicine for erectile dysfunction: A meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis

“…Preclinical trials indicated that TCM could improve erectile function by suppressing oxidative stress, curing vascular endothelial injury, inhibiting apoptosis, and anti-atherosclerotic effects. [25][26][27][28] Further research validates that TCM combined with tadalafil has significant efficacy in treating ED with no increase in side effects. 29 Accumulating research focuses on the efficacy of TCM on ED and a systematic evaluation of whether TCM is available as a complementary and alternative therapy is in need.…”

“…Formal research has assessed the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for ED 24 ; thus, the current study focused on the oral application of Chinese herbal medicine. Preclinical trials indicated that TCM could improve erectile function by suppressing oxidative stress, curing vascular endothelial injury, inhibiting apoptosis, and anti‐atherosclerotic effects 25–28 . Further research validates that TCM combined with tadalafil has significant efficacy in treating ED with no increase in side effects 29 .…”

Systematic Chemical Analysis of Crude Glycan Isolates from the Seven‐Herb Decoction Quanzhenyiqitang with Anti‐COPD Activity

“…Quanzhenyiqitang (QZYQT) is a traditional Chinese formula that was first listed in the book “Feng Shi Jin Nang Mi Lv” written by Fengzhaozhang in the Qing dynasty. QZYQT is composed of seven traditional Chinese herbs, including Shudi ( Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata ), Dangshen ( Codonopsis Radix ), Maidong ( Ophiopogon Radix ), Baizhu ( Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizoma ), Niuxi ( Achyranthes Bidentata Radix ), Fuzi ( Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata ), and Wuweizi ( Schisandra Chinensis Fructus ) [5] . QZYQT is used clinically to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in China [6] .…”

“…QZYQT is composed of seven traditional Chinese herbs, including Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata), Dangshen (Codonopsis Radix), Maidong (Ophiopogon Radix), Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizoma), Niuxi (Achyranthes Bidentata Radix), Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), and Wuweizi (Schisandra Chinensis Fructus). [5] QZYQT is used clinically to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in China. [6] Previous studies have shown that QZYQT can attenuate lung inflammation and oxidative stress in mice exposed to tobacco smoke.…”