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Recent findings on natural products with erectile-dysfunction activity
Siegfried E Drewes1, Jacob George, Fatima Khan
1School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. drewes@nu.ac.za
Phytochemistry
|February 20, 2003
Summary
The search for natural erectile dysfunction treatments has intensified since Viagra. While no direct natural equivalent exists, compounds like Yohimbine and Citrulline show promise, driving research into plant extracts.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Natural Product Chemistry
- Urology and Men's Health
Background:
- Viagra's success has spurred significant interest in natural alternatives for erectile dysfunction (ED).
- Current research focuses on identifying and validating natural compounds and plant extracts for ED treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the influence of Viagra on the search for natural products with erectile dysfunction activity.
- To identify potential natural candidates and ongoing research trends in this field.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating natural products for erectile dysfunction.
- Examination of pure compounds and semi-purified plant extracts for their potential ED activity.
Main Results:
- No direct natural equivalent to Viagra has been found to date.
- Several pure compounds (e.g., Yohimbine, Citrulline, berberine, forskolin) are being re-examined or are new potential candidates.
- Significant activity is observed in testing semi-purified plant extracts for ED effects.
Conclusions:
- The development of Viagra has catalyzed extensive research into natural ED treatments.
- Pure compounds and plant extracts represent promising avenues for future ED therapies, warranting further investigation.