Finger roots (Uvaria chemea) and African greenheart (Cylicodiscus gabunensis): Alternative potent therapy to sildenafil in erectile dysfunction

• Uvara chemea and Cylicodiscus gabunensis extracts showed significant effects on erectile function in albino Wistar rats. • The study found that the herbal extracts had comparable effects to the positive control (sildenafil citrate tablet) and demonstrated significant improvements compared to the negative control (ordinary water) in most parameters measured. • The study suggested that the observed enhancement in erectile function might be attributed to the anti-inflammatory properties and flavonoid components of the herbal extracts, which exhibit vasodilatory effects, potentially improving blood flow to the penis. • The study provided valuable preliminary evidence regarding the potential of U. chamae and C. gabunensis extracts in addressing erectile dysfunction, recommending them for ED management. • This study emphasized the need for additional research, including clinical trials, to validate findings, elucidate underlying mechanisms of action, identify active components, and assess the long-term effects and potential side effects of the herbal extracts in treating erectile dysfunction in humans. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition affecting men worldwide, characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Traditional herbal remedies, rooted in cultural practices, have been explored as alternative therapies for ED, and this study focuses on Uvara chemea and Cylicodiscus gabunensis , two plants with reported medicinal properties, as potential alternatives to sildenafil, a standard pharmaceutical for ED. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: control (treated with distilled water), low, medium, and high doses (treated with 61.23, 122.47, and 183.71 mg/kg each of Uvara chemea and Cylicodiscus gabunensis respectively), and a positive control group (treated with sildenafil citrate). The rats were treated for 21 days, and their erectile responses were estimated Significant improvements in erectile responses were observed in rats treated with Uvara chemea and Cylicodiscus gabunensis extracts compared to the control group. When compared to sildenafil citrate, the extracts showed comparable effects in most parameters, with a significant disparity noted in intromission frequency at low and high dosages. Strikingly, there was no significant difference between the extracts treated animals and their counterparts treated with sildenafil citrate. Uvara chemea and Cylicodiscus gabunensis extracts demonstrated potential in ameliorating erectile dysfunction in rats, suggesting their viability as alternative or complementary therapeutic options to sildenafil citrate. Further investigations are necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action, determine optimal dosages, and evaluate the long-term safety profiles of these herbal extracts for potential human applications.