Erectile dysfunction is a known complication of Type 2 diabetes. A study published in the Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine investigated the effects of aqueous extracts from Hunteria umbellata (HU) seeds and Cylicodiscus gabunensis (CG) stem barks on enzymes linked to both erectile dysfunction and Type 2 diabetes.

• The researchers conducted an in vitro study to investigate the effects of HU and CG extracts on some enzymes relevant to erectile dysfunction (arginase and phosphodiesterase-5) and Type 2 diabetes (alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase). They also determined the phenolic content of the extracts through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and its antioxidant properties through antioxidant assays.
• Both extracts exhibited dose-dependent inhibitory effects on all enzymes, although HU showed stronger inhibitory action than CG.
• Analysis revealed the extracts’ ability to scavenge radicals and chelate metal.
• HPLC analysis showed that the extracts contained gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ellagic acid, and quercetin.

The outcomes led the researchers to conclude that the two herbs can be used as cheap and natural alternatives to medication used to lower blood sugar levels and stimulate erection in patients with both Type 2 diabetes and erectile dysfunction.

Find the full text of the study at this link.

For more information about natural remedies for erectile dysfunction, go to Remedies.news.

Journal Reference:

Oboh G, Adebayo AA, Ademosun AO. ERECTION-STIMULATING, ANTI-DIABETIC AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF HUNTERIA UMBELLATA AND CYLICODISCUS GABUNENSIS WATER EXTRACTABLE PHYTOCHEMICALS. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine. 2017;15(1). DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2016-0164