Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse and satisfaction. It can be caused by various factors, both physical and psychological. Some of the common physical causes include; poor blood flow due to conditions like heart disease or diabetes, low testosterone levels or thyroid issues, conditions affecting the nervous system (such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease), smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise and even some medications, like those for high blood pressure or depression, can have ED as a side effect.

According to a review published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2018, ED affects approximately 1 in 4 men under the age of 40, and the prevalence rises significantly with age. It is estimated that 40% of men are affected by ED by age 40, and this increases to 70% of men by the age of 70. A report from the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) suggests that around 150 million men worldwide are affected by ED, and this number is projected to rise due to factors like aging populations and increasing rates of conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Thus, confirming ED as a global challenge.

Treatment for ED depends on the underlying cause and can range from medications (like Viagra or Cialis), lifestyle changes, therapy, or in some cases, medical procedures like injections or implants. If you or someone you know is dealing with ED, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider to identify the cause and explore possible treatments.

A budding scholar and researcher who focuses on dietary intervention of nutraceuticals and phytomedicine in degenerative diseases management, Olasunkanmi Omojokun has expressed optimism about the potential of natural alkaloid extracted from medicinal plants in addressing erectile dysfunction (ED). His recent research obtained by this medium, conducted in collaboration with other scientists, explores how bioactive alkaloids in Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) and Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) can inhibit key enzymes linked to the condition.

In a presentation that earned him widespread recognition, Mr. Omojokun, a Lecturer II in the Biochemistry Program at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin highlighted the promising role of these plant-derived alkaloids in the development of safer, more effective ED drugs. “Our study provides scientific backing to what traditional medicine practitioners have known for centuries,” Mr. Omojokun stated. “The alkaloids extracted from these plants significantly inhibit phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) and arginase—two enzymes that contribute to erectile dysfunction by limiting blood flow to the penile tissue.”

According to the research, which was recently published in April 2019 in the Journal of Food Biochemistry, fresh leaves of Bitter leaf (a popular bitter vegetable) and Black nightshade (an underutilized bitter vegetable) were dried, pulverized, and subjected to alkaloid extraction. The extracts were then tested for their ability to suppress PDE-5 and arginase activities in rat penile tissue. The findings revealed that the alkaloid extracts inhibited PDE-5 activity at concentrations between 100 to 133.69 μg/ml and arginase activity at 26 to 30.51 μg/ml in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, the extracts demonstrated strong antioxidant properties, reducing oxidative stress in penile tissues.

“Oxidative stress plays a major role in erectile dysfunction by damaging blood vessels and reducing nitric oxide availability,” Mr. Omojokun explained. “By scavenging free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation, these alkaloids may help restore normal erectile function.”

The research further identified over 20 different alkaloid compounds in the extracts through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. These bioactive compounds, with 2-ethylacridine being the most predominant alkaloid according to the study, all contribute to the observed therapeutic effects.

“This study is a step toward integrating natural medicine into modern pharmacology,” Mr. Omojokun emphasized. “Our goal is to develop herbal-based drugs that are both effective and safe, with minimal or no adverse effects compared to synthetic PDE-5 inhibitors like sildenafil (Viagra) which is accompanied with debilitating side effects.”

The implications of these findings extend beyond erectile dysfunction. Mr. Omojokun, who is currently a doctoral candidate at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, has dedicated his career to exploring bioactive compounds from medicinal plants. His work spans a wide range of degenerative diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer.

Reflecting on the broader impact of his research, Mr. Omojokun remarked, “The use of plant-based compounds in medicine is gaining traction globally. If we can harness the therapeutic potential of these natural alkaloids, we can offer patients alternative treatments that are more accessible and affordable.” ED is a condition men hardly discuss due to personality ego, having a home made remedy to the management of this condition is considered an easy therapeutic approach.

The study’s findings have sparked interest in the pharmaceutical industry, with experts considering the possibility of formulating new ED treatments from these plant extracts. However, Mr. Omojokun cautioned that further studies, including clinical trials, are necessary to validate their efficacy and safety in humans. However, he encouraged the consumption of the two vegetables especially bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina). He further discouraged the usual practice of forceful squeezing of the vegetables in a bid to reduce the bitter taste as this would also reduce the alkaloids thus limiting the medicinal activity.

“Our results are promising, but before these extracts can be developed into drugs, we need to conduct further pharmacokinetic and toxicological studies,” he noted. “This will ensure that the compounds are safe for long-term use and do not interact negatively with other medications.”

The study has also drawn attention to the broader health benefits of Bitter leaf and Black nightshade beyond erectile dysfunction. Traditionally used in African medicine for ailments such as malaria, diabetes, and digestive disorders, these plants are now being recognized for their pharmacological potential at the molecular level.