A Review on Traditional Approaches to Erectile Dysfunction

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction is an increasingly prevalent condition worldwide and has emerged as a significant public health concern, particularly in settings where access to conventional healthcare is limited. Although phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors such as sildenafil offer proven therapeutic value, their adverse effects and contraindications have intensified interest in safer and more accessible alternatives. This has renewed attention toward traditional medicinal practices, especially in Africa, where diverse plant species have long been used to manage sexual dysfunction and other chronic ailments. In many communities, reliance on phytotherapeutic remedies is driven not only by cultural acceptance but also by limited availability and affordability of modern treatments. A growing body of experimental evidence indicates that several African medicinal plants possess bioactive compounds capable of improving erectile function through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neurovascular, and hormone-modulating actions. Despite these promising findings, the precise mechanisms through which these plants exert their effects remain insufficiently defined, limiting opportunities for standardization, clinical translation, and potential drug development. The aim of this review is therefore to synthesize current evidence on African medicinal plants used for erectile dysfunction and to elucidate the mechanistic pathways underlying their biological activity. By consolidating available phytochemical, pharmacological, and mechanistic insights, the review highlights key therapeutic candidates and identifies critical gaps requiring further investigation. This synthesis is intended to support ongoing efforts to validate traditional knowledge, enhance understanding of plant-derived therapeutic mechanisms, and provide a scientific foundation for the development of safer and more effective interventions for erectile dysfunction.