Abdolreza Haghpanah; Amir Mohammad Jaladat; Fatemeh Atarzadeh; Amirhossein Hassani; Elham Akbarzadeh; Mohammad Mahdi Parvizi
Abstract
Background: Sexual dysfunction is one of the most prevalent complaints in men over 50 years old, which can negatively affect marital life and self-esteem. Consumption of oral drugs has various limitations, and they have serious interactions with other oral agents.Methods: In this review article, the ...
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Background: Sexual dysfunction is one of the most prevalent complaints in men over 50 years old, which can negatively affect marital life and self-esteem. Consumption of oral drugs has various limitations, and they have serious interactions with other oral agents.Methods: In this review article, the main traditional Persian medicine (TPM) sources were reviewed for topical suggestions for the treatment of men with sexual dysfunction. In addition, the herbal medicines and their constituents were reviewed in electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences.Results: In TPM sources, various agents in oil, decoction, dry powder, suppository, and enema preparations are suggested to treat decreased libido, premature ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction. These preparations often include volatile agents that enhance percutaneous absorption. Accordingly, the literature review suggested that the mechanisms of these remedies could be related to enhancing the regional blood flow to the genitalia, inducing venous smooth muscle relaxation and increasing the tonicity of pelvic floor muscles.Conclusion: TPM suggestions in treating sexual dysfunction in men can ignite new ideas for further research based on the proposed mechanisms of action.
Godswill J. Udom; Oluchi F. Obilor; Uduak P. Ise; Nkechi J. Onyeukwu; Anwanabasi E. Udoh; Ayodeji Aturamu; Omoniyi K. Yemitan
Abstract
Background: Heavy metal contaminations of herbal formulations have constituted a public health challenge in the sub-Saharan Africa region and even in some developed nations. The study aimed to evaluate the public health concerns of chronic exposure to a polyherbal drug suspected to contain heavy metals. ...
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Background: Heavy metal contaminations of herbal formulations have constituted a public health challenge in the sub-Saharan Africa region and even in some developed nations. The study aimed to evaluate the public health concerns of chronic exposure to a polyherbal drug suspected to contain heavy metals. Methods: This is an experimental study. Heavy metals were measured using Solaar-Thermo-Elemental Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Human health risk assessment was estimated by calculating the estimated daily intake, target, hazard quotient (THQ), health index (HI), carcinogenic risk (CR) of exposure to the polyherbal drug. Results: The results showed the presence of metals in this order: Cd<Hg<As<Pb<Zn<Mn<Cu<Ni<Cr 1; HI for adolescents, adults, and geriatrics were >1. Ni and Cr had the highest cancer risk; total cancer risk was above the safe limit. Conclusion: Since herbal medicines/dietary supplements are not under compulsory regulation by international, national, and local health regulatory authorities, these products must be manufactured using the highest manufacturing standards to ensure their safety among the end-users. Our findings suggest the likelihood of significant non-carcinogenic adverse health effects among adolescents, adults, and the geriatric population due to exposure to a mix of toxic metals, necessitating utmost caution on its chronic use. If policy formulations and implementations regarding the safety of herbal medicines and associated products prior to their circulation are ensured, public health will be protected and significantly improved.
