A systematic literature review of natural products for male sexual dysfunction

Abdelwahab et al., 2024 | Urologia | Systematic Review

Citation

Abdelwahab Siddig Ibrahim, Taha Manal Mohamed Elhassan. A systematic literature review of natural products for male sexual dysfunction. Urologia. 2024-Nov;91(4):647-658. doi:10.1177/03915603241273882

Abstract

This study systematically reviewed the scientific literature on natural remedies for male sexual dysfunction (MSD), including conditions like erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and reduced libido. Limited scientific evidence exists regarding the efficacy and safety of these natural products. To ensure an objective assessment, the study used the Scopus database, followed the PRISMA guidelines, and employed a comprehensive search strategy involving relevant vital concepts, controlled vocabularies, and specific inclusion/exclusion criteria. The analysis included 1504 documents from 624 journals, spanning from 1967 to 2023. The literature showed an annual growth rate of 2.46%, with an average document age of 10.2 years and an average of 23.54 citations per document. India had the highest publication count (319), followed by the United States (164). Conceptual Mapping categorized themes into basic, motor, niche, emerging, and declining categories, including nitric oxide, oxidative stress, phytotherapy, herbal medicine, Asparagus racemosus, and dopamine. This mapping provided a holistic understanding of the field, identified research gaps, and guided the development of new interventions or treatment strategies for MSD. Trend topics include molecular coupling, Ashwagandha, phytochemistry, phosphodiesterase-5, and arginase. The study findings will assist healthcare professionals in making informed decisions when recommending or advising patients about the use of these remedies.

Key Findings

The study findings will assist healthcare professionals in making informed decisions when recommending or advising patients about the use of these remedies.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 1504
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Male
  • Biological Products
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological
  • Phytotherapy
  • Premature Ejaculation

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: ashwagandha

Provenance


Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09