Bergamot polyphenolic fraction counteracts erectile dysfunction occurring in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a complex disease occurring mainly in patients with metabolic disorders including Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolic syndrome. It correlates with an increased occurrence of cardiovascular disorders including coronary artery disease and heart failure. Alongside with the development of inhibitors of 5-PDE (sildenafil, tadalafil etc.), many medicinal plants used in traditional medicine have been claimed to produce potential benefit in approaching ED, though further clinical evidences are required in order to demonstrate their efficacy in counteracting such a disease state. Here, we summarize some of recent advances in treating ED in diabetic patients via bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF 47%), a natural antioxidant known to lower serum lipids and glucose. In addition, the effect of BPF alone or in combination with Tribulus Terrestris and Epimedium extract in supporting endothelial function and reactive vasodilatation has been explored after 120 day treatment via International Index of Erectile Function, Doppler penile flow detection and Endopat measurements, showing a significant beneficial effect in overall parametres studied to assess ED. Thus, BPF alone or in combination with other medicinal plants represents a novel natural therapeutic option for counteracting ED in patients with cardiometabolic disorders, mostly due to its activity in supporting endothelial function and modulation of penile arteriolar blood flow.