Assessing the Antibacterial Efficacy of Locally Prepared Erectile Dysfunction Concoctions on Escherichia coli Isolates from Urinary Tract Infection Patients

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a major global health concern among men and are often associated with complications that may lead to erectile dysfunction (ED), which in turn can cause low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and a range of psychological challenges. Conventional treatments for UTIs and ED typically involve synthetic drugs that can produce significant side effects, thereby driving interest in traditional medicinal alternatives. In this study, we randomly selected locally prepared ED concoctions and evaluated their antibacterial efficacy against selected Escherichia coli isolates from male UTI patients. Isolation and antibacterial activity of the E.coli isolates were carried out using standard phenotypical and microbiological techniques. Additionally, qualitative phytochemical screening and GC–MS analysis were employed to profile the bioactive compounds present in the concoctions. The antibacterial activity was assessed by measuring zones of inhibition, with some samples exhibiting zones up to 26 mm, indicating promising activity. Our results further revealed a complex chemical composition that included both natural compounds, such as fatty acids with documented antibacterial properties and synthetic agents, including bipyridine and triazine derivatives, which are not typically found in conventional ED medications like sildenafil citrate. These findings suggest that while the traditional ED concoctions are primarily derived from plant sources, they are not entirely natural; synthetic compounds appear to be incorporated, possibly to enhance efficacy. Overall, our study underscores the need for further quantitative and toxicological analyses to establish the pharmacological basis and safety profile of these alternative remedies.