Washington: Viagra, the most popular drug
used to treat men`s erectile dysfunction (ED), can enhance
foetal growth, a new study has claimed.
Scientists, at AgriLife Research in Texas A&M
University, who carried out their research on sheep, believe
their study would help solve foetal development problems in
other livestock and possibly in humans too.
The researchers found that Viagra, or the sildenafil
citrate drug, enhances blood flow in pregnant ewes (female
sheep), sending vital amino acids and other nutrients needed
in foetal development.
"The results of our study indicate that augmenting
systemic blood flow may be a novel and effective strategy to
prevent foetal growth retardation in humans and livestock
species without affecting maternal health," said lead
researcher Dr Guoyao Wu.
"Because 5 per cent to 10 per cent of infants are born
as low birth-weight babies worldwide, and because
foetal-growth retardation is also a significant problem in
livestock species, our findings have important implications
for both human health and animal agriculture."
The researchers found that Viagra, or the sildenafil
citrate drug, enhances blood flow in pregnant ewes (female
sheep), sending vital amino acids and other nutrients needed
in foetal development.
"The results of our study indicate that augmenting
systemic blood flow may be a novel and effective strategy to
prevent foetal growth retardation in humans and livestock
species without affecting maternal health," said lead
researcher Dr Guoyao Wu.
"Because 5 per cent to 10 per cent of infants are born
as low birth-weight babies worldwide, and because
foetal-growth retardation is also a significant problem in
livestock species, our findings have important implications
for both human health and animal agriculture."
For their study, the researchers used 60 female ewes
which were mated to rams at the Texas A&M University Sheep
Centre.
Pregnant ewes were randomly selected and treated with
or without sildenafil citrate, and found that long-term use of
Viagra enhanced foetal weight in both "adequately fed and
nutrient-restricted female sheep."
The findings appeared in the recent edition of The
Journal of Nutrition.
PTI