According to a research paper published in the February 25 issue of The Lancelet, the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra can help in the treatment of Crohn's disease, a bowel disorder if the new postulated theory on the disease proves to be true.

The research carried out by a team of medical scientists led by Tony Segal at the University College London came up with a new theory on the probable cause of Crohn's disease. It was earlier believed that the abnormal action (over-reaction) of the immune system in the patients with the disorder cause chronic inflammation leading to bowel injury. But the new theory states that a weaker than normal action of the immune system is responsible for the inflammation.

The research team used the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra in the patients with Crohn's disease to prove that Viagra can open the blood vessels and increase the blood flow in the affected area, which may help in overcoming the disorder. The researchers gave 50-mg Viagra each to 10 patients of Crohn's disease after injecting killed gut bacteria to their body. The blood flow to the infected areas in the intestine improved to a great level, unlike in other patients.

Sunanda Kane, MD, associate professor of medicine, University of Chicago applauded the research team. She says that Crohn's disease seen as a result of a weak immune system rather an overactive one is a step towards the right direction.

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