Herbal Treatments for Impotence (Erectile Dysfunction)

Impotence (Erectile Dysfunction)

Erectile dysfunction is a frequent or continuous inability to achieve or
maintain an erection. Mild erectile dysfunction occurs in men who
occasionally achieve full erections but usually obtain erections that are not
suitable for penetration or cannot be maintained for the full act of
intercourse. Severe erectile dysfunction occurs in men who are rarely able
to achieve an erection. Erectile dysfunction is more common in older men;
however, it is not a normal part of the aging process.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

To achieve and maintain an erection, the penis requires an adequate
inflow of blood and restricted outflow of blood. The inflow of blood to the
penis can be reduced or restricted if the man has diabetes,
atherosclerosis, or blood clots; or had a surgery involving the surrounding
blood vessels. The outflow of blood back to the body can occur too quickly
to maintain an erection if the man has abnormalities in the veins of his
penis.

Nerve damage caused by prostate surgery, multiple sclerosis, a stroke,
spinal disease, diabetes, peripheral nerve damage, alcohol, or drugs can
cause erectile dysfunction.

Other causes include: low levels of testosterone; fatigue; stress;
performance anxiety; depression, guilt; fear of intimacy; drugs such as
antihypertensives, antidepressants, some sedatives, antipsychotics,
lithium, Ritalin, digoxin, cimetidine, and ecstasy; or comfort level with a
new sex partner.

Symptoms Associated with Erectile Dysfunction

Difficulty engaging in intercourse due to an inability in achieving or
maintaining an erection that is sufficiently hard

May or may not experience a low sex drive

May stop having erections while sleeping or when waking up

May be able to maintain hard erections some of the time, but may not be
able to achieve or maintain erections at other times

Herbal Treatments for Impotence

Korean Red Ginseng

Scientific Evidence from Clinical Trials

In a controlled, double-blind, crossover study, 45 men were given either
placebo or 900 mg of Korean red ginseng three times per day for 8
weeks. After a seven day period in which neither group received
treatment, the groups were switched and the study was repeated. The
results from the trials showed that sexual function improved significantly
while taking 900 mg of Korean red ginseng three times per day (Hong et
al. 2002).

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Scientific Evidence from Clinical Trials

A study involved 60 patients with proven arterial erectile dysfunction
(inadequate arterial inflow of blood) that had not responded to papaverine
injections. They were given 60 mg of ginkgo extract per day for 12 to 18
months. Improvements in blood flow were measured using duplex
sonography after 6 to 8 weeks. Half on the men gained potency within 6
months. Of the 30 who had not gained potency from the ginkgo alone, 12
were successfully treated with a new trial of papaverine injections (Sikora
et al. 1989).

References

Hong, B., Y. Ji, J. Hong, et al. 2002. "A double-blind crossover study
evaluating the efficacy of Korean red ginseng in patients with erectile
dysfunction: a preliminary report." Journal of Urology. 168:2070-2073.

Sikora, R., M. Sohn, et al. 1989. "Ginkgo biloba extract in the therapy of
erectile dysfunction." Journal of Urology. 141: Abstract 73.