Wellness Database

Wellness Database: Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is often caused by a lack of nitric oxide in the endothelial cells, resulting in poor blood flow to the penis. The penis is a muscle that requires sufficient and supplements that boost nitric oxide production may be able to prevent or reverse erectile dysfunction.

Related Studies

Cardiovascular Supplements May Benefit Male Sexual Function

Summary: In this study, the authors found that supplementation with nutraceuticals that exert favorable cardiovascular effects may also exert benefits on male sexual function. Researchers carried out a single-blind, one-arm study to evaluate the effects of 3-month supplementation with propionyl-L-carnitine, L-arginine and niacin in a group of 54 men (35-75 y) with untreated erectile dysfunction (ED), on their sexual performance. Patients had the short-international index of erectile function (IIEF) questionnaire, global assessment questions (GAQs) and routine laboratory testing, at baseline and 3 months afterward. Fifty-one (92%) patients of 54 completed the entire study period. After 3 months of treatment, a small, but statistical significant improvement in total and single items of the IIEF was found (D = 5.7 +/- 4.1 P < 0.01). Analyses on GAQs revealed that treatment improved erections in 40% of cases, with a partial response occurring in up to 77% of enrolled subjects. These preliminary findings indicate that the favorable cardiovascular effects of nutraceuticals might also reflect on male sexual function with possible implications for the treatment and prevention of ED.

Reference: "Propionyl-L-carnitine, L-arginine and niacin in sexual medicine: a nutraceutical approach for erectile dysfunction," Gianfrilli D, Lauretta R, et al, Andrologia, 2011 Oct 4; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Department of Experimental Medicine, Pathophysiology Section, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. E-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ).

Dr. Louis Ignarro: Pomegranate - Antioxidant Superstar

Pomegranate: Antioxidant Superstar

The pomegranate is one of the earliest cultivated fruits and has been a healthy staple in the diet of people of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East for thousands of years. In ancient Greek mythology, the pomegranate very accurately represents life and regeneration. This fruit is a powerhouse of antioxidants with significant health promoting benefits.

Benefits of Pomegranate

There is an increasing number of known health benefits associated with the consumption of the juice found in pomegranates. Several studies have demonstrated that pomegranate juice may prevent cartilage deterioration and thus prevent the progress of osteoarthritis. It also prevents plaque from building up in the arteries and may reverse previous plaque buildup, arresting the development of coronary artery disease. It can reduce undesirable LDL cholesterol levels while increasing levels of HDL cholesterol.

In one study, 19 patients with atherosclerosis either consumed pomegranate juice daily or drank a placebo. After one year, arterial plaque decrease by around 30% for those patients who consumed pomegranate juice. The placebo group, meanwhile, had a 9% worsening in arterial plaque.

In another study, from the American Journal of Cardiology, researchers studied 45 patients with coronary heart disease and reduced blood flow to the heart. The results showed improved blood flow to the heart in patients drinking eight ounces of daily pomegranate juice for three months. Patients drinking pomegranate juice experience a 17% improvement in blood flow, compared to a worsening of 18% in patients drinking a placebo.

One study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research examined 61 male subjects with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. Compared to research subjects taking a placebo, those men drinking eight ounces of pomegranate juice daily for four weeks were 50% more likely to experience improved erections.

Dr. Ignarro’s Research

Dr. Ignarro has personally researched the health benefits of pomegranate juice. In two studies published in 2006, Dr. Ignarro found that:

Pomegranate juice protects nitric oxide against oxidative destruction and enhances the biological actions of nitric oxide.
Pomegranate juice helps promote healthy coronary endothelial cells by enhancing nitric oxide.

Recommended Supplementation

Juice: 8-16 ounces of 100% pomegranate juice per day
Supplement: Natural pomegranate polyphenol extract 1000 mg per day

Citrulline Improves Erectile Hardness

Summary: In a placebo-controlled, single-blind study involving 24 men with mild ED (erectile dysfunction), results indicate that supplementation with L-citrulline may improve erectile hardness. The men were randomized to placebo or L-citrulline (1.5 g/d) for 1 month each. Erectile hardness score improved from 3 to 4 in 2% of subjects in the placebo group, compared with 50% of subjects in the L-citrulline group. Additionally, the mean number of intercourses per month increased in the L-citrulline group. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Although less effective than phosphodiesterase type-5 enzyme inhibitors, at least in the short term, L-citrulline supplementation has been proved to be safe and psychologically well accepted by patients. Its role as an alternative treatment for mild to moderate ED, particularly in patients with a psychologically fear of phosphodiesterase type-5 enzyme inhibitors, deserves further research."

Reference: "Oral L-citrulline supplementation improves erection hardness in men with mild erectile dysfunction," Cormio L, Carrieri G, et al, Urology, 2011; 77(1): 119-22. (Address: Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy).

Citrulline Supplement Improves Erectile Dysfunction

In this study published in the journal Urology in 2011 researchers found that men who supplement with L-Citrulline, an amino acid that boosts Nitric Oxide production, experience improved erectile hardness. With the wide variety of products advertised to assist in this area it is nice to see hard research proving Nitric Oxide's role in proper erectile function.

In a placebo-controlled, single-blind study involving 24 men with mild ED (erectile dysfunction), results indicate that supplementation with L-citrulline may improve erectile hardness. The men were randomized to placebo or L-citrulline (1.5 g/d) for 1 month each. Erectile hardness score improved from 3 to 4 in 2% of subjects in the placebo group, compared with 50% of subjects in the L-citrulline group. Additionally, the mean number of intercourses per month increased in the L-citrulline group. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Although less effective than phosphodiesterase type-5 enzyme inhibitors, at least in the short term, L-citrulline supplementation has been proved to be safe and psychologically well accepted by patients. Its role as an alternative treatment for mild to moderate ED, particularly in patients with a psychologically fear of phosphodiesterase type-5 enzyme inhibitors, deserves further research."

Page 1 of 1 pages

Health Topics

Aging Allergies Arthritis Beauty Breathing Cancer Children Cognitive Function Depression Diabetes Erectile Dysfunction Exercise Fatigue Headache Heart Disease Irritable Bowel Syndrome Life Expectancy Metabolic Syndrome Obesity Oral Osteoporosis PMS Pneumonia Prenatal Skin Sleep Smoking Strength Stress Ulcerative Colitis Water Weight Loss

Nutrients and Diet

Alpha Lipoic Acid Amino Acids Antioxidants Arginine Calcium Carnitine Carotene Chromium Picolinate Citrulline Coenzyme Q10 DHEA Fat Fiber Fruit and Vegetables Garlic Ginkgo Biloba Glucosamine Vegetarian Diet Green Tea Iron Lutein Lycopene Magnesium Mediterranean Diet Multivitamins Nitric Oxide Nuts Olives Omega 3 Fatty Acids Policosanols Polyphenols Pomegranate Probiotics Pycnogenol Red Yeast Rice Salt Saffron Selenium Soy Theanine Vitamin A Vitamin B Vitamin C Vitamin D Vitamin E Vitamin K White Tea Zinc