Nutrition and Erectile Dysfunction

The incidence of erectile dysfunction among men is rising steadily. A number of risk factors are associated with its development. One of the most significant risk factors is a diet not providing sufficient nutrients. This study illustrates how poor nutrition contributes to erectile dysfunction and how improved nutrition relieves its symptoms. A survey of males between the ages of 30 and 80 provides information regarding their dietary habits, lifestyle, and erectile functioning. This data and a comprehensive literature review address research questions assessing the risk factors for erectile dysfunction in the population and associations between these variables. This analysis indicates the two research hypotheses are true: 1) men with poor nutrition are more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction than men with good nutrition across all age groups; and 2) satisfactory erectile function can be restored through positive dietary changes and nutritional supplementation.

The majority of men exhibit unhealthy dietary and lifestyle patterns. Despite believing they are eating healthy diets the evidence is to the contrary. A significant number of men already suffer from erectile dysfunction while much of the remainder of the population is at significant risk for its future development. It is important for men to recognize that erectile dysfunction is a warning signal for other diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease. It is also important for men to understand that erectile dysfunction may not be the first symptom to appear, but once other diseases express themselves it likely follows.

A significant effort is required to provide men with information and education so they better understand the role of diet in contributing to erectile dysfunction. This will enable them to make informed choices regarding their behavior in relationship to the key risk factors. While the evidence presented in this study is compelling, future studies including quantitative research based on a random national sample and clinical interventions would provide additional support for this position.

Bernard J. Rosen 
A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clayton College of Natural Health Birmingham, Alabama

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION AND AYURVEDA

Erectile dysfunction or impotence is emerging as one of the most serious life style and stress related disease. Over exertion, physiological disturbances, lowered level of hormones and strained relationship with partner are the main causes for this disease. Apart from drug therapy and diet control regime, ayurveda offers natural drugs with proven efficacy for treatment of erectile dysfunction. Ancient medical literature, especially Ayurveda, mentioned several natural drugs, alone or in combination, under the chapter of ‘Rasayana’ and
‘Vajikaran’ to be used in this type of disorders. Garlic is one of them used traditionally to enhance sexual power. Psychotherapy alongwith meditation and self belief may also prove very useful approaches to treat this disease. The latest research in modern medical science yielded several purified compounds to deal with bodily disorders. Sildenafil citrate USP and related compounds are the latest addition in the weaponry of the modern medicinal system used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. In present article, two alike drugs of different systems and properties- Garlic – a traditional drug and Sildenafil citrate – a synthetic drug are compared. Special emphasis is given to establish the correlation in mechanism of action used for similar therapeutic effect i.e. erectile dysfunction along with a comparison on pharmacological and social basis. The results had shown that garlic has more or less same therapeutic effect and mechanism of action as that of Sildenafil citrate. The only step that differs is that Sildenafil citrate increases blood GMP level by inhibiting its degrading enzyme phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE 5) while garlic acts by activation of guanalyl cyclase enzyme and thus by increasing production of GMP in body. Garlic was observed to have lesser side effects and toxicity, no abuse potential and contraindications in comparison to Viagra. The use of garlic is also justified from social aspect and may be a drug of choice in comparison to Viagra. There is a possibility that an odorless garlic preparation
may have potential to treat erectile dysfunction. Therefore further research work in this direction may be worthwhile.



ASHISH BALDI*Plant Cell Culture Lab., Department of Biochemical Engg. and Biotechnology,Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi - 110016 (India)

APHRODISIAC HERBS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF MALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

NEELESH MALVIYA1*, SANJAY JAIN1, VIPIN BIHARI GUPTA2 AND SAVITA VYAS3
1Smriti College of Pharmaceutical Education, Indore, India
2BR Nahata College of Pharmacy, Mandsaur, India
3MGM Medical College, Indore, India

Abstract: 

An aphrodisiac is a type of food or drink that has the effect of making those who eat or drink it more aroused in a sexual way. Aphrodisiacs can be categorized according to their mode of action into three groups: substances that increase libido (i.e., sexual desire, arousal), substances that increase sexual potency (i.e., effectiveness of erection) and substances that increase sexual pleasure. Some well-known aphrodisiacs are Tribulus terrestris, Withania somnifera, Eurycoma longifolia, Avena sativa, Ginko biloba, and Psoralea coryifolia. Ethnobotanical surveys have indicated a large number of plants as aphrodisiacs. The paper reviews the recent scientific validation on traditionally used herbal plants as aphrodisiac herbs for the management of sexual disorder erectile dysfunction.

An aphrodisiac is defined as any food or drug that arouses the sexual instinct, induces veneral desire and increases pleasure and performance. This word is derived from Aphrodite the Greek goddess of love and these substances are derived from plants, animals or minerals and since time immemorial they have been the passion of man (1). There are two main types of aphrodisiacs, psychophysiological stimuli (visual, tactile, olfactory and aural) preparations and internal preparations (food, alcoholic drinks and love portion) (2). 

Erectile dysfunction (ED) or (male) impotence is a sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis (3). There are various underlying causes, such as cardiovascular leakage and diabetes, many of which are medically treatable. The causes of erectile dysfunction may be physiological or psychological (4). Folk remedies have long been advocated, with some being advertised widely since the 1930s (5). The introduction of the first pharmacologically approved remedy for impotence, sildenafil (trade name Viagra), in the 1990s caused a wave of public attention, propelled in part by heavy advertising (6). . 

There are many herbal drugs that have been used by men with ED with varying degrees of sucsuccess. Most potent herbal aphrodisiacs are available and have little or very little side effects (7). Some of the herbs are Gokhru (Tribulus terrestris) Zygophylaceae (active parts ñ fruits), onion (Allium cepa) Liliaceae (active parts ñ bulb), garlic (Allium sativum) Liliaceae (Active parts ñ bulbs) etc. (8, 9). Other herbal plants with aphrodisiac activity are Datura metel, Atropa belladonna, Hyoscyamus niger, Cannabis sativa, Eurycoma longifolia, Avena
sativa, Ginko biloba, Psoralea coryifolia. Here is the list of plants with their description, experimental study, chemical constituents and conclusion about the aphrodisiac activity of plants (10).

Traditional Asian folklore medicines in sexual health

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction is one of the important health problems affecting man and his partner. Recently, many treatments have evolved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction or sexual health. Of the available treatments several are pharmacologically proven and tested medications. However, in Asia, there are significant users of unproven medications for sexual health. These medications are traditionally used by the folklore living in the countryside. These untested medications may have a profound effect on the body system and their interactions with other medications may be harmful. However, comprehensive accounts of such medications are unavailable. This paper descriptively highlights the common medications used for sexual health in Asia.

Introduction

For a male, especially in Asia, sexual performance carries an identity and a sense of self-esteem in his society and the world. Thus, sexual performance in the male has an unprecedented importance. In daily life, it is very easy for men to admit having common symptoms like fever but not erectile dysfunction. Admitting erectile dysfunction (ED) is contra to the male ego, particularly if it occurs during the midlife periods. It is reported that nearly 100 million people around the world are living with erectile dysfunction.[1] In diabetic patients the incidence of ED is even more common. Of late, the number of diabetic patients is on the rise and as a result nearly 30% of ED in Singapore is attributed to diabetes.[2]

Yet, only 10% of these 100 million, i.e., 10 million are seeking treatment, despite enormous advancements and treatment facilities in all parts of the world.[1] In Asia lower treatment-seeking behavior (in China and Korea it is only 9 and 30%) could be attributed to its sensitivity and social stigma.[3] Hence, many patients self medicate by resorting to local herbs and sex tonics, which are scientifically unproven.

Sexual herbs are eagerly consumed no matter how unappetizing or bizarre. In the continuous quest for better sex, humans have ingested such diverse items such as elephant tusks, lion blood, bull testicles and rhino horn; ram penis, pig genitals and the dried remains of the Mediterranean Cantharis beetle, otherwise known as "Spanish Fly". Sex drive in both men and women can be enhanced with herbs, so longer lasting erections, female lubrication and more intense orgasms could be achieved, resulting in satisfactory sex. Herbs, however, are unprocessed drugs and may interact with other medications. In view of this, some knowledge about these herbs and tonics will be of immense value to physicians who are engaged in treating sexual dysfunction. Thus, the present paper highlights some of the more popular and effective Asian herbs.

Traditional herbal remedies used in the management of sexual impotence and erectile dysfunction

Background

The utilisation of ethnobotanical indigenous knowledge is vital in male sexual reproductive health care delivery in western Uganda. Reproductive health care is the second most prevalent health care problem in Africa. However, this concept of reproductive health care has been focusing mainly on women disregarding men. Thus, some diseases such as sexual impotence and erectile dysfunction that deserve mention are regarded as petty though important in economic productivity, family stability and sexually transmitted diseases control including HIV/AIDS.

Objective

This study was carried out mainly to document medicinal plants used in the treatment of sexual impotence and erectile dysfunction disorders in western Uganda.

Methods

The medical ethnobotanical indigenous knowledge were collected by visiting traditional healers and documenting the medicinal plants used and other socio-cultural aspects allied with sexual impotence and erectile dysfunction. The methods used to collect the relevant information regarding the medicinal plants used included informal and formal discussions, field visits and focused semi-structured interviews.

Results

Thirty-three medicinal plants used in the management of sexual impotence and erectile dysfunction were documented and Citropsis articulata and Cola acuminata were among the highly utilized medicinal plants.

Conclusion

From the researchers' point of view, the usage of herbal remedies in managing male sexual disorders is useful because of long cultural history of utilisation and the current renewed interest in natural products to sustain health globally. As a way recognising the values and roles of traditional medical knowledge in health care provision, further research into the efficacy and safety of herbal remedies in male sexual disorders is precious in Uganda and beyond. More so, the establishment of rapport between relevant government department in Ministry of Health, modern health workers through collaborative and networking ventures with traditional healers under close supervision and monitoring of herbal treatments is noble.

Keywords: Medicinal Plants, Erectile Dysfunction, Sexual Impotence, Ethnobotanical Indigenous Knowledge, Western Uganda

•  Other Sections
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Study area and Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • References

Introduction

About 70 – 80% of the Ugandan population still rely on traditional healers for day-to-day health care. In some rural areas the percentage is around ninety compared to 80% reported world-wide^10,13,14. WHO³² had earlier estimates that the usage of traditional medicine in developing countries is 80 %. This is an indication that herbal medicine is important in primary health care provision in Uganda. There are several reproductive ailments that local communities have been handling and treating for ages such as sexual impotence and erectile dysfunction (ED). The concept of reproductive health care has been focusing mainly on women disregarding men and yet men are part.

Sexual Health and Yoga

Despite the abundance of non empirical data suggesting that yoga and sex are not only linked but potentially mutually beneficial, very little research has been conducted to substantiate these claims. Our careful review of the literature revealed only one controlled study of yoga as a treatment for sexual dysfunction.

Dhikav, Karmarker, Gupta, and Anand (2007) successfully treated Indian men with premature ejaculation with yoga. Premature ejaculation traditionally falls into the medical domain and is most often treated with serotonergic anti-depressants (Waldinger, 2008). The 68 men who participated in the study

Muccuna Pruriens leading to increased sexual drive and improved performance

Muccuna pruriens seeds are rich source of L-DOPA and its metabolites, which include epinephrine and norepinephrine. Therefore, an increase in dopamine level in the brain following M. pruriens treatment may not only induce the activation of sexual behavior but it may also increase plasma testosterone level. It has been reported recently that L-DOPA and its metabolite dopamine stimulate the hypothalamus and forebrain to secrete gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). This, in turn, upregulates the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) causing increased synthesis of testosterone by Leydig cells of the testis. Furthermore, spermatogenesis is controlled by the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary working together. On the basis of the aforestated facts, it may be proposed that increased dopamine level in the brain may not only optimize the release of hormones, including testosterone, leading to increased sexual drive and improved performance, but it may also accomplish reduction of psychological stress. Moreover, treatment with M. pruriens may also contribute to proper functioning of male genital system and facilitate sperm transport, contraction of seminal vesicles and inhibition of lipid peroxidation of spermatozoa. M. pruriens not only helps in reducing psychological stress, but also improves semen quality as it restores antioxidant levels and reduces lipid peroxide content.