Arginine:
Arginine is a conditionally
essential amino that is the
precursor for the formation of
nitric oxide, which is an important
compound for the relaxation of
blood vessels. The proper
relaxation of blood vessels in the
penis is necessary in order to
develop and maintain an adequate
erection. Supplementation with the
amino acid L-arginine has been
explored for the purpose of
treating erectile dysfunction. There have been encouraging
results using large doses of L-arginine
to correct erectile dysfunction
with high success rates taking
place over periods of up to 3
months. [7]
Caution:
Large doses of L-arginine should
be balanced with the amino acid
L-lysine, as such doses of L-arginine
may lead to outbreaks of Herpes
(if the virus is present in your
body) lesions, and/or Cold sores.
Pycnogenol:
Pycnogenol is an antioxidant
compound derived from the bark of
pine trees. Pycnogenol is an
important cofactor in the function
of the enzyme nitric oxide syntase,
which is responsible for the
formation of nitric oxide. As
already mentioned, nitric oxide is
important for developing erections
as it causes the relaxation of
blood vessels necessary for
erections too occur. It has been
found that Pycnogenol, when
combined with the amino acid L-arginine,
can result in improvements in
erectile function in a majority of
those men involved in the study. [8]
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone):
DHEA
is one of the series of compounds
that is an intermediary in the
synthesis of numerous sex
hormones. There is evidence to
suggest that in older patients
there is some decline in DHEAS
(the measured form of DHEA) levels
in men with erectile dysfunction
as opposed to healthy control
groups. The therapeutic effect of DHEA on erectile dysfunction seems
to be primarily applicable in cases
where erectile dysfunction is not
of a neurological origin, due to
diabetes mellitus or other organic
causes. DHEA does seem to improve
erectile function in cases where
there is a psychological cause and
where DHEAS are low. [9,
10]
Zinc:
Zinc
in an important mineral nutrient
that is involved in many
physiological functions including
the synthesis of testosterone. While zinc has not been studied as
a therapy for the treatment of men
overall, it has shown promise in
improving the sexual function of
men with serious kidney disease
and who are often undergoing
dialysis. It seems reasonable to
supplement zinc in men that are
experiencing erectile dysfunction.
It is possible that the zinc
will help to optimize testosterone
levels and prove healthful in a
variety of other areas. [11,
12]
Caution:
Anyone with renal disease or who
is on dialysis should discuss any
dietary changes or supplements use
with their physician.
Botanicals:
Yohimbe (Pausinystalia
yohimbe):
Yohimbe
is a well known herbal aphrodisiac
that is indigenous to Africa where
it reputed to be a sexual tonic. Yohimbe shows a moderate ability
to increase erections and libido
in situations where there is a
psychological or physiological
cause.
[13]
Panax ginseng:
Ginseng is considered to be in the
group of "adaptogenic" plants
which have been used in Chinese medical herbology for centuries. Clinical
studies on Red Ginseng has shown
that statistically significant
numbers of men experience
improvement in sexual function. Parameters that have been shown to
be improved due to Red Ginseng
include; penetration, erection
maintenance, penile rigidity, and
early detumesence. [14,
15]
Ginkgo (Ginkgo
biloba):
Ginkgo
is a popular herbal treatment for
improving memory as well as
cognitive function. It has also
been applied to the treatment of
erectile dysfunction. It is
thought that the circulation
enhancing effects of Ginkgo are
responsible for its sexual
function enhancing properties. Ginkgo has shown particular
efficacy in the treatment of
erectile dysfunction that has been
induced by the SSRI family of
anti-depressants. It is important
to note that women have also had
enhanced sexual function with the
use of Ginkgo as well. [16]
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