Publication Type: | Journal Article |
Year of Publication: | 2012 |
Authors: | Aoki, H, Nagao, J, Ueda, T, Strong, JM, Schonlau, F, Yu-Jing, S, Lu, Y, Horie, S |
Journal: | Phytotherapy Research |
Volume: | 26 |
Issue: | 2 |
Date Published: | 2012 |
ISBN Number: | 1099-1573 |
Keywords: | edicare, erectile dysfunction, Japanese, l-arginine, pycnogenol, testosterone |
Abstract: | A double-blind parallel group comparison design clinical study was conducted in Japanese patients with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction to investigate the efficacy of a supplement containing Pycnogenol® and L-arginine. Subjects were instructed to take a supplement (Pycnogenol® 60 mg/day, l-arginine 690 mg/day and aspartic acid 552 mg/day) or an identical placebo for 8 weeks, and the results were assessed using the five-item erectile domain (IIEF-5) of the International Index of Erectile Function. Additionally, blood biochemistry, urinalysis and salivary testosterone were measured. Eight weeks of supplement intake improved the total score of the IIEF-5. In particular, a marked improvement was observed in ‘hardness of erection’ and ‘satisfaction with sexual intercourse’. A decrease in blood pressure, aspartate transaminase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP), and a slight increase in salivary testosterone were observed in the supplement group. No adverse reactions were observed during the study period. In conclusion, Pycnogenol® in combination with l-arginine as a dietary supplement is effective and safe in Japanese patients with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
URL: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3462 |
Short Title: | Phytotherapy Research |