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Tahvilian R, Golesorkhi MA, Parhoudeh F, Heydarpour F, Hosseini H, Baghshahi H, Akbari H, Memarzadeh MR, Mehran M, Bagheri H. The Effect of the Combination of Ginseng, Tribulus Terrestris, and L-arginine on the Sexual Performance of Men with Erectile Dysfunction: a randomized, double-blind, parallel, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Pharmacopuncture 2024; 27:82-90. [PMID: 38948316 PMCID: PMC11194517 DOI: 10.3831/kpi.2024.27.2.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Nitric oxide is the most important mediator of penile erection after the onset of sexual excitement. It activates cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), increasing penile blood flow. Most pharmaceutical medications prevent enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) from breaking down cGMP, thus keeping its level high. However, due to the adverse effects of pharmacological therapies, herbal drugs that improve sexual function have gained attention recently. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, and L-arginine amino acid on the sexual performance of individuals with erectile dysfunction (ED) using the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. Methods Over three months, 98 men with erectile dysfunction were randomly assigned to receive either 500 mg of herbal supplements or placebo pills. Each herbal tablet contained 100 mg of protodioscin, 35 mg of ginsenosides, and 250 mg of L-arginine. Results The results showed that the changes in the average scores of ILEF-5 within each group before and after the intervention indicated that all parameters related to the improvement of sexual function in patients with erectile dysfunction improved in the herbal treatment group (p < 0.001). The herbal group significantly improved IIEF-5 scores in non-diabetics (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the changes of IIEF-5 scores between the two intervention and control groups in diabetic patients. Conclusion In conclusion, ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, and L-arginine have properties that increase energy and strengthen sexual function, making them suitable for patients with sexual disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Tahvilian
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | - Farajollah Parhoudeh
- School of Medicine Imam Reza Hospital Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Heydarpour
- School of Health, Medical Biology Research Center, Research Institute for Health Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | | | - Hossein Akbari
- Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Research Center, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | | | - Mehdi Mehran
- Barij Essence Medicinal Plants Research Center, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hosna Bagheri
- Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Lindén Dahle M, Alræk T, Musial F. An Acupuncture Protocol for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: A Delphi Process. Complement Med Res 2024; 31:327-342. [PMID: 38631296 PMCID: PMC11343087 DOI: 10.1159/000538750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a widespread disorder, and the worldwide incidence is rapidly increasing. Acupuncture, an intervention out of the spectrum of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long tradition as treatment for ED. Nonetheless, a best-practice treatment protocol is currently missing. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed a huge diversity of acupuncture treatments for ED and concluded that there is an urgent need to standardise acupuncture treatment for ED. Consequently, the authors conducted a Delphi process with the aim to achieve an expert consensus as a basis for the development of a best-practice protocol. METHODS The Delphi process consisted of four rounds of questionnaires with closed and open-ended questions. Eleven acupuncture experts participated. The therapeutic aim was defined as "to achieve an erection sufficient for sexual satisfaction." RESULTS Consensus was achieved on 24 acupoints corresponding to 12 TCM syndromes. The syndromes were KI Yang xu, KI Yin xu, KI Qi xu, Ki and HT not harmonised, LR Qi Stagnation, LR Qi stagnation and Heat, Liver Blood xu, Liver Blood xu and Liver Qi stagnation, Damp-heat sinking to the lower Jiao5, HT and GB Qi xu, SP xu and HT Blood xu, Yin xu. The suggested optimal dose was between 11 and 15 treatments given once or twice a week. CONCLUSION An expert consensus-based, semi-standardised best-practice treatment protocol for the treatment of ED was developed. Moreover, the Delphi process also revealed inconsistencies as to which signs and symptoms constitute a TCM syndrome. Further Delphi studies including a broader range of experts from various acupuncture traditions are needed to establish further agreement. Nonetheless, the best-practice protocol introduced in this study provides a first point of departure for the implementation of a more standardised treatment approach. Moreover, since a recent meta-analysis concluded that more high-quality clinical studies on the topic are needed, this study provides a first standardised acupuncture treatment protocol for ED.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Terje Alræk
- School of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College, Oslo, Norway
- National Research Centre in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Frauke Musial
- National Research Centre in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Wang H, Lei X, Ma D, Zhao Z, Wang A, Du G, Zhang J, Wang F, Guo J. Efficacy of acupuncture for psychogenic erectile dysfunction: a randomized, sham-controlled trial. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:40. [PMID: 38124064 PMCID: PMC10734192 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-023-00215-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychogenic erectile dysfunction (pED) is a common sexual dysfunction often accompanied by psychosomatic factors. Its treatment includes oral medications, psychotherapy, and behavioral therapy. Acupuncture's effect on erectile function in pED patients remains to be investigated. This randomized study evaluated the effects of acupuncture and sham acupuncture in pED patients. Altogether, 66 men with pED were randomized to the acupuncture (n = 33) or sham acupuncture group (n = 33). Both groups have a 6-week treatment with 18 sessions. Primary outcome was the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) at 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes were IIEF-5 (weeks 2, 4, and 10), erection hardness score (EHS), sexual encounter profile-2 (SEP-2), SEP-3, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), and self-rating depression scale (SDS). RESULTS Among the 66 participants, 64 completed the outcome measurements at week 10. Both acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups had improved IIEF-5 and EHS and decreased SAS and SDS post-treatment (p < 0.05). The acupuncture group had significantly better improvement in IIEF-5, EHS, and SEP-3 and significantly reduced SAS and SDS than the sham acupuncture group (p < 0.05). The improvement in SEP-2 post-treatment was not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05). There were no serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS The 6-week acupuncture treatment significantly improved the erectile capacity and psychosomatic status of pED patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION ChiCTR2200064345 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry) ( https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=174873 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Andrology, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xulu Lei
- Department of Preventive Care Center, Beijing Fengtai Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Dongyue Ma
- Department of Andrology, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ziwei Zhao
- Department of Andrology, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Anmin Wang
- Department of Andrology, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guanchao Du
- Department of Andrology, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiwei Zhang
- Department of Andrology, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fu Wang
- Department of Andrology, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Jun Guo
- Department of Andrology, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Wang H, Zhang J, Ma D, Zhao Z, Yan B, Wang F. The role of red ginseng in men's reproductive health: a literature review. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:27. [PMID: 37880595 PMCID: PMC10601307 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-023-00203-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Red ginseng (RG) is a traditional herb commonly used in China, Korea, and other East Asian countries. Recently, it has demonstrated a better clinical value in men's reproductive health (MRH). The present review aimed to examine the effects of RG treatment on MRH. RESULTS Overall, 42 articles related to RG application in MRH were reviewed, of which 31 were animal experiments and 11 were clinical studies. Furthermore, this review analyzed the use of RG in some male reproductive diseases in clinical trials and determined the associated mechanisms of action. The mechanism of action of RG in MRH may be related to oxidative stress, regulation of sex hormones and spermatogenesis-related proteins, and anti-inflammation. CONCLUSIONS The application of RG for the treatment of male infertility, erectile dysfunction, and prostate diseases has the potential to contribute to MRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Andrology, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Jiwei Zhang
- Department of Andrology, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Dongyue Ma
- Department of Andrology, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Ziwei Zhao
- Department of Andrology, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Bin Yan
- Department of Andrology, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Fu Wang
- Department of Andrology, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China.
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Pang K, Pan D, Xu H, Ma Y, Wang J, Xu P, Wang H, Zang G. Advances in physical diagnosis and treatment of male erectile dysfunction. Front Physiol 2023; 13:1096741. [PMID: 36699684 PMCID: PMC9868413 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1096741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common male sexual dysfunction by far and the prevalence is increasing year after year. As technology advances, a wide range of physical diagnosis tools and therapeutic approaches have been developed for ED. At present, typical diagnostic devices include erection basic parameter measuring instrument, erection hardness quantitative analysis system, hemodynamic testing equipment, nocturnal erection measuring instrument, nerve conduction testing equipment, etc. At present, the most commonly used treatment for ED is pharmacological therapy represented by phosphodiesterase five inhibitors (PDE5i). As a first-line drug in clinical, PDE5i has outstanding clinical effects, but there are still some problems that deserve the attention of researchers, such as cost issues and some side effects, like visual disturbances, indigestion, myalgia, and back pain, as well as some non-response rates. Some patients have to consider alternative treatments. Moreover, the efficacy in some angiogenic EDs (diabetes and cardiovascular disease) has not met expectations, so there is still a need to continuously develop new methods that can improve hemodynamics. While drug have now been shown to be effective in treating ED, they only control symptoms and do not restore function in most cases. The increasing prevalence of ED also makes us more motivated to find safer, more effective, and simpler treatments. The exploration of relevant mechanisms can also serve as a springboard for the development of more clinically meaningful physiotherapy approaches. Therefore, people are currently devoted to studying the effects of physical therapy and physical therapy combined with drug therapy on ED. We reviewed the diagnosis of ED and related physical therapy methods, and explored the pathogenesis of ED. In our opinion, these treatment methods could help many ED patients recover fully or partially from ED within the next few decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Pang
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, The Affiliated Xuzhou Hospital of Medical College of Southeast University, The Affiliated Xuzhou Center Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Deng Pan
- Graduate School, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Graduate School, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Yuyang Ma
- Graduate School, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Jingkai Wang
- Graduate School, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Graduate School, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hailuo Wang
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, The Affiliated Xuzhou Hospital of Medical College of Southeast University, The Affiliated Xuzhou Center Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guanghui Zang
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, The Affiliated Xuzhou Hospital of Medical College of Southeast University, The Affiliated Xuzhou Center Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,*Correspondence: Guanghui Zang,
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Yang Y, Qu L, Mu L, Yao J, Su C, Zheng Q, Zheng H, Zhang P, Li Y. Electroacupuncture for psychogenic erectile dysfunction: A resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study exploring the alteration of fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1116202. [PMID: 37063106 PMCID: PMC10098132 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1116202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Psychogenic erectile dysfunction (PED) can seriously affect emotional and marital wellbeing. Electroacupuncture (EA) seems an effective method for treating PED. However, the central mechanisms underlying PED and the beneficial effects of EA treatment are unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the central mechanisms of PED and to examine the impact of EA on erectile function. Methods We recruited 14 PED patients and 14 matched normal controls (NCs). PED patients underwent twice rs-fMRI scans, respectively, pre- and post-treatment. The NCs only completed one rs-fMRI scan. We used the fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (fALFF) to compare spontaneous neural activity between the PED patients and NCs, and to examine the differences between the pre- and post-EA treatment scans in the PED patients. Results Scores on the IIEF5, QEQ, and SEAR improved after EA treatment. Compared with the NCs, PED patients showed increased fALFF in the right posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), right supplementary motor area (SMA), and left middle occipital gyrus. Most of these regions are closely implicated in sexual inhibition. The results of the correlation analysis results indicated that the fALFF of the right PCC was negatively correlated with IIEF5 scores. After treatment, fALFF values were substantially lower in the left triangular part of the inferior frontal gyrus, right DLPFC, right SMA, bilateral PCC and the orbital part of the middle frontal gyrus, and higher in the left middle temporal gyrus and left caudate nucleus. These regions mainly belong to the default mode network (DMN), executive control network and primary sensory motor network. The results of the correlation analysis indicated a positive association between the changes in IIEF5 score and changes in the fALFF value in the right PCC after EA treatment. Conclusion In conclusion, our study highlights that PED patients have abnormal patterns of activity in the right PCC, right DLPFC, and right SMA mainly involved in the DMN, executive central network, and sensory motor network which could lead to a higher levels of sexual inhibition. EA might regulate the process of sexual inhibition to improve erection function in PED patients probably by modulating spontaneous brain activity in the DMN, executive central network, and sensory motor network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Yang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Liu Qu
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Linxuan Mu
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Junpeng Yao
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chengguo Su
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qianhua Zheng
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huabin Zheng
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Hospital of Chengdu University of Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Peihai Zhang
- Department of Urology/Andrology, The Hospital of Chengdu University of Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Peihai Zhang,
| | - Ying Li
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Li,
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Feng J, He H, Wang Y, Zhang X, Zhang X, Zhang T, Zhu M, Wu X, Zhang Y. The efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of male infertility: A literature review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1009537. [PMID: 36329891 PMCID: PMC9624472 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1009537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility, a social, cultural, and medical issue, has aroused public attention because of its potential to predict future health. In recent years, the incidence of male infertility has increased significantly, and various risk factors, such as congenital factors, acquired factors, and idiopathic factors, have led to this situation. Male infertility causes substantial psychological and social distress in patients. With the implementation of the two-child policy, male infertility has brought enormous psychological and social pressure and huge economic burden to patients and the healthcare system. This has attracted the attention of not only men of childbearing age but also many male experts. The conventional therapeutic approaches for treating male infertility, including drugs, varicocele surgery, intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, can restore fertility to a certain extent, but their efficacy is far from satisfactory, not to mention some adverse events. Therefore, acupuncture has been chosen by many men to treat their infertility and produced significant effects. In the present paper, the efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of male infertility were analyzed from different perspectives such as regulating hormone secretion, reducing inflammation, and improving semen parameters. The existing literature shows that acupuncture can effectively treat male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Feng
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Hui He
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Yu Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Xiuying Zhang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Tiantian Zhang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Mengyi Zhu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoke Wu
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Yuehui Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
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