A double-blind crossover study evaluating the efficacy of korean red ginseng in patients with erectile dysfunction: a preliminary report.
OBJECTIVE
We investigated the efficacy of Korean red ginseng for erectile dysfunction using the International Index of Erectile Function, RigiScan (UroHealth Systems, Laguna Niguel, California), hormonal levels and penile duplex ultrasonography with audiovisual sexual stimulation.


METHODS
A total of 45 patients with clinically diagnosed erectile dysfunction were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover study (8 weeks on treatment, 2 weeks of washout and 8 weeks on treatment) in which the effects of Korean red ginseng and a vehicle placebo were compared using multiple variables. The ginseng dose was 900 mg. 3 times daily.


RESULTS
Mean International Index of Erectile Function scores were significantly higher in patients treated with Korean red ginseng than in those who received placebo (baseline 28.0 +/- 16.7 and 38.1 +/- 16.6 versus 30.9 +/- 15.7, p <0.01). Scores on questions 3 (penetration) and 4 (maintenance) were significantly higher in the ginseng than in the placebo group (p <0.01). In response to the global efficacy question 60% of the patients answered that Korean red ginseng improved erection (p <0.01). Among other variables penile tip rigidity on RigiScan showed significant improvement for ginseng versus placebo.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data show that Korean red ginseng can be as effective alternative for treating male erectile dysfunction.
Hong
Bumsik
B
Department of Urology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
Ji
Young Hwan
YH
Hong
Jun Hyuk
JH
Nam
Ki Yeul
KY
Ahn
Tai Young
TY
D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000187:drug effects; D002214:Capsules; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D005894:Panax; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000187:drug effects; D010413:Penis / Q000098:blood supply; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex
D002214:Capsules; D010936:Plant Extracts