Study of the efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in the treatment of erectile dysfunction

Enrico de Andrade, Alexandre Amato de Mesquita, Joaquim de Almeida Claro, Priscila Maria de Andrade, Valdemar Ortiz, Mário Paranhos, Miguel Srougi

Discipline of Urology, Sáo Paulo Federal University, Sáo Paulo, Brazil
Sector of Sexual Medicine, Division of Urological Clinic of Sáo Paulo University, Sáo Paulo, Brazil

DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7262.2006.00210.x

Abstract
Aim: In most eastern countries Korean Red Ginseng is a well established treatment erectile dysfunction. We examined its actual effects in impotent men. Methods: A total of 60 patients presenting mild or mild to moderate erectile dysfunction were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo controlled study in which the effects of Korean Red Ginseng and a placebo were compared. The patients received either 1000 mg, 3 times daily, of ginseng or a placebo. Results: The five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function score after treatment was significantly higher in the ginseng group (from 16.4 ± 2.9 to 21.0 ± 6.3, P < 0.0001). In contrast, there was no difference before and after the treatment in the placebo group (from 17.0 ± 3.1 to 17.7 ± 5.6, P > 0.05). In the ginseng group, 20 patients (66.6 %), reported improved erection, significant in the global efficacy question (P < 0.01); in the placebo group this had no significance. Scores on questions 2 (rigidity), 3 (penetration), 4 and 5 (maintenance), were significantly higher for ginseng than for the placebo when those questions were answered after 12 weeks of each treatment (P < 0.01). When the score in the ginseng group was compared to the placebo group after treatment, there was a significant improvement in total score (five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function score) in questions 3 and 5 for the ginseng-treated group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.0001). The level of serum testosterone, prolactine and cholesterol after treatment was not statistically significant different in the ginseng or the placebo grouop (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Our data show that Korean Red Ginseng can be an effective alternative for treating male erectile dysfunction.

Keywords: penis; impotence; Panax; penile erection

Correspondence to: Dr Enrico de Andrade, American Urological Association, European Urological Association and Medicine College University of Sao Paulo (urology division).
Tel: +55-11-9949-0026 / +55-11-9987-1277, Fax:+55-11- 6197-0317
E-mail:enricoandrade@uol.combr
Received 2006-01-13 Accepted 2006-04-20