Some men with erectile dysfunction have poor circulation due to arteriosclerosis.  One study found 8 ounces of pomegranate juice daily to be helpful in about half of men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. Although overall statistical significance was not achieved in this pilot study, the authors felt that a larger study for a longer period of time may achieve statistical significance.

Regular exercise, stress-reduction techniques, and quitting smoking are important lifestyle aspects of the holistic treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Korean Red (Asian) Ginseng

This herb has been used in historic medical traditions to treat erectile dysfunction. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study of 45 men with clinically diagnosed erectile dysfunction, 60 percent of the participants reported that Korean red (Asian) ginseng improved erection. The dose used was 900 mg three times daily.

DOSAGE
Take 900 mg three times daily of a nonstandardized preparation, or follow the label directions for more concentrated, standardized versions.

SAFETY
Side effects may include insomnia; headache; and, rarely, increased blood pressure.

Ginkgo Biloba

The extract of this herb has been shown to have a vasodilation effect. Studies have shown it to be effective for ED. This includes for men on antidepressant medications.

DOSAGE
Take 120 mg twice daily of a 24 percent flavoglycoside extract.

SAFETY
Do not combine ginkgo biloba with blood-thinning medication such as Coumadin, since ginkgo has blood-thinning effects.

Arginine

This amino acid increases nitric oxide levels, which dilates the arteries and improves blood flow.

A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study looked at the effect of six weeks of 5 grams a day orally of L-arginine on 50 men with erectile dysfunction (ED). Nine of 29 (31 percent) of men taking L-arginine and 2 of 17 controls reported a significant subjective improvement in sexual function. It should be noted that all nine men treated with L-arginine and who had improvement had had an initially low urinary nitric oxide, and this level had doubled by the end of the study. Taking the supplement pycnogenol at a dose of 40 mg three times daily may improve the effectiveness of a lower dose of L-arginine of 1.7 grams daily.

L-arginine Safety

There has been concern about the safety of L-arginine due to a study done at Johns Hopkins University Medical Center . Researchers gave L-arginine supplements (up to 3,000 mg three times daily) to 55 study participants, while 59 people got placebos. The study was cut short because, after six months, there had been six deaths among participants taking L-arginine — and no deaths in the placebo group. In response, researchers recommended that this supplement not be used following a heart attack.

It should be noted that the six deaths may have been due to chance. Two died from a heart attack or its complications, two succumbed to blood infections unrelated to L-arginine, and two died from unknown causes. We agree that people who have had a heart attack should not take L-arginine, at least until further studies are done. But for people with no history of heart attack, we believe that 3,000 mg of L-arginine, taken two to three times daily, is safe and effective in treating hypertension and congestive heart failure, as well as improving blood ?ow in people with diabetes and in treating erectile dysfunction. Also note that those prone to herpes skin breakouts should use L-arginine with caution as it may worsen this condition.

DOSAGE
Take 5 grams daily or 1.7 grams along with 120 mg of pycnogenol daily.

SAFETY
Men with a history of heart disease should check with their doctor first before using L-arginine.

Carnitine

The combination of two forms of carnitine has been shown to be effective for elderly men with ED associated with low testosterone. The randomized, double-blind study involved 120 men who were given either testosterone undecanoate 160 mg per day, propionyl-L-carnitine 2 g per day plus acetyl-L-carnitine 2 g per day, or placebo. The study lasted six months. Those receiving the carnitine combination had more signi?cant improvement in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. In addition, the testosterone group had increased prostate size while the carnitine group did not.

DOSAGE
Take 2 grams daily of propionyl-L-carnitine along with 2 grams per day of acetyl-L-carnitine.

SAFETY
The carnitines are quite safe.

JOSE’S STORY

Jose, a 63-year-old carpenter , came to the clinic seeking a natural approach to ED. For most of his life he had relied on herbs and other natural approaches to help with health problems. His request was for an effective, economical, natural approach so that he would be able to resume relations with his wife. His testosterone level was checked, and was shown to be slightly below an average value. Jose was prescribed Korean Red (Asian) ginseng along with regular consumption of pomegranate juice. After three weeks he noticed an improvement in his libido and ED. After six weeks of treatment he found this natural approach to be extremely effective for his ED.

Reference:

1. Prescription for Drug Alternatives: All-Natural Options for Better Health without the Side Effects (James Balch, Mark Stengler, Robin Young-Balch, 2008)