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Clinical question
Is Korean red ginseng useful in the treatment of erectile dysfunction?
Bottom line
Korean red ginseng, dosed three times daily, may be an option for treating
male erectile dysfunction. Although men in this trial reported improved
erections, their overall sexual experience was not improved. The frequency
of successful sexual intercourse was not evaluated, and neither was the
sexual satisfaction of the partner. It has not been compared with sildenafil
or yohimbine. Korean red ginseng is also called panax ginseng, which is
different from the Siberian and American varieties.
Reference
Hong B, Ji YH, Hong JH, Nam KY, Ahn TY. A double-blind crossover study
evaluating the efficacy of Korean red ginseng in patients with erectile
dysfunction: A preliminary report. J Urology 2002;168:2070-73.
Study design: Cross-over trial (randomized)
Setting: Outpatient (specialty)
Synopsis
Sildenafil (Viagra) is currently the most popular treatment for erectile
dysfunction (ED), defined as the persistent inability to achieve and
maintain erection sufficient for sexual satisfaction. Many patients are
reluctant to take traditional medications and thus turn to alternative
products: one commonly used product is ginseng, a traditional Asian remedy
for stimulating sexual function. The authors enrolled 45 males, mean age 54
years, attending a urology clinic in Seoul, Korea. All of the subjects met
criteria for ED and none had a history of specific treatment for the
problem. Patients were randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion
(concealed allocation assignment) to an initial 8 weeks of treatment with
either Korean red ginseng (900 mg three times daily) or identical placebo.
After a two-week washout period, patients received another 8 weeks of
crossover treatment. Outcomes were assessed by individuals masked to the
treatment assignment. All patients were followed-up for a total of 16 weeks
of treatment. In response to a global efficacy question, 60% of subjects
reported improved erection while on ginseng compared to 20% on placebo (P <
0.01; NNT = 2.5). There were, however, no differences reported between the
two treatments in orgasmic function or overall sexual satisfaction. No
evaluations of sexual satisfaction from partners were reported.
View PUBMED abstract
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