Vitamin E and Ginseng Combined Supplement for Treatment of Male Erectile Dysfunction: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized, Clinical Trial Publisher



Tadayon Najafabadi B¹ ; Jafarinia M¹ ; Ghamari K¹ ; Shokraee K¹ ; Tadayyon F¹ ; Akhondzadeh S¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Advances in Integrative Medicine Published:2021

Abstract

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is among the most common sexual dysfunctions affecting the male population over 40 years old. The first line of treatment for this condition is phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. Although these drugs are very effective, some patients are reluctant to use them due to their side effects or patient unresponsiveness. We hypothesized that a supplement of vitamin E and ginseng, due to anti-oxidative properties, can ameliorate erectile dysfunction. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin E and ginseng supplement to enhance erectile function among patients with erectile dysfunction. Methods: In a six-week, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial, patients between 18–60 years of age, with erectile dysfunction based on the international index of erectile function (IIEF) questionnaire, were equally randomized to receive daily supplement of vitamin E and ginseng (100 IU vitamin E, 67 mg Korean ginseng, and 40 mg Siberian ginseng) or placebo. Participants were evaluated for erectile dysfunction with the IIEF scale and adverse event on the second, fourth, and sixth week. Analysis of variance was used to compare groups in terms of erectile function. Results: Fifty-two participants were randomly allocated to the groups and all finished the trial. Participants in our groups did not differ significantly in their baseline variables. After six weeks, the analysis revealed a significant improvement of erectile function in the supplement group over the placebo group (p-value = 0.033). Other domains of sexual function did not show significant difference between the groups. Adverse events profile of the supplement group was clinically acceptable and similar to the placebo group. Conclusion: Our results revealed that the vitamin E and ginseng combined supplement may improve erectile function after six weeks while maintaining a safe and acceptable adverse event profile. Further trials with longer follow-up time and bigger population is still suggested. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd