Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is a condition characterized by inability to achieve and maintain erection. This condition affects over 18 million American males aged 20 or older, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Smoking, excess drinking and drugs, as well as a lack of physical exercise, contribute to the condition. Ginseng is a medicinal herb that may help improve ED; however, you should first talk to a doctor before starting to take this supplement.
About Ginseng
The main species of ginseng with medicinal properties include: American ginseng, known botanically as Panax quinquefolius; Asian (or Korean) ginseng, Panax ginseng; and Siberian ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus. Siberian ginseng, however, lacks the agent credited with providing the most important medicinal benefits: ginsenodes. Ginseng has been used for thousands of years, and practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine often recommend it to improve endurance, increase longevity and enhance memory.
Korean ginseng has also been studied for possible benefits in improving erectile dysfunction and increasing sex drive as well as sperm count and sperm motility, says UMMC.
Research
According to a review of research studies, Korean red ginseng showed significant efficacy in managing erectile dysfunction, including cases caused by psychological factors. This review summarized the results of 20 studies and was published in October 2008 issue of "British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology" by a medical team from the Korea Food Research Institute.
As reported in January 2003 issue of " The Journal of Family Practice," supplementation with red ginseng offers a safe, effective and inexpensive alternative for achieving and maintaining erection, even in severe cases of erectile dysfunction or for individuals who cannot take the conventional ED drug Viagra.
Safety & Drug Interactions
Korean ginseng has a stimulating effect; therefore, it may cause irritability and sleeping difficulties, especially when used with coffee. In rare cases it may also increase your blood pressure, cause digestive symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea and increase your risk for bleeding. This supplement should not be taken if you suffer from high blood pressure or one week before surgery. Korean ginseng may interfere with some conventional drugs, including some medication prescribed for high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, some antidepressants, and painkillers.
Ginseng should not be taken continuously, but rather in cycles: for example, use it daily for a few weeks, then discontinue for two weeks, suggests UMMC.
Considerations
Consult a qualified health care provider to find out more about ginseng and whether it can help improve your condition. Keep in mind that ginseng does not replace and should not be used to replace any conventional drugs prescribed for erectile dysfunction.
References
- UMMC: Asian Ginseng
- UMMC: Erectile Dysfunction -- Risk Factors
- "The Journal Of Family Practice"; Korean Red Ginseng Effective for Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction; A.Price, et al.; January 2003
- "British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology"; Red Ginseng for Treating Erectile Dysfunction: a Systematic Review; DJ. Jang, et al.; October 2008
