Pycnogenol-L-arginin combination restored the normal sexual function in men with mild-to-moderate erectile dysuncion
Several studies have suggested that Pycnogenol may be beneficial for men who have erectile dysfunction (ED).
The ratio of men with normal erectile function improved from 5% to 92% following three-month treatment with Pycnogenol-L-arginin combination
An early study in Bulgaria examined the possibility of resolving erectile dysfunction by increasing the level of endogenous nitric oxide. The study included 40 men, aged 25 to 45 years, who had erectile dysfunction. During the three-month trial, the men received 3 ampoules of Sargenor daily (equivalent to 1.7 g arginine). Beginning in the second month of the trial, the men added 40 mg Pycnogenol twice daily, and this was increased to three 40-mg Pycnogenol tablets during the third month. Each of the participants completed a sexual function questionnaire and sexual activity diary.
After the first month of the trial, only 5% of the men experienced a normal erection. The use of both arginine and Pycnogenol during the second month increased the number of men with restored sexual ability to 80 percent. After the third month of the trial, 92.5 % of the men experienced a normal erection. The authors concluded that “oral administration of L-arginine in combination with Pycnogenol causes a significant improvement in sexual function in men with ED without any side effects.” (Stanislavov, Nikolova 2003)
The EF (erectile function) score doubled and normalized following one-month treatment with Pycnogenol-L-arginin combination
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 50 patients with moderate erectile dysfunction (ED) (IIEF score 11-17, age 30- 50 years, stable sexual partnership for the last 6 months) were treated for 1 month with placebo or a combination of Pycnogenol and L-arginine aspartate (Prelox, (Prelox, 80 mg Pycnogenol + 3 g L-arginin/day). Patients reported sexual function from diaries. Testosterone levels and endothelial NO synthase (e-NOS) were monitored along with routine laboratory tests.
Eerectile function improved significantly for each group following treatment with Pycnogenol + L-arginine, doubling the IIEF sore.I At the end of the treatment period, patients treated with Pycnogenol + L-arginine achieved normal IIEF scores exceeding 25. Treatment with placebo had no significant effect. The scores dropped clearly after treatment periods; however, the scores for the months following verum treatment were significantly higher compared to placebo, signaling a longer lasting effect of Pycnogenol + L-arginine.
The mean number of intercourse more than doubled during treatment (10.7/11.2) compared to the pretreatment period (4.4–4.6). The detailed IIEF scores for orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, overall satisfaction and percent sexual response also nearly doubled. e-NOS levels in ther sperm and testosterone concentratin in blood also incread significantly, total cholesterol decreased significantly by in the Pycnogenol + L-arginin group. All other data of clinical chemistry remained unchanged. (Stanislavov 2008).
A longer, six-month treatment with Pycnogenol-L-arginin resultred in a continuous improvement in the erectile function
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, a combination of Pycnogenol and L-arginine aspartate (Prelox®) or placebo was randomly given over six months to 124 men aged 30 to 50 who had moderate erectile dysfunction. Treatment with Pycnogenol + L-arginine group resulted in significant increase in both erectile function score ( International Index of Erectile Function scored improved from 15.2 to 25.2 in three months and to 27.1 in six months) (scores in the placebo group were 15.1, 19.1, and 19.0, respectively) and testosdterone level (from 15,9 to 18,9 nmol/L in six months). These resultsare an evidence that erectile function continues to improve the longer the therapy is used. (Ledda 2010).
Pycnogenol +L-arginine combinaton is a promising alternative for treating mild infertility
Pycnogenol and arginine may be promising for men who have mild infertility. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, 50 infertile men were assigned to take either placebo or a combination of Pycnogenol and L-arginine aspartate (Prelox) daily for one month. Men who took Pycnogenol + L-arginine showed a significant increase in semen volume, concentration of spermatozoa, percentage of motile sperm, and percentage of sperm with normal morphology when compared with men in the placebo group. Among men who took Pycnogenol + L-arginine, the fertility index improved to normal values. Once the men stopped taking Pycnogenol + L-arginine, however, the fertility index declined to infertile status. The study’s authors concluded that Pycnogenol + L-arginine seems to be a promising alternative to treat patients with mild infertility. (Stanislovov 2009)
References
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Ledda A et al. Investigation of a complex plant extract for mild to moderate erectile dysfunction in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm study. BJU Int 2010 Oct; 106(7): 1030-33
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Stanislavov R et al. Improvement of erectile function with Prelox: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Int J Impot Res 2008 Mar-Apr; 20(2): 173-80
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Stanislavov, R et al. Improvement of seminal parameters with Prelox ®: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. Phytotherapy Res 2009; 23: 297–302.
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Stanislavov R, Nikolova V. Treatment of erectile dysfunction with pycnogenol and L-arginine. J Sex Marital Ther 2003; 29:207-13.