DISCOVERY OF A NATURAL PRODUCT FOR THE TREATMENT OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

Geng-Long Hsu

Microsurgical Potency Reconstruction and Research Center, 3F 88, Wen-Hu Street Nei-Hu District 114, Taipei, Taiwan

Abstract

The discovery of a novel natural product is an exciting prospect for any biology researcher; we are therefore pleased to report a promising product which was isolated from herbs within the last half decade. From August 2010 to May 2016, 343 males underwent the most advanced method of penile venous stripping—as depicted on the United States Patent and Trademark Office website, and based on new insights of the penile venous anatomy—for treating refractory erectile dysfunction resulting from veno-occlusive dysfunction. Patients included were either (pre-operatively) non-responders to phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors (n = 281) or intolerant of the drug’s adverse effects (n = 62). A randomized study was carried out on 87 patients who were unsatisfied with penile venous stripping alone; these patients were prescribed an herbal formula composed of seven ingredients, all derived from five herb formulaes that have been commonly used in Chinese traditional medicine for dozens centuries. The seven ingredients are Astragalus membranaceus, Lepidium meyenii Walp (maca), Ophiocordyceps sinensis, Panax quiquefolium, Piper nigrum, Rhodiola rosea and Serpentes cnidium monnieri. This herbal formula proved to be not only effective, but also free of the many adverse effects of PDE5 inhibitors, which include headache, dizziness, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion or rhinitis, acid reflux, back pain, muscle aches, burping, runny nose, anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and even possible hearing loss etc. Recipients of the herbal formula reported only a very mild distension in the head which was immediately relieved by sexual activity.

Surprisingly, the herbal formula may also provide medical benefits to men who suffer from LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms) and memory loss. Without a functional brain, penile erection becomes meaningless. This inadvertent finding has inspired us to conduct further research and studies, including clinical trials on patients with LUTS and memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. We also plan to evaluate the herbal formula’s pharmacokinetics, its mechanism of action, and its pharmacological properties—we are particularly interested in discovering how and why the agent delivers such efficacious results without adverse side effects.