MEN'S HEALTH TIPS

MEN'S HEALTH TIPS:

Prepared by Laura Frank

Statistics show that over 35 million men suffer from sexual dysfunction (http:/www.4yh.com/provformen/index6.asp?). Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, is a widespread problem affecting approximately 20 to 30 million men in the U.S. (http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/urology/impotence.htmel#statistics). Conventional treatment options for male sexual dysfunction (MSD) include prescription drugs, penile implants, medical devices, and injection therapies.

Alternative treatment options for male sexual dysfunction include herbal and vitamin/mineral supplements. ProV for men is designed to enhance male sexual health. The ingredients in ProV have been combined to maximize their effect on male sexual desire and performance. The foundational principles of general health and well-being are imperative in the prevention and treatment of MSD. These determinants of health include: optimal nutrition through a balance diet and supplement regimen, physical activity, adequate hydration and sleep, stress reduction, and avoidance of toxins such as tobacco, illicit drugs and alcohol. Male sexual health also depends upon the primary male sexual hormone, testosterone, and adequate blood flow to the penis.

ProV for men supplies important vitamins and minerals to the male, in order to promote sexual health. These nutrients include vitamin B6, Vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin E, and Zinc. The primary male sexual hormone in the body is testosterone. Zinc supplementation of 30 mg/d has shown t help restore testosterone levels due to its role in testosterone production (Prasad et al. 1996). Vitamin E, a powerful anti-oxidant, can decrease oxidative stress and improve endothelium-dependent-vasodilation (Matsuoka, 2001). Vitamin E supplementation has been shown to improve arterial health (Mottram, 1999). Also important to male health are the B vitamins, niacin (vitamin B3) and pyridoxine (vitamin B6).

L-arginine, a conditionally essential amino acid, acts as a precursor to nitric oxide (NO), which functions as a vasodilating agent (relaxes blood vessels). L-arginine supplementation has been shown to enhance endothelium-derived nitric oxide synthesis (Maxwell et al. 2001). Vasodilation may enhance blood flow, thus, improving penile function. In one randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind study, 50 men were given high levels of L-arginine (5g/day) for 6 weeks. The supplement resulted in significant subjective improvement in sexual function in men with organic erectile dysfunction (Chen et al. 1999).

Phytochemicals in several herbs have been examined for their role in sexual health (Adimoelja, 2000). In Europe, Avena sativa (Oat) has been used traditionally to treat sexual disorders for centuries (Blumenthal et al. 1998). Interestingly, acute effects of oats and vitamin E intake on endothelial responses to ingested fat showed that both oat and vitamin E improved endothelial function and arterial peak blood flow (Katz et al. 2001). Peruvian Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii) has been shown in animal studies to improve sexual behavior (Cicero et al. 2001). Animal studies have also supported the effects of Tribulus terrestris on proerctile performance (Adaikan et al. 2000). The phytochemical in Tribulus terrestris, protodioscine, has been clinically proven to improve sexual desire and enhance erection via its conversion to the male hormone Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)(Adimoelja, 2000). Muira puama, a botanical from Brazil also known as “potency wood”, has been used traditionally as an aphrodisiac (NMCD, p. 652). ProV for men contains other herbs used traditionally as aphrodisiacs such as stinging nettle extract and yohimbe. The root of stinging nettle has been used to treat urination disorders associated with benign prostatic herplasia (BPH)(NMCD, p.871). Moreover, Yohimbe has been used to treat impotence (NMCD, p. 1009).

References
Adaikan PG< Gauthaman K, Prasad RN, Ng SC.
Proerectile pharmacological effects of Tribulus terrestris extract on the rabbit corpus cavernosum.
Ann Acad Med Singapore 2000 Jan;29(1)

Adimoelja A. Phytochemicals and breakthrough of traditional herbs in the management of sexual dysfunctions. Int J Androl 2000;23 Suppl 2:82-4

Blumenthal M, et al. Ed. The complete german guide to herbal medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Herbal Council, 1998.

Chen J, Wollman Y, Chernichovsky T, Iaina A, Sofer M, Matzkin H. Effect of oral administration of high-dose nitric oxide donor L-arginine in men with organic erectile dysfunction: results of double-blind, randomized, placebo-controleed study. BJU Int 1999 Feb;83(3):269-73

Cicero AF, Bandieri E, Arletti R. Lepidium meyenni Walp. Improves sexual behavior in male rats independently from its action on spantaneious locomotor activity. J Ethnopharmacol 2001 May; 75(2-3):225-9

Katz DL, Nawaz H, Boukhalil J, Giannamore V, Chan W, Ahmadi R, Sarrel PM. Acute effects of oats and vitamin E on endothelial responses to ingested fat. Am J Prev Med 2001 Feb;20(2):124-9

Maxwell AJ, Jo HV, Le CQ, Lin PS, Bernstein D, Cooke JP. L-arginine enhances aerobic exercise capacity in association with augmented nitric oxide production. J APPl Physiol. 2001 Mar;90(3):933-8

Matsuoka H. Endothelial dysfunction associated with oxidative stress in human.
Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2001 Dec;54 Suppl 2:S65-72

Mottram P, Shige H, Nestel P. Vitamin E improves arterial compliance in middle-ages men and women. Atheroschlerosis 1999 Aug;145(2):399-404.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive database. Therapeutic Research Facility. 2nd Edition. 1999, Stockton, CA.

Prasad AS, Mantzoros CS, Beck FWJ, et al: Zinc status and serum testosterone levels of healthy adults. Nutrition 12:344-348, 1996