Kaempferia parviflora ethanol extract improves self-assessed sexual health in men: a pilot study

doi:10.1016/j.joim.2018.05.005

Abstract

Background
Sexual health positively correlates with overall wellbeing. Existing therapeutics to enhance male sexual health are limited by factors that include responsiveness, adherence and adverse effects. As the population ages, safe and effective interventions that preserve male sexual function are needed. Published research suggests that various preparations of Kaempferia parviflora, a plant in the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family, support cardiovascular health and may ameliorate erectile function.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of KaempMax^TM, an ethanol extract of the K. parviflora rhizome, on erectile function in healthy middle-aged and older men.

Design, setting, participants and interventions

We conducted an open-label, one-arm study on 14 generally healthy males aged 50–68?years with self-reported mild erectile dysfunction, who were not using prescription treatments. Participants took 100?mg KaempMax^TM daily for 30?days.

Main outcome measures

Evaluations were conducted at baseline and on the final study assessment. Primary efficacy analyses included the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF); secondary efficacy analyses included the Global Assessment Question about erectile function.

Results

Thirteen participants completed the 30-day study. Supplementation with KaempMax^TM resulted in statistically significant improvements in erectile function, intercourse satisfaction and total scores on the IIEF questionnaire. KaempMax^TM was well tolerated and exhibited an excellent safety profile.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that KaempMax^TM may improve erectile function in healthy middle-aged and older men. While the effects were not as pronounced as what might be seen with prescription medication, most participants found them satisfactory. Additional, longer and placebo-controlled clinical trials will be needed.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT03389867.

Key words: Sexual health, Kaempferia parviflora, Complementary therapies, KaempMax^TM, Global Assessment Question, International Index of Erectile Function

Richard A. Stein, Kira Schmid, Jowell Bolivar, Andrew G. Swick, Steven V. Joyal, Steven P. Hirsh . Kaempferia parviflora ethanol extract improves self-assessed sexual health in men: A pilot study. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2018, 16(4): 249-254.

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URL: http://www.jcimjournal.com/EN/10.1016/j.joim.2018.05.005

http://www.jcimjournal.com/EN/Y2018/V16/I4/249

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