Search JIM Advanced Search

Journal of Integrative Medicine ›› 2018, Vol. 16 ›› Issue (4): 249-254.doi: 10.1016/j.joim.2018.05.005

• Original Clinical Research • Previous Articles     Next Articles

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

Richard A. Stein a, Kira Schmid a, Jowell Bolivar a, Andrew G. Swick a, Steven V. Joyal a, Steven P. Hirsh b   

  1. a Life Extension, 3600 West Commercial Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, USA
    b Life Extension Clinical Research, Inc., 5990 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308, USA
  • Received:2018-01-06 Accepted:2018-04-25 Online:2018-07-09 Published:2018-05-26
  • Contact: Richard A. Stein; E-mail: RStein@lifeextension.com

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 KaempMaxTM, 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 KaempMaxTM 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 KaempMaxTM resulted in statistically significant improvements in erectile function, intercourse satisfaction and total scores on the IIEF questionnaire. KaempMaxTM was well tolerated and exhibited an excellent safety profile.


Conclusion

Our results suggest that KaempMaxTM 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, KaempMaxTM, Global Assessment Question, International Index of Erectile Function

[1] Jonathan M. Fields. Dangers of scientific bias against herbal drugs for coronavirus disease 2019. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2020, 18(6): 459-461.
[2] Giles Gyer, Jimmy Michael, James Inklebarger, Jaya Shanker Tedla. Spinal manipulation therapy: Is it all about the brain? A current review of the neurophysiological effects of manipulation. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2019, 17(5): 328-337.
[3] Shubha Singhal, Vandana Roy. Awareness, practice and views about integrating AYUSH in allopathic curriculum of allopathic doctors and interns in a tertiary care teaching hospital in New Delhi, India. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2018, 16(2): 113-119.
[4] Giles Gyer, Jimmy Michael, James Inklebarger. Occupational hand injuries: A current review of the prevalence and proposed prevention strategies for physical therapists and similar healthcare professionals. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2018, 16(2): 84-89.
[5] Katy Andrade Monteiro Zacaron, Nélia da Silva Mendes, Yuri Cotta e Silva, Giancarlo Lucchetti. Effects of laying on of hands with and without a spiritual context on pain and functionality of older women with knee osteoarthritis: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2018, 16(2): 106-112.
[6] Fabiana de Almeida Andrade, Caio Fabio Schlechta Portella. Research methods in complementary and alternative medicine: An integrative review. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2018, 16(1): 6-13.
[7] Yadaridee Viravud, Angkana Apichartvorakit, Pramook Mutirangura, Vasana Plakornkul, Jantima Roongruangchai, Manmas Vannabhum, Tawee Laohapand, Pravit Akarasereenont. The anatomical study of the major signal points of the court-type Thai traditional massage on legs and their effects on blood flow and skin temperature. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2017, 15(2): 142-150.
[8] Udhaya Lavinya Baskaran, Evan Prince Sabina. Clinical and experimental research in antituberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity: A review. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2017, 15(1): 27-36.
[9] Irene A. Kretchy, Harry A. Okere, Joseph Osafo, Barima Afrane, Joseph Sarkodie, Philip Debrah. Perceptions of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine among conventional healthcare practitioners in Accra, Ghana: Implications for integrative healthcare. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2016, 14(5): 380-388.
[10] Molly J. Mallory, Alexander Do, Sara E. Bublitz, Susan J. Veleber, Brent A. Bauer, Anjali Bhagra. Puncturing the myths of acupuncture. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2016, 14(5): 311-314.
[11] Ausanee Wanchai, Duangjai Phrompayak. Use of complementary and alternative medicine among Thai patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2016, 14(4): 297-305.
[12] Joseph Stewart Alter, Chandrashekar Sharma. Nature cure treatment in the context of India's epidemiological transition. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2016, 14(4): 245-254.
[13] Sulaiman Al-Eidi, SalwaTayel, Fatima Al-Slail, Naseem Akhtar Qureshi, Imen Sohaibani, Mohamed Khalil, Abdullah Mohammad Al-Bedah. Knowledge, attitude and practice of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus towards complementary and alternative medicine. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2016, 14(3): 187-196.
[14] Gerard Flaherty, Jenny Fitzgibbon, Peter Cantillon. Attitudes of medical students toward the practice and teaching of integrative medicine. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2015, 13(6): 412-415.
[15] Mohammad Hashem Hashempur, Mojtaba Heydari, Seyed Hamdollah Mosavat, Seyyed Taghi Heydari, Mesbah Shams. Complementary and alternative medicine use in Iranian patients with diabetes mellitus. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2015, 13(5): 319-325.
Viewed
Full text


Abstract

Cited

  Shared   
  Discussed   
[1] Wei-xiong Liang. Problems-solving strategies in clinical treatment guideline for traditional Chinese medicine and integrative medicine. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 1-4
[2] Zhao-guo Li. Discussion on English translation of commonly used sentences in traditional Chinese medicine: part one. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 107-110
[3] Jun Hu, Jian-ping Liu. Non-invasive physical treatments for chronic/recurrent headache. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 31
[4] Xue-mei Liu, Qi-fu Huang, Yun-ling Zhang, Jin-li Lou, Hong-sheng Liu, Hong Zheng. Effects of Tribulus terrestris L. saponion on apoptosis of cortical neurons induced by hypoxia-reoxygenation in rats. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 45-50
[5] . Uniform requirements for manuscripts submitted to biomedical journals: Writing and editing for biomedical publication (Chinese version, part two). Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(11): 1001-1005
[6] Daniel Weber, Janelle M Wheat, Geoffrey M Currie. Inflammation and cancer: Tumor initiation, progression and metastasis,and Chinese botanical medicines. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(11): 1006-1013
[7] Hong Liu , Guo-liang Zhang, Li Shen , Zhen Zeng, Bao-luo Zhou, Cheng-hai Liu, Guang Nie . Application and evaluation of a pseudotyped virus assay for screening herbs for anti-H5Nl avian influenza virus. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(11): 1036-1040
[8] Zhao-guo Li . A discussion of English translation of 1995 and 1997 Chinese National Standards of Traditional Chinese Medical Terminologies for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(11): 1090-1096
[9] Rui Jin, Bing Zhang. A complexity analysis of Chinese herbal property theory: the multiple formations of herbal property (Part 1). Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2012, 10(11): 1198-1205
[10] Hui-min Liu, Xian-bo Wang, Yu-juan Chang, Li-li Gu. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of integrative medicine therapy for treatment of chronic severe hepatitis. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2012, 10(11): 1211-1228