BY: Yam Cher Seng

MANY types of medicinal herbs have been proven to be helpful for men suffering from mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. These herbs have been traditionally used to help improve energy levels and reduce fatigue. Today's fast-paced lifestyle and demanding jobs can affect men's well-being, especially when it comes to sexual health.

Complaints of lack of libido, no energy and lack of interest are common and often put a strain on relationship.

During the 4th Congress of the Asia Pacific Society for the Study of Ageing Males in Bali last year, a renowned clinical andrologist from Kuala Lumpur demonstrated that a herbal formula containing Horny Goat Weed, ginseng, ginkgo, Tribulus, Muira puama, Withania and Damiana aid in the maintenance of general well-being in men.

These herbal extracts are associated with improved blood circulation and help alleviate stress, enhance libido and vitality.

These herbs have been found to be potent adaptogens and provide relief for stress and in improving physical strength, endurance and overall wellness for men. No study has been done locally to evaluate their efficacy even though some of these herbs are easily available in local pharmacies.

In this study conducted by the doctor himself, 50 sexually active male subjects were recruited and monitored using the Quality of Life Questionnaires; Ageing Male Symptoms (AMS) for Men, Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) and Grades of Erections score (GE).

They were given a combination of herbs comprising Horny Goat Weed extract, ginseng, ginkgo biloba, Tribulus terrestis, Muira puama, Withania somnifera and Damiana for six weeks and their progress was monitored.

Throughout the study period, AMS, SHIM and GE scores improved. All men above 40 years with an initial high AMS score reported that their symptoms were reduced from the first week of taking the herbal preparation

These symptoms became progressively lower on the second follow-up onwards. Before supplementing with the herbal formulation, all men above the age of 40 had reduced SHIM score indicating some problem attaining quality erections.

Thirty-four men have SHIM Scores below 21, indicating some degree of ED (Erectile Dysfunction). After supplementation, these men showed improvements in the score, including nine subjects with diabetes and eight with hypertension.

Men with problems of erection also found relief with the herbs.

Besides herbal remedies, the mineral zinc is also important for sexual health. Zinc is found in a wide variety of foods. Oysters contain more zinc per serving than any other food, but red meat and poultry provide the majority of zinc in our diet. Other good food sources include beans, nuts, certain seafood, whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, and dairy products.

Supplementation with zinc has overcome some forms of female and male infertility in those who are zinc deficient. Zinc is also essential for proper formation and maturation of sperm. Hence a dose of 15mg zinc daily should be incorporated into one's diet.

The writer is a pharmacist who is actively involved in the dissemination of information on natural healthcare and holistic therapies. For more information, she can be contacted at csyam@streamyx.com