Newsletter
Newsletter
74% of erectile dysfunction patients improved with L-arginine intake
Intake of the amino acid L-arginine could help men with the most common form of erectile dysfunction (ED), known as vasculogenic ED, according to the findings of a trial published in the May 2022 issue of the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation.1 Vasculogenic ED is caused by reduced blood flow to the penis, generally related to vascular disease and endothelial dysfunction. An amino acid, arginine, is needed for the formation of nitric oxide, a molecule that relaxes the blood vessels, including the vessels that deliver blood to the sex organs.
The study included 95 men aged 20 to 75 years with ED. Participants received two grams of L-arginine three times per day or a placebo three times daily for three months. Their penile blood flow and testosterone levels were measured, and participants completed the International Index of Erectile Function six question (IIEF-6) patient questionnaires at the beginning and end of the trial. Among patients taking arginine, 74% experienced an improvement in ED degree as categorized by questionnaire responses, while only 18% of the placebo group experienced improvements. Additionally, at study completion, 24% of the men taking L-arginine had IIEF-6 scores that showed they no longer were diagnosable with ED.
The authors concluded that L-arginine could be an alternative treatment for men with mild to moderate vasculogenic ED who experience adverse effects from drugs that are customarily prescribed for their condition or who cannot otherwise take them.
Products
Apply What You've Learned: L-arginine
- L-arginine is an amino acid made in the body from citrulline, another amino acid. It occurs in foods that include nuts, grains, meat and dairy products. Although L-arginine can be made in the body, studies have shown increased intake may be useful in certain conditions related to inadequate blood flow like ED.2
- Because it is necessary for the production of nitric oxide (which enables the blood vessels to relax), L-arginine may be helpful for people with cardiovascular disease.3
- L-arginine could help improve exercise performance and recovery through several mechanisms, making it popular among athletes and body builders.4
- L-arginine may also support immune function and wound healing.5,6 It may additionally be helpful to individuals with Raynaud’s syndrome (also known as Raynaud’s disease or phenomenon) where there is poor blood flow to the extremities like fingers and toes.7
References
- Menafra D et al. J Endocrinol Invest. 2022 May;45(5):941-961.
- Böger RH, Bode-Böger SM. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 2001;41:79-99.
- Yin WH et al. Clin Nutr. 2005 Dec;24(6):988-97.
- Campbell BI et al. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2004 Dec 31;1(2):35-8.
- Lindez AAMI et al. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2021 Jul;78(13):5303-5324.
- Schneider KL et al. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2019 Oct;32(10):457-462.
- Curtiss P, et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2019 Mar;33(3):497-503.
Featured Life Extension Magazine® Article
How Women Over 40 Can Feel Better Fast, by Michael Downey
Beginning around the age of 40, many women begin to experience changes in mood, energy and perceived stress. These and other symptoms can be related to a decline in levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
While prescription hormone replacement therapy is an option, an alternative vitamin and herbal solution to these common perimenopausal complaints may be all some women need. Essential B vitamins support vital body functions as well as healthy mood and energy levels. A unique patented Siberian rhubarb root has been shown to relieve menopausal symptoms in human studies.
What's Hot
Health Concern
Antioxidant supplementation improves men’s condition
A meta-analysis reported on March 1, 2022 in Sexual Medicine Reviews concluded a benefit for antioxidants combined with each other or added to prescription therapies among men with erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition that affects an estimated 150 million males worldwide.
Erectile Dysfunction
This protocol gives an overview of erectile dysfunction, along with conventional and integrative strategies for improving overall male sexual function.
Related Life Extension Magazine® Articles
Boost Nitric Oxide to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk
An age-related decline in nitric oxide levels contributes to inner arterial wall dysfunction. A blend of aronia berries and a sustainable form of L-arginine boosts the body’s production of nitric oxide, helping to improve blood flow.
Enhance Male Sexual Health
A ginger-like root was shown to improve sexual health in 61.5% of male participants in a published study.
New book! Rapamycin, mTOR, Autophagy & Treating mTOR Syndrome, by Ross Pelton
Ross Pelton, the Natural Pharmacist, discusses how the prescription drug rapamycin can increase longevity. The discovery of rapamycin resulted in studies that have enabled scientists to gain a new understanding of the aging process and how we might use this information to improve health and delay the onset of age-related diseases.
Life Extension Magazine® Issue Now Online
Studies show that fenugreek seed extract enhanced female sexual function and libido, while saffron extract promoted desire and satisfaction.
Lab
Testing
How Life Extension lab testing works