Herbal dietary supplements for erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials
Abstract
Background and aim: Interest of herbal supplements as alternatives to conventional treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) has increased markedly. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of herbal supplements in treating ED.
Experimental procedure: Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched for relevant studies published until June 1, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating herbal supplements for ED compared to a placebo or no intervention were eligible for inclusion. The outcomes of interest included erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, subjective satisfaction, and serum testosterone levels.
Results and conclusion: Fourteen RCTs with a total of 1227 males with ED were included. Mean age of study participants ranged from 35 to 65 years; and follow-up ranged from 1 month to 6 months. Herbal dietary supplements had a significant, positive effect on erectile function (standard mean difference (SMD) = 1.20, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.64-1.76), orgasmic function (SMD = 1.09, 95 % CI: 0.34-1.83), sexual desire (SMD = 1.02, 95 % CI: 0.45-1.60), intercourse satisfaction (SMD = 1.48, 95 % CI: 0.83-2.13), overall satisfaction (SMD = 0.93, 95 % CI: 0.45-1.40), and serum testosterone level (SMD = 0.54, 95 % CI: 0.04-1.05) compared to effects in the control groups. Saffron was effective in improving erectile function, orgasmic function, and intercourse satisfaction, while ginseng benefited erectile…
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