Abstract
Aim
The present study aimed to assess the effects of Nano Leo, a prosexual nutrient formulation, on libido, erection, and orgasm in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED).
Methods
This was a prospective, single-center, phase IV efficacy study. Patients received two capsules for 7 days and thereafter one capsule through 90 days. Main outcome measures: primary endpoint was change in erectile function assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Secondary endpoints included improvement in testosterone levels, FSH, LH, and prolactin levels; seminal parameters; and overall quality of life (QoL).
Results
Our study included 99 men (mean age 32.2 ± 4.71 years). Mean erectile function domain score increased from 18.9 ± 5.67 at baseline to 23.7 ± 4.01 on day 90 (P < 0.001). Similar improvements were observed in orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction domains of IIEF score which was seen as early as day 30. Improved IIEF corroborated with improvement in all QoL domains. From baseline to day 90, treatment with Nano Leo increased testosterone levels (5.04 ± 2.22 vs. 5.57 ± 1.53 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Similar improvements were observed in orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction domains of IIEF score which was seen as early as day 30. Improved IIEF corroborated with improvement in all QoL domains. From baseline to day 90, treatment with Nano Leo increased testosterone levels (5.04 ± 2.22 vs. 5.57 ± 1.53 ng/mL,
Conclusion
Nano Leo showed improved libido, erection, and orgasm as evaluated by IIEF and QoL and was well tolerated. Therefore, Nano Leo could be an effective and safe pronutrient supplement in managing ED.
1. Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is considered one of the most common conditions among male sexual disorders [1, 2]. It is defined as the inconsistent and recurrent inability to acquire or sustain an erection of sufficient rigidity to engage the duration of satisfactory sexual intercourse [3]. Irrespective of the definitions used or the selection of study population or sampling methods, the prevalence of ED is estimated to be 1%–10% in men aged 40–50 years and 50%–100% in those aged 70–80 years [4]. It imposes a substantial burden on male health and interpersonal relationships, including self-esteem and psychological well-being. It may also alter clinicians' belief that many psychiatric symptoms can be found among ED patients [2, 5–7]. ED is primarily a neuronal and endothelial dysfunction of the corpus cavernosum of the penis, characterized by reduced nitric oxide (NO) formation. Other etiological factors may include hypertension, androgen deficiency, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol levels, diabetes mellitus, diseases of the prostate, and anatomical deformity of the penis [8].
The present therapeutic armamentarium for ED primarily targets NO pathways, with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibition forming the first-line treatment [8, 9]. Patient discontinuation rate remains high when given PDE-5 inhibitors, and the reason can be attributed to a number of medical and psychological problems [10]. However, these drugs have certain limitations as their action may be affected by food intake and increased risk of hypotension when coadministered with alpha blockers, which can be life threatening in the case of nitrates [11]. Moreover, the efficacy of this treatment line is evident in only 60%–70% of patients, necessitating development of supplementary or alternative therapies [12].
Traditionally, in different countries with diverse cultures, various plant extracts have been evaluated for their efficacy in improving male sexual performance [13]. A majority of these have been assessed in vitro or have only preclinical data (e.g., Panax ginseng, B. superb, and yohimbine) [14, 15]. Hence, a need for comprehensive formulations is evident, and a combinational approach can possibly yield better results by enhancing the positive effects of such plant ingredients. Nano Leo is one such prosexual nutrient formulation containing L-arginine, Tribulus terrestris extract powder, Mucuna pruriens, Ginkgo biloba, zinc as zinc monohydrate, and Yohimbe bark extract. All of these active constituents have shown to improve sexual dysfunction [16–22]. The present study aimed to assess the effects of Nano Leo treatment on libido, erection, and orgasm in patients with ED.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Study Design and Patient Selection
This was a prospective, single-center, phase IV efficacy study. The study has been registered at the Clinical Trials Registry India (Registration No: CTRI/Ref/2011/10/002895) and has been approved by ethics committee, King George Medical College, Lucknow. The study was conducted at outpatient clinics of participating urologist from November 2011 to April 2012 (6 months). The study was performed in accordance with ethical principles of Declaration of Helsinki, International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH)-Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, and an IEC-approved protocol. All patients provided informed consent before participation in the study. This study included Asian origin men aged 22 to 44 years with a stable sexual partnership during the previous 6 months and mild to moderate ED, as judged by IIEF scores of <20. Patients were excluded from the study if they had congenital penile disorder, cryptorchidism (absence of both testes), sperm cord disorder, varicocele, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), infective liver disorder, azoospermia, or aspermia.
2.2. Study Procedure
The study drug Nano Leo, as soft gelatin (SG) capsules, was dispensed to all patients as blister packs of 15 for oral administration. Each 1.4 gm capsule contained L-arginine 500 mg, Tribulus terrestris extract powder 200 mg, Yohimbe bark extract 1 mg, Mucuna pruriens 20 mg, Gingko biloba 20 mg, and zinc as zinc monohydrate 20 mg. At initiation, a loading dose of two SG capsules was administered at bedtime for 7 days, followed by one SG capsule administered every day at bedtime for 90 days. However, no placebo was given to the patients. The study included 3 follow-up visits on days 30, 60, and 90. All patients were provided a calendar sheet (along with a calendar card) for ease of administration and improved trackability. Physical examination, vital signs, prior and current concomitant medications, compliance to study medications, and adverse events (AEs) were recorded at all visits. Efficacy measures were assessed at baseline and at all follow-up visits.
2.3. Outcomes and Endpoints
The effect of study formulation on sexual functioning was evaluated using an IIEF questionnaire. This questionnaire is a validated, self-reported tool for assessing ED and measuring treatment response [23]. It includes various facets of sexual behavior categorized into five domains: erectile function (EF), sexual desire, orgasmic function (OF), intercourse satisfaction (IS), and overall satisfaction (OS). The primary endpoint was a change from baseline to 90 days in IIEF scores for overall improvement in EF, libido, and orgasm. Secondary endpoints included improvement in testosterone levels; seminal parameters; FSH, LH, and prolactin levels; and overall quality of life (QoL) from baseline to end of the study period.
2.4. Statistical Analyses
Continuous variables are presented as mean values and standard deviations (SD). Nominal variables are presented as number of observations (N) and percentages (%). For continuous variables, comparisons between visits were performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Bonferroni test or the Friedman test. In addition, pairwise comparisons of values between visits were performed using Student's t-test or the Wilcoxon signed rank test. A P value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. SPSS version 14.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) was used for all statistical analyses.
3. Results
Table 1 summarizes demographic and baseline clinical characteristics. In brief, our study included 99 men aged 22–44 (32.2 ± 4.71) years; among them, 29 (29.3%) patients were smokers, 69 (69.7%) were nonsmokers, and only 1 (1.0%) was an ex-smoker. Similarly, 12 (12.1%) patients were alcoholic, 86 (86.9%) were nonalcoholic, and only 1 (1.0%) was an ex-alcoholic (Table 1). Analyses of initial medical examination revealed that none of the patients enrolled had severe metabolic disorder, cardiovascular diseases, carcinoma of testis, hypothalamus or pituitary, congenital abnormalities in penis or testis, Kallmann's, Klinefelter's, and Y-deletion disorders, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Mean EF domain scores significantly increased from 18.9 ± 5.67 at baseline to 23.7 ± 4.01 at 90 days (P < 0.001), and this improvement was seen as early as in 30 days. Moreover, similar significant improvements from baseline were noted in other domains such as OF, SD, and OS (add all) on days 30, 60, and 90, indicating overall improvement in symptoms of ED by Nano Leo (Table 2). Table 3 presents a summary of responses from baseline to last follow-up visits to the QoL and general well-being questionnaire. Responses indicated overall improvement in QoL in all QoL domains from baseline to 90 days. By visit 4 at 90 days, 51% (50) of patients reported their general well-being to be very good. Moreover, 52% of patients reported improvement in their overall mental/emotional state as very good by 90 days. Furthermore, patients' overall ability to handle pressure was very good as it increased up to 73.6% by visit 4 at 90 days. By visit 4, approximately 88.7% and 95.8% of patients rated their overall enjoyment of life and their overall QoL, respectively, to be in the range of good to excellent.
Table 1.
Demographic and baseline clinical characteristics.
Baseline characteristics | |
---|---|
Age, years | 32.2 ± 4.71 |
Smoking (%) | |
Yes | 29 (29.3) |
Ex-smoker | 1 (1) |
Alcohol use (%) | |
Yes | 12 (12.1) |
Ex-alcoholic | 1 (1) |
BMI, kg/m2 | 23.98 (2.46) |
Heart rate, BPM | 73.8 (3.93) |
SBP (supine), mmHg | 124.3 (8.07) |
DBP (supine), mmHg | 80.4 (5.70) |
SBP (sitting), mmHg | 123.7 (7.64) |
DBP (sitting), mmHg | 79.9 (5.43) |
Data are shown as mean ± SD or N (%).
Table 2.
Distribution of patients in each IIEF domain and mean domain scores.
Domain | Duration | Domain categories | Mean score (mean ± SD) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Severe (%) | Moderate (%) | Mild to moderate (%) | Mild (%) | No (%) | |||
Erectile function | V1 | 5 (5.1) | 10 (10.1) | 27 (27.3) | 41 (41.4) | 16 (16.2) | 18.9 ± 5.67 |
V2 | 1 (1) | 5 (5.1) | 23 (23.5) | 43 (43.9) | 26 (26.5) | 21.0 ± 4.96∗ | |
V3 | 0 | 2 (2) | 15 (15.3) | 42 (42.9) | 39 (39.8) | 22.7 ± 4.1∗ | |
V4 | 0 | 3 (3.1) | 7 (7.1) | 35 (35.7) | 53 (54.1) | 23.7 ± 4.01∗ | |
| |||||||
Orgasmic function | V1 | 4 (4) | 12 (12.1) | 30 (30.3) | 34 (34.3) | 19 (19.2) | 6.6 ± 2 |
V2 | 0 | 7 (7.1) | 22 (22.4) | 47 (48) | 22 (22.4) | 7.2 ± 1.59∗ | |
V3 | 0 | 7 (7.1) | 14 (14.3) | 52 (53.1) | 25 (25.5) | 7.5 ± 1.55∗ | |
V4 | 0 | 5 (5.1) | 7 (7.1) | 51 (52) | 35 (35.7) | 7.9 ± 1.38∗ | |
| |||||||
Sexual desire | V1 | 2 (2) | 21 (21.2) | 52 (52.5) | 23 (23.2) | 1 (1) | 5.7 ± 1.46 |
V2 | 0 | 11 (11.2) | 50 (51) | 35 (35.7) | 2 (2) | 6.2 ± 1.38∗ | |
V3 | 0 | 5 (5.1) | 37 (37.8) | 51 (52) | 5 (5.1) | 6.8 ± 1.36∗ | |
V4 | 0 | 4 (4.1) | 23 (23.5) | 64 (65.3) | 7 (7.1) | 7.2 ± 1.34∗ | |
| |||||||
Intercourse satisfaction | V1 | 4 (4) | 19 (19.2) | 30 (30.3) | 31 (31.3) | 15 (15.2) | 9.1 ± 3.05 |
V2 | 3 (3.1) | 10 (10.2) | 26 (26.5) | 46 (46.9) | 13 (13.3) | 9.9 ± 2.72$ | |
V3 | 0 | 6 (6.1) | 22 (22.4) | 34 (34.7) | 36 (36.7) | 11 ± 2.64∗ | |
V4 | 0 | 6 (6.1) | 11 (11.2) | 39 (39.8) | 42 (42.9) | 11.5 ± 2.51∗ | |
| |||||||
Overall satisfaction | V1 | 8 (8.1) | 21 (21.2) | 16 (16.2) | 26 (26.3) | 28 (28.3) | 6.7 ± 2.5 |
V2 | 2 (2) | 14 (14.3) | 15 (15.3) | 30 (30.6) | 37 (37.8) | 7.4 ± 2.14∗ | |
V3 | 0 | 7 (7.1) | 15 (15.3) | 32 (32.7) | 44 (44.9) | 8.2 ± 1.9∗ | |
V4 | 0 | 3 (3.1) | 13 (13.3) | 29 (29.6) | 53 (54.1) | 8.6 ± 1.67∗ |
V1: baseline, V2: at 30 days, V3: at 60 days, and V4: at 90 days; ∗P < 0.001 and $P < 0.0002 from Wilcoxon signed rank test; P < 0.001 from Friedman test for overall comparisons.
Table 3.
Distribution of patients in each QoL domain.
Domain | Status | Patients, n (%) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
V1 (%) | V2 (%) | V3 (%) | V4 (%) | ||
Overall physical well-being | Excellent | 9 (9.1) | 3 (3.1) | 5 (5.1) | 9 (9.2%) |
Very good | 33 (33.3) | 53 (54.1) | 54 (55.1) | 50 (51.0) | |
Good | 51 (51.5) | 41 (41.8) | 39 (39.8) | 38 (38.8) | |
Fair | 6 (6.1) | 1 (1.0) | 0 | 1 (1.0) | |
Poor | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| |||||
Overall mental/emotional state | Excellent | 2 (2.0) | 1 (1.0) | 2 (2.0) | 6 (6.1) |
Very good | 31 (31.3) | 39 (39.8) | 43 (43.9) | 51 (52.0) | |
Good | 54 (54.5) | 54 (55.1) | 52 (53.1) | 40 (40.8) | |
Fair | 12 (12.1) | 4 (4.1) | 1 (1.0) | 1 (1.0) | |
Poor | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| |||||
Overall ability to handle stress | Excellent | 2 (2.0) | 3 (3.1) | 1 (1.0) | 5 (5.1) |
Very good | 18 (18.2) | 19 (19.4) | 22 (22.4) | 31 (31.6) | |
Good | 68 (68.7) | 66 (67.3) | 68 (69.4) | 56 (57.1) | |
Fair | 11 (11.1) | 10 (10.2) | 7 (7.1) | 6 (6.1) | |
Poor | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| |||||
Overall enjoyment of life | Excellent | 2 (2.0) | 6 (6.1) | 2 (2.0) | 7 (7.1) |
Very good | 13 (13.1) | 17 (17.3) | 24 (24.5) | 27 (27.6) | |
Good | 58 (58.6) | 57 (58.2) | 58 (59.2) | 54 (55.1) | |
Fair | 25 (25.3) | 18 (18.4) | 14 (14.3) | 10 (10.2) | |
Poor | 1 (1.0) | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| |||||
Overall quality of life | Excellent | 1 (1.0) | 4 (4.1) | 2 (2.0) | 7 (7.1) |
Very good | 15 (15.2) | 15 (15.3) | 26 (26.5) | 31 (31.6) | |
Good | 71 (71.7) | 70 (71.4) | 66 (67.3) | 56 (57.1) | |
Fair | 12 (12.1) | 9 (9.2) | 4 (4.1) | 4 (4.1) | |
Poor | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
V1: baseline, V2: at 30 days, V3: at 60 days, and V4: at 90 days.
On the contrary, treatment with Nano Leo showed significantly improved testosterone levels (Table 4). The mean (SD) value at visits 1 and 4 was 5.04 ± 2.22 and 5.57 ± 1.53 ng/mL, respectively (P < 0.05). In addition, prolactin levels increased from 211.58 ± 70.01 μIU/mL at baseline to 217.99 ± 71.00 μIU/mL at 90 days; this increase was correlated with corresponding reduction in FSH and LH levels (7.12 ± 5.68 to 7.01 ± 4.23 mIU/mL and 6.51 ± 4.20 to 6.48 ± 3.42 mIU/mL, respectively; P > 0.05) by 90 days (Table 4). However, these changes did not reach statistical significance.
Table 4.
Changes in hormone levels.
Lab parameters | Mean ± SD |
---|---|
Testosterone (ng/mL) | |
V1 | 5.04 ± 2.22 |
V4 | 5.57 ± 1.53∗ |
Change from baseline | −0.52 ± 1.93 |
FSH levels (mIU/mL) | |
V1 | 7.12 ± 5.68 |
V4 | 7.01 ± 4.23 |
Change from baseline | 0.12 ± 4.23 |
LH levels (mIU/mL) | |
V1 | 6.51 ± 4.20 |
V4 | 6.48 ± 3.42 |
Change from baseline | 0.03 ± 2.62 |
Prolactin (μIU/mL) | |
V1 | 211.58 ± 70.01 |
V4 | 217.99 ± 71.00 |
Change from baseline | −6.98 ± 84.36 |
FSH: follicle stimulating hormone; LH: luteinizing hormone; V1: baseline, V2: at 30 days, V3: at 60 days, and V4: at 90 days; ∗P < 0.05.
Table 5 enlists the sperm characteristics assessed based on WHO guidelines. By day 90, the sperm concentration significantly increased from 44.07 ± 48.28 (baseline) to 56.21 ± 50.45 million/mL and the total sperm count per ejaculate significantly increased from 130.40 ± 156.05 (baseline) to 142.5 ± 161.23 million/mL. Total motile spermatozoa increased from 47.22 ± 55.11 million/mL to 55.27 ± 64.59 million/mL at 90 days.
Table 5.
Sperm parameters.
Parameter | V1 (n = 99) | V2 (n = 98) | V3 (n = 98) | V4 (n = 98) | P value |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Negative fructose level | 99 (100.0) | 97 (99.0) | 98 (100.0) | 98 (100.0) | |
Alkaline pH | 99 (100.0) | 97 (99.0) | 98 (100.0) | 98 (100.0) | |
Sperm concentration (million/mL) | 44.07 ± 48.28 | 48.22 ± 47.15∗ | 45.73 ± 46.65 | 56.21 ± 50.45∗ | <0.0001∗∗ |
Total sperm count per ejaculate (million) | 130.40 ± 156.05 | 137.74 (143.28)∗ | 136.02 (134.61)∗ | 142.50 (161.23)∗ | <0.0001∗∗ |
Motility (%) | 45.6 (23.06) | 46.2 (20.67) | 46.9 (19.16) | 47.2 (18.97) | 0.0015∗∗ |
Morphology (%) | 26.1 (17.43) | 25.1 (15.54) | 25.2 (14.35) | 25.0 (12.64) | 0.4656∗∗ |
Volume (mL) | 3.01 (0.892) | 3.49 (3.820) | 3.57 (3.775) | 3.14 (0.761) | 0.1256∗∗ |
Liquefaction (minutes) | 25.6 (6.05) | 26.6 (5.72) | 26.0 (5.19) | 26.2 (5.62) | 0.2552∗∗ |
Total motile spermatozoa | 47.22 (55.11) | 37.33 (17.55)∗ | 39.23 (17.62)∗ | 55.27 (64.59)∗ | <0.0001∗∗ |
V1: baseline, V2: at 30 days, V3: at 60 days, and V4: at 90 days; ∗P < 0.05 vs. V1; ∗∗P < 0.001 from Friedman test for overall comparisons; data are shown as mean ± SD or n (%).
Analysis of vital signs, physical examination, liver function test, and renal function test indicated no abnormal findings.
4. Discussion
The present study evaluated potential benefits of Nano Leo formulation in improving ED, orgasm, and libido. Ninety days of treatment with Nano Leo significantly improved all IIEF domains scores. Moreover, the treatment resulted in increase in testosterone levels and sperm count. Our results indicate that Nano Leo may provide benefits in terms of improving/enhancing the overall quality of sexual experience in men.
Men are usually reluctant to visit physicians and discuss their sexual problems, particularly for conditions such as ED; hence, typically, they frequently rely on herbal formulations prepared using complementary and alternative medicines [24]. Traditional medicine practitioners believe that multiherb supplements can improve efficacy and reduce adverse effects [25]. These combinations aim to achieve net additive or synergistic effects of its individual ingredients with similar clinical/pharmacological actions. However, efficacy of such formulations has not been adequately supported by conclusive clinical study reports. Nano Leo is a combination of L-arginine and several herbs. Results from the present study provide proof of clinical benefits with Nano Leo treatment, which is a combinatorial formulation of L-arginine with several herbs.
The hypothesis that high doses of L-arginine may provide e-NOS with abundant substrate that could result in enhanced NO formation and mitigate ED symptoms has been tested in several clinical trials. In a randomized, placebo-controlled study with L-arginine at 3 × 500 mg/day, patients reported significant improvement in erectile function at the end of the study period [16]. In addition, aphrodisiac properties of Tribulus have been demonstrated in animal models as well as in a clinical study [17]. It was postulated that yohimbine may exert synergistic benefits when administered with L-arginine [18]. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-way crossover study conducted using a combination of yohimbine and L-arginine showed that yohimbine boosts erectile function by improving blood flow and that administration of this combination was effective in improving erectile function in patients with mild to moderate ED [18]. M. pruriens, a tropical legume, has shown to improve steroidogenesis and semen quality in infertile men [19]. A study on human cell lines showed that use of water fraction of M. pruriens seed extracts was more potent than the positive control sildenafil at upregulating nNOS gene expression in neurons, indicating its use in ED [18]. Another active constituent of our product is Ginkgo biloba extract, which has clinically shown to improve sexual dysfunction, and its beneficial effects have been attributed to increase in neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) levels [21]. Similarly, zinc therapy has demonstrated to improve level of sexual functions [22]. In agreement with these results, it can be suggested that each active constituent of Nano Leo may be contributing to its beneficial effects in alleviating ED symptoms.
ED has been thought to be a disease of ageing men; however, several studies have shown that this condition is a major health concern among young men as well [26]. Consistent with previous reports, the mean age of study participants in our study was 32.2 ± 4.71 years. Moreover, ED in young men has different symptomology: they show lower relationship satisfaction, more depressive behavior, more negative reactions from partners, and less job satisfaction [27]. ED poses a psychological threat to the patients and can be associated with generalized anxiety disorder, panic-attack, or social phobia and these may alter clinician's perspective while evaluating patients with ED. Although, psychiatric symptoms and mental disorders are often comorbid with impaired sexual response, only few studies have specifically addressed its association with ED [7].
Young men perceive ED as a serious disability that adversely affects their active and perfect sexual life in contrast to old men who find ED to be a normal and irreversible ageing process. These behavioral aspects might prompt such individuals to seek medical help more often compared with their older counterparts. Our results indicate that Nano Leo is effective in improving ED symptoms in younger men, as reflected by improvement in IIEF scores and QoL responses.
Several trials evaluating patient preferences or treatment-switching patterns among available PDE-5 inhibitors, the first-line treatment for ED, have indicated a growing importance of patient choice in clinical decision-making. Despite higher efficacy, good tolerability, and ease of administration, long-term treatment adherence with PDE-5 inhibitors is poor [28]. A meta-analysis of 162,936 patients (mean age: 58.8 ± 7.9 years) reported PDE-5 inhibitors were associated with higher discontinuation rate (almost 50% after 1 year) mostly in younger subjects. Partner-related problems and efficacy were the main reasons of PDE-5 inhibitor dropout. No single factor played a major role in dropout, suggesting that discontinuation rate is attributable to a combination of medical problems and psychosocial and relational factors [10]. Our study primarily focused on crystalizing patients' perspective based on their responses to patient-reported measures such as IIEF and QoL. The results established improvements in sexual function, recorded by IIEF and as corroborated by a significantly greater proportion of patients responding to better grades in the QoL questionnaire.
Treatment with Nano Leo resulted in increase in testosterone levels. Such increase has been observed in previous studies wherein plant extracts were evaluated [13, 29]. A possible explanation was that although the extracts do not directly stimulate testosterone synthesis, it is mediated via increased intercourse activity due to enhanced erectile capability. The increased testosterone levels lead to its higher conversion into estradiol that directly affects libido [29].
Of note, the study drug did not have any adverse effects at the prescribed dosage and neither on blood pressure parameters nor on hepatic and renal profiles. Moreover, no AEs were observed on laboratory examination or vital measurements.
A major limitation of our study was that none of the patients were randomized, our study drug was administered to all patients, and no placebo was given during the entire study duration. Furthermore, our study did not enroll patients with other comorbid conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, which are frequently associated with ED. Moreover, this was a single-center study; hence, this limits the generalization of data for patients with other concurrent diseases and medications and cannot be extrapolated to other ethnicities or geographies.
5. Conclusions
In summary, Nano Leo treatment significantly improved IIEF scores and QoL. It was well tolerated and safe and could be useful to mitigate symptoms of ED and improve erectile function in men. However, these findings need to be substantiated in well-designed studies.
Acknowledgments
Authors acknowledge CBCC Global Research for providing medical writing assistance for development of this manuscript. The study was funded by Sanzyme Pvt. Ltd., India.
Data Availability
The data used to support the findings of this study are included within the article.
Conflicts of Interest
A. V. Sharma and Kishan Pv are employees of Sanzyme Pvt. Ltd. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare with respect to this authored publication.
Authors' Contributions
Authors S. N. Shankhwar and A. A. Mahdi were compensated for their participation as study planners, organizers, and investigators.
References
- 1.Benet A. E., Melman A. The epidemiology of erectile dysfunction. The Urologic Clinics of North America. 1995;22(4):699–709. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 2.Feldman H. A., Goldstein I., Hatzichristou D. G., Krane R. J., McKinlay J. B. Impotence and its medical and psychosocial correlates: results of the Massachusetts male aging study. Journal of Urology. 1994;151(1):54–61. doi: 10.1016/s0022-5347(17)34871-1. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 3.McCabe M. P., Sharlip I. D., Atalla E., et al. Definitions of sexual dysfunctions in women and men: a consensus statement from the fourth international consultation on sexual medicine 2015. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2016;13(2):135–143. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2015.12.019. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 4.Eisenberg M. L., Meldrum D. Effects of age on fertility and sexual function. Fertility and Sterility. 2017;107(2):301–304. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.12.018. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 5.Nguyen H. M. T., Gabrielson A. T., Hellstrom W. J. G. Erectile dysfunction in young men-a review of the prevalence and risk factors. Sexual Medicine Reviews. 2017;5(4):508–520. doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.05.004. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 6.NIH. NIH consensus conference. Impotence. NIH consensus development panel on impotence. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association. 1993;270(1):83–90. doi: 10.1001/jama.270.1.83. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 7.Corona G., Ricca V., Bandini E., et al. Association between psychiatric symptoms and erectile dysfunction. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2008;5(2):458–468. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2007.00663.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 8.Gray H., Standring S. Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 40th. London, UK: Churchill Livingstone; 2008. pp. 1271–1274. [Google Scholar]
- 9.Hatzimouratidis K., Salonia A., Adaikan G., et al. Pharmacotherapy for erectile dysfunction: recommendations from the fourth international consultation for sexual medicine (ICSM 2015) The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2016;13(4):465–488. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.01.016. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 10.Corona G., Rastrelli G., Burri A., et al. First-generation phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors dropout: a comprehensive review and meta-analysis. Andrology. 2016;4(6):1002–1009. doi: 10.1111/andr.12255. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 11.Doumas M., Lazaridis A., Katsiki N., Athyros V. PDE-5 inhibitors: clinical points. Current Drug Targets. 2015;16(5):420–426. doi: 10.2174/1389450115666141111111301. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 12.Bechara A., Casabé A., De Bonis W., Ciciclia P. G. Twelve-month efficacy and safety of low-intensity shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction in patients who do not respond to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Sexual Medicine. 2016;4(4):e225–e232. doi: 10.1016/j.esxm.2016.06.001. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 13.Chauhan N. S., Sharma V., Dixit V. K., Thakur M. A review on plants used for improvement of sexual performance and virility. Biomed Research International. 2014;2014:19. doi: 10.1155/2014/868062.868062 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 14.Kim S.-D., Kim Y.-J., Huh J.-S., Kim S.-W., Sohn D.-W. Improvement of erectile function by Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) in a male rat model of metabolic syndrome. Asian Journal of Andrology. 2013;15(3):395–399. doi: 10.1038/aja.2012.159. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 15.Sohn M., Sikora R. Ginkgo biloba extract in the therapy of erectile dysfunction. Journal of Sex Education and Therapy. 1991;17(1):53–61. doi: 10.1080/01614576.1991.11074006. [DOI] [Google Scholar]
- 16.Klotz T., Mathers M. J., Braun M., Bloch W., Engelmann U. Effectiveness of oral L-arginine in first-line treatment of erectile dysfunction in a controlled crossover study. Urologia Internationalis. 1999;63(4):220–223. doi: 10.1159/000030454. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 17.Kamenov Z., Fileva S., Kalinov K. Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Tribulus terrestris in male sexual dysfunction—a prospective, randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Maturitas. 2015;81(1):p. 208. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2015.02.313. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 18.Lebret T., Hervé J.-M., Gorny P., Worcel M., Botto H. Efficacy and safety of a novel combination of L-arginine glutamate and yohimbine hydrochloride: a new oral therapy for erectile dysfunction. European Urology. 2002;41(6):608–613. doi: 10.1016/s0302-2838(02)00175-6. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 19.Shukla K. K., Mahdi A. A., Ahmad M. K., Shankhwar S. N., Rajender S., Jaiswar S. P. Mucuna pruriens improves male fertility by its action on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. Fertility and Sterility. 2009;92(6):1934–1940. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.09.045. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 20.Duangnin N., Phitak T., Pothacharoen P., Kongtawelert P. In vitro investigation of Mucuna pruriens seed extracts to treat erectile dysfunction. Chiang Mai University Journal of Natural Sciences. 2018;17(2):145–160. doi: 10.12982/cmujns.2018.0011. [DOI] [Google Scholar]
- 21.Wu Y. N., Liao C. H., Chen K. C., Liu S. P., Chiang H. S. Effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb-761) on recovery of erectile dysfunction in bilateral cavernous nerve injury rat model. Urology. 2015;85(5):1214.e7–1214e.15. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2015.01.026. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 22.Halsted J. A., Ronaghy H. A., Abadi P., et al. Zinc deficiency in man. The American Journal of Medicine. 1972;53(3):277–284. doi: 10.1016/0002-9343(72)90169-6. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 23.Rosen R. C., Riley A., Wagner G., Osterloh I. H., Kirkpatrick J., Mishra A. The international index of erectile function (IIEF): a multidimensional scale for assessment of erectile dysfunction. Urology. 1997;49(6):822–830. doi: 10.1016/s0090-4295(97)00238-0. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 24.Marwick C. Survey says patients expect little physician help on sex. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association. 1999;281(23):2173–2174. doi: 10.1001/jama.281.23.2173. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 25.Vickers A., Zollman C., Lee R. Herbal medicine. Western Journal of Medicine. 2001;175(2):125–128. doi: 10.1136/ewjm.175.2.125. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 26.Heruti R., Shochat T., Tekes-Manova D., Ashkenazi I., Justo D. Prevalence of erectile dysfunction among young adults: results of a large-scale survey. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2004;1(3):284–291. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.04041.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 27.Moore T. M., Strauss J. L., Herman S., Donatucci C. F. Erectile dysfunction in early, middle, and late adulthood: symptom patterns and psychosocial correlates. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. 2003;29(5):381–399. doi: 10.1080/00926230390224756. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 28.Ledda A., Belcaro G., Cesarone M. R., Dugall M., Schönlau F. Investigation of a complex plant extract for mild to moderate erectile dysfunction in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm study. BJU International. 2010;106(7):1030–1033. doi: 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2010.09213.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 29.Chauhan N. S., Saraf D. K., Dixit V. K. Effect of vajikaran rasayana herbs on pituitary-gonadal axis. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 2010;2(2):89–91. doi: 10.1016/j.eujim.2010.03.002. [DOI] [Google Scholar]
Associated Data
This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.
Data Availability Statement
The data used to support the findings of this study are included within the article.