Phytotherapeutic approach to male sexual dysfunctions

Sexuality has undergone profound changes in recent times due to social, cultural, and religious evolutions. In reference to nonorganic sexual dysfunctions alone, a reduction in sexual desire and consequent difficulty getting an erection has been recorded. Certain phytotherapeutic and nutraceutical preparations may help optimise male sexual desire and activity.

The sexual response cycle

The word ‘orgasm’ derives from the Sanskrit urgas, an exuberance of energy, and indicates the height of sexual arousal. The sexual response cycle consists in four stages: excitement, ‘plateau’, orgasm and resolution. During the first stage, a high level of tension is reached, which is then maintained during the next ‘plateau’ stage. This is then followed by a rapid increase in tension until the orgasm. The sexual tension then decreases until returning to the starting condition.

Erectile dysfunction and impotence

Erectile dysfunction indicates the more or less frequent incapacity to reach and maintain an erection suitable for penetration. Erectile dysfunction becomes more frequent with increasing age; it can be associated with metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus) and cardiovascular disease. It can also be provoked by certain drugs (psychotropic drugs, antihypertensive calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, antiandrogens, diuretics).

Impotence is a man’s total or partial impossibility to perform the sexual act. It is distinguished by the absence of desire, erection, and ejaculation. In 90% of cases, it is of psychogenic origin.

Medicinal and nutraceutical plants

Certain phytocomplexes (Ginseng, Moringa) and nutritional supplements (Rutin) can contribute to male sexual well-being.

Ginseng

Ginseng is the most important phytocomplex in the Chinese Materia Medica. The name Ginseng derives from the Chinese Jen-chen, which means ‘similar to man’, due to the anthropomorphic form of the root. In the Far East, it has been used for thousands of years as a panacea, the phytocomplex of the highest Yang, with an energising action, capable of preserving vitality and youth. Ginseng in fact has tonic, energising, anti-fatigue, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, and anabolic properties. It is used in cases of a reduced libido and sexual impotence. Prolonged administration requires caution in hypertensive subjects.

Moringa

The Drumstick tree (Moringa oleifera Lam.) is one of our planet’s most extraordinary trees. Native to the southern slopes of the Himalayas, it is widely cultivated in many tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The Moringa extract is the natural response to increase physical, mental, emotional, and sexual energy thanks to its supply of micronutrients, and is therefore particularly useful for the production and optimal use of energy in case of the increased need, excessive loss, or reduced nutritional supply of essential amino acids, minerals and vitamins.