ABSTRACT
Korean ginseng and mountain ginseng (Panax ginseng CA Meyer) are important traditional herbal plants whose ginsenosides are generally accepted as serving to improve sexual functions, such as penile erection. We investigated the effects of tissue-cultured mountain ginseng extract (TMGE) on male patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 143 patients experiencing ED. Over the course of 8 weeks, one group took 1 000 mg of TMGE twice a day, and the other group took 1,000 mg of placebo twice a day. The effects of the TMGE and the placebo were analyzed using the Korean version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. A total of 86 patients completed 8 weeks of treatment. The scores on the five domains of the IIEF after medication were significantly higher than the baseline scores in the group treated with TMGE (P<0.05), whereas no significant improvement was observed in the placebo group (P>0.05). Erectile function and overall satisfaction scores after medication were significantly higher in the TMGE group than in the placebo group (P<0.05). Erectile function of patients in the TMGE-treated group significantly improved, suggesting that TMGE could be utilized for improving erectile function in male patients.
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Bioreactors , Erectile Dysfunction , Drug Therapy , Panax , Patient Dropouts , Patient Satisfaction , Phytotherapy , Methods , Plant Extracts , Therapeutic Uses , Plant Roots , Cell Biology , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We investigated the effect of 100-year-old mountain ginseng(Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, PG-CAM) extract on patients with erectile dysfunction(ED). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 35 patients with ED(23 patients in PG-CAM administration group, 12 in placebo group) were enrolled in this double-blind study. The drug was administered for 12 weeks. Before and after administration, patients took the self-administered IIEF-5 questionnaire and were tested for serum hormone levels(testosterone, LH, FSH, estradiol), complete blood count, liver and renal function test, and urinalysis. RESULTS: The IIEF-5 scores for the placebo group were 19.7+/-2.3 and 19.9+/-3.6 before and after treatment, respectively. For all patients taking PG-CAM, IIEF-5 scores increased 18.1+/-5.6 to 20.2+/-4.5. For those patients with initial scores below 17, IIEF-5 scores increased from 12.4+/-6.2 to 19.7+/-6.7. These results indicate that PG-CAM may increase erectile function in ED patients, particularly those with poor erection. No changes were detected in hormonal levels or blood tests. No toxic side effect were reported. CONCLUSIONS: IIEF-5 score improved significantly in ED patients treated with PG-CAM, suggesting that PG-CAM extract could be a treatment candidates for ED.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Blood Cell Count , Double-Blind Method , Erectile Dysfunction , Hematologic Tests , Liver , Panax , Penis , Surveys and Questionnaires , UrinalysisABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We investigated the effect of 100-year-old mountain ginseng(Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, PG-CAM) extract on patients with erectile dysfunction(ED). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 35 patients with ED(23 patients in PG-CAM administration group, 12 in placebo group) were enrolled in this double-blind study. The drug was administered for 12 weeks. Before and after administration, patients took the self-administered IIEF-5 questionnaire and were tested for serum hormone levels(testosterone, LH, FSH, estradiol), complete blood count, liver and renal function test, and urinalysis. RESULTS: The IIEF-5 scores for the placebo group were 19.7+/-2.3 and 19.9+/-3.6 before and after treatment, respectively. For all patients taking PG-CAM, IIEF-5 scores increased 18.1+/-5.6 to 20.2+/-4.5. For those patients with initial scores below 17, IIEF-5 scores increased from 12.4+/-6.2 to 19.7+/-6.7. These results indicate that PG-CAM may increase erectile function in ED patients, particularly those with poor erection. No changes were detected in hormonal levels or blood tests. No toxic side effect were reported. CONCLUSIONS: IIEF-5 score improved significantly in ED patients treated with PG-CAM, suggesting that PG-CAM extract could be a treatment candidates for ED.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Blood Cell Count , Double-Blind Method , Erectile Dysfunction , Hematologic Tests , Liver , Panax , Penis , Surveys and Questionnaires , UrinalysisABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The implantation failure after embryo-transfer (ET) is a major continuing problem in in vitro fertilization (IVF). This study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of intravenous immunoglobulin for treatment of individuals experiencing repeated unexplained in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) failure. METHODS: A total of nine consecutive infertile patients who failed to become pregnant after previous IVF-ET replacing at least three or more normal developed embryos each were included in our study. During the subsequent new IVF-ET cycle, each women received intravenous immunoglobulin 500mg/kg before the embryo transfer. RESULTS: Only one implantation occurred. There were no remarkable side effects. A specific effect of intravenous immunoglobulin for patients with repeated IVF-ET failure could not be demonstrated. CONCLUSION: High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin may not be useful for patients with repeated failure of embryo transfer.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Embryo Transfer , Embryonic Structures , Fertilization in Vitro , ImmunoglobulinsABSTRACT
Although a higher incidence of ectopic pregnancy has been reported after in vitro fertilization(IVF) and embryo transfer(ET), five ectopic pregnancies in one patient is very rare. We experienced a case of combined interstitial and intrauterine pregnancy as fifth ectopic pregnancies after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in one patient with history of bilateral salpingectomy due to previous four tubal pregnancies. Repeated transvaginal ultrasound examinations confirmed heterotopic pregnancy. In IVF-ET, bilateral salpingectomy does not remove the risk of interstitial or cornual pregnancy.