More is Better: A New Player in Erectile Function

Written By Michael Gerber MD, HMD |

Male health certainly doesn’t solely revolve around erectile function and yet it is a reflection of our vascular and hormonal status. Before I introduce a new phenomenon in the erectile wars, it is important to review the basics.

Testosterone (T) is the most important sex hormone for men and is not only libidinal but also anti inflammatory, great for the heart and mood (grumpy old men) and supports healthy bones, muscles and prostate. Testosterone metabolism can be improved in many ways and is blocked by a number patent medications and environmental toxins. Eugene Shippen, MD gives a great review of many of these issues in his book The Testosterone Syndrome. Andropause (Manopause) can develop slowly in men after 50, but low T levels are frequently found in young males (and women), even in their 20’s and 30’s. It is important to test for it even in males who report satisfactory libido. A history, which includes prescribed anti depressants, proton pump inhibitors (Pepcid- Prilosec) and statin drugs, is also a reason to test T as they can inhibit T levels. Testosterone, is a mainstay for libido, sexual desire, and can be important for erectile function. However, vascular concerns may still restrict full functioning.

Nitric oxide (NO), the capillary vasodilatory, is made from the amino acids arginine and citrulline and is necessary for blood flow into the pelvic pudendal artery to achieve erections. Arginine and nitric oxide levels decrease with aging and are good to supplement for everyone, and they are helpful with erectile dysfunction. ED drugs such as Viagra and Cialis are specific nitric oxide synthase agonists (increase NO for the pelvic vasculature).

“More is better” is a rather shallow concept, but it’s good to note and acknowledge the miraculous power of homeopathy using infinitesimal dosages, which have the potential to have great effect in male disorders and aging issues. However, our male patients who have what I call the John Wayne personality (I only have one lung but I still smoke two packs of Camels a day) need a more allopathic (regular medical) feeling approach to a healthier sex life. Side effects of the above medications, hypotension, blue vision and erections lasting for more than four hours, etc. give concerns about long term safety for their administration. Likewise, some herbal aphrodisiac preparations such as Yohimbine, an alpha2 adrenergic agonist, can cause tachycardia (rapid heart rate), dizziness, anxiety, insomnia and has a very narrow window of therapeutic effectiveness without side effects. A quick review of herbal and amino acid erectile products on Google turned up 170 different products.

Pandan

Pandan, a combination of Philippine herbs brought to the U.S. by Andreas Marx, ND, OMD, LAC, a German Naturopath from Cologne who lectured for Dr. Vol and has taught EAV (electroacupunture) for over 35 years is the president of MarcoPharma International Company. He has imported Nestmann herbal tinctures from Germany and has recently developed a new spectrum of Philippine herbs, Volcano Life, which bring a Pacific influence of wonderful new products to the American market place. Pandan comes from the Thatch Screwpine herb, Pandanaceae tectorius and Bignay, Horseradish tree, Saw palmetto, with accompanying famous herbs for kidney and immune boosting health Ngai camphor tree, Holy basil, Yerba Buena, Pansit-panisitan, Chinese chaste tree, Indian tinospora, Madagascar periwinkle, Rauwolfia and Panax ginseng.

The bottom line with this preparation of herbs has been great improvement with erectile function. It helps with frequency of erections, as well as duration of erections. We call it Cialis lite. Wives and girlfriends insist their mate keeps up with their Pandans. After approximately one and a half years of using the herbs in our clinic, we have had no reports of side effects of any kind. The dose is one or two caps per day with one or two 30 minutes before intimacy. Some men prefer three before intimacy. It is great to have a safe herbal preparation, with many health benefits, to assist men with erectile function.

References:

Shippen, MD, Eugene and Fryer, William. The Testosterone Syndrome. M. Evans and Company, Inc. 1998.

Marco Pharma International. 851 Highland St., Roseburg, OR 97470. 1-800-999-3001.