World J Mens Health.  2015 Aug;33(2):62-72. 10.5534/wjmh.2015.33.2.62.

Current Status and Clinical Studies of Oriental Herbs in Sexual Medicine in Korea

• Shin YS
• Zhao C
• Zhang LT
• Park JK

• KMID: 2032825
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.2015.33.2.62

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common diseases among aging men. Although previous studies have shown that type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE5-Is) are very effective for the treatment of ED, many researchers are currently attempting to identify therapeutic agents from natural sources with comparable or better effects than PDE5-Is. Herbal medicine is thought to be advantageous because it is natural; moreover, it not only treats isolated symptoms, but also maintains general well-being. Furthermore, since newly created chemical compound libraries have limited structural diversity with regard to pharmaceutical agents, more attention has recently been paid to the ability of oriental herbs to enhance physical health, including sexual function. Herein, we review the current status of Korean preclinical or clinical studies of the application of oriental herbs to sexual medicine.

Keyword

Erectile dysfunction; Herbal medicine; Medicine, East Asian traditional; Reproductive health

MeSH Terms

Aging
Erectile Dysfunction
Herbal Medicine
Humans
Korea*
Male
Medicine, East Asian Traditional
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
Reproductive Health
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 The raw materials of various herbal medicines and mixtures of multiple plants. (A) Korean red ginseng, (B) Korean mountain ginseng, (C) Gingko biloba, (D) Rubus coreanus, (E) Cornus officinalis, (F) Schisandra chinensis, (G) Lepidium meyenii, (H) male silkworm extract.

• 

  Fig. 2 Commercial products of various herbal medicines and mixtures of multiple plants. (A) Korean red ginseng, (B) Korean mountain ginseng, (C) Gingko biloba, (D) Rubus coreanus, (E) Cornus officinalis, (F) Lepidium meyenii, (G) male silkworm extract, (H) SS cream.

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