Korean J Androl.  2002 Apr;20(1):16-22.

Effects of Ginseng Alkaloid on the Tension of Rabbit Corpus Cavernosum

• Kim DW
• Kim DH
• Choi DW
• Kim DH
• Jung GW

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of Ginseng alkaloid on the tension regulation of corpus cavernosum, changes of tension of rabbit corpus cavernosum in vitro were studied after administration of Adaptagen(R) that is extract of Ginseng alkaloid. And changes of tension of rat aorta in vitro and rat blood pressure and heart rate in vivo were studied after administration of the same agent to evaluate systemic cardiovascular side effects.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Rabbit corpus cavernosal strips and rat aorta rings were prepared. Strips and rings were mounted in an organ bath and isometric tensions were recorded after administration of agents contracting or relaxing vascular smooth muscle and Adaptagen(R).
RESULTS
Adaptagen(R) relaxed rabbit corpus cavernosal strip and rat aorta ring contracted by phenylephrine in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment of L-nitroarginine inhibited the relaxing effect of Adaptagen(R) on phenylephrine-induced contraction of these tissues. In vivo, intraperitonealy administered Adaptagen(R) transiently decreased systemic blood pressure and heart rate of rat.
CONCLUSIONS
According to above RESULTS, Ginseng alkaloid relaxes corpus cavernosum in a dose-dependent manner without significant systemic side effects. Therefore, it is suggested that Ginseng alkaloid could enhance erectile function but further studies are required for clinical application.

Keyword

Ginseng alkaloid; Corpus cavernosum; Erectile function

MeSH Terms

Animals
Aorta
Baths
Blood Pressure
Heart Rate
Muscle, Smooth, Vascular
Panax*
Phenylephrine
Rats
Phenylephrine