MEDIA WATCH

Herbal remedy for erectile dysfunction passes clinical trial

TREATMENT of erectile dysfunction with the use of herbal remedy has got a boost in a clinical trial conducted by local researchers.

The remedy, Manix herbal capsules, in the trial conducted at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, Lagos State, proved efficacious in African men, after similar feat in India.

Duo of Dr. Kehinde Adegoke and Dr. Habib Tijani (both of LUTH) submitted in the study that Manix could reverse the age-related decrease in testosterone levels in men.

“Manix herbal capsules taken twice daily over 40 days increases testosterone by 26 per cent in African men. When taken for 90 days, the testosterone levels increases by 85 per cent. The results are increase in sexual arousal and pleasure, penile rigidity and duration of erection leading to longer lasting and more satisfying sex,” their findings stated.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence according to experts is commonly known as the inability to develop and maintain an erection for satisfactory coital intercourse or activity. ED could lead to undesirable consequences such as poor satisfaction while having sex, loss of libido or sexual drive and male infertility. It could also lead to psychological problems such as depression and low self-esteem.

ED is highly under reported and under treated problem in men. A recent study in Nigeria found that 57 per cent of men over 35 years have reported incidences of ED. Still, most men feel reluctant or embarrassed to discuss this problem with their doctors or take treatment.

While adding that Manix, made by Wockhardt Limited India, is not a quick-fix solution to ED like other over the counter and prescription drugs, Adegoke, who is also a Medical Laboratory Scientist, said that Manix goes beyond managing ED to treating the root cause of infertility and dysfunction.

Speaking at the unveiling of sole marketing rite of Manix by Greenlife Pharmaceutical Limited, Adegoke said that he embarked on the study out of curiousity having come in contact with it in 2004. He added that while it took a while to get the ethical clearance (being an herbal product), the fact that it was briefly out of market was worrisome to those that already know its efficacy. “But now, we are happy that it is back in the market,” he said.

Product Development Manager for Wockhardt Nigeria, Hemanshu Katira explained that sperm production is a continuous process. Even as some sperms mature, many more are being born.

“Thus, at all given times there are millions of sperms at different stages of development. Manix helps in the development and maturation of sperms. It increases the semen volume by 41 per cent, improves the sperm motility by 124 per cent and increases the sperm count by nearly four times over a period of 90 days.”

Experts at the occasion, among them Greenlife Executive Chairman, Dr. Obiora Chukwuka noted that the main cause of ED is progressing age.

It was observed that by the age of 40 years, 40 per cent of all men had faced at least one incidence of ED. Other factors that increase chances of ED are work-related stress, depression, diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, smoking, alcohol, drug abuse and certain prescribed medications. The effect is that 10 to 15 per cent of all couples fail to conceive even after a year of unprotected sex.

Chukwuka and the Vice President, Wockhardt Limited, Mr. Vithal Dhamankar however expressed delight on the partnership to bring the multi-prong scientific product and solution to Nigerians.
Reference:
ngrguardianews.com/Wole Oyebade. 2012. Herbal remedy for erectile dysfunction passes clinical trial. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=77138:herbal-remedy-for-erectile-dysfunction-passes-clinical-trial&catid=44:natural-health&Itemid=599. [Accessed 19 February 12].