ED

[HysteryDiagnosis]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17703218

In a randomly allocated, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 50 patients with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction (ED) were treated for 1 month with placebo or a combination of L-arginine aspartate and Pycnogenol (Prelox). Patients reported sexual function from diaries. Testosterone levels and endothelial NO synthase (e-NOS) were monitored along with routine clinical chemistry. Intake of Pycnogenol for 1 month restored erectile function to normal. Intercourse frequency doubled. e-NOS in spermatozoa and testosterone levels in blood increased significantly. Cholesterol levels and blood pressure were lowered. No unwanted effects were reported. Prelox is a promising alternative to treat mild to moderate ED.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20184576
BJU Int. 2010 Oct;106(7):1030-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1464-410X.2010.09213.x. Epub 2010 Feb 22.
Investigation of a complex plant extract for mild to moderate erectile dysfunction in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm study.

Ledda A, Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Dugall M, Schönlau F.

Irvine Vascular Laboratories and Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Gabriele D'Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of a complex plant extract (Prelox®, a formulation of pine bark extract and l-arginine aspartate; Horphag Research UK Ltd, London, UK) on erectile dysfunction (ED) in men, as sexual desire typically persists in ageing men, while their erectile and endothelial function gradually declines.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study we assessed the effects of Prelox in 124 patients (aged 30-50 years) with moderate ED over an investigational period of 6 months. The International Index Of Erectile Function (IIEF) was used to quantify changes in sexual function.

RESULTS: The erectile domain of the IIEF (questions 1-5 plus 15) improved with Prelox from a baseline mean (sd) score of 15.2 (6.6) to 25.2 (2.1) after 3 months and 27.1 (2.1) after 6 months of treatment. In the placebo group there was an increase from a baseline score of 15.1 (7.0) to 19.1 (3.0) and 19.0 (3.1) after 3 and 6 months, respectively. The effects with Prelox were statistically significant compared with placebo (P < 0.05). Mean (SD) total plasma testosterone levels increased significantly from 15.9 (2.3) to 18.9 (2.6) nmol/L (P < 0.05) after 6 months with Prelox, compared to an increase from 16.9 (2.4) to 17.3 (2.3) nmol/L in the placebo group.

CONCLUSION: This study shows that Prelox is effective for improving erectile function, and that this effect persists on continuous therapy for up to 6 months. Moreover, there is some evidence that erectile function continues to improve the longer the therapy is used.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

1. Side effects may include:

Oh, my bad, these are potential side effects for Cialis. Pycnogenol and L-Arginine have none to speak of.

Cialis side effects may include:

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

If you become dizzy or nauseated during sexual activity, or if you have pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw, stop and call your doctor right away. You could be having a serious side effect of tadalafil.

Stop using tadalafil and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

* sudden vision loss;
* ringing in your ears, or sudden hearing loss;
* chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
* irregular heartbeat;
* swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
* shortness of breath;
* seizure (convulsions);
* vision changes;
* feeling light-headed, fainting; or
* penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.

Less serious side effects may include:

* warmth or redness in your face, neck, or chest;
* stuffy nose, sore throat;
* headache;
* memory problems;
* diarrhea, upset stomach; or
* muscle pain, back pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

[trotsky]

2. Oh, the stuff you peddle NEVER has side effects, now does it?

Oops.

Pycnogenol has not been studied as extensively as most medications. As a result, only some information is available about the possible side effects of Pycnogenol. Based on this information, side effects may include headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Although most studies have indicated that the supplement is not likely to cause serious side effects, you should contact your healthcare provider if you develop signs of allergic reactions or other serious problems.

...

Possibly bothersome (but not usually dangerous) Pycnogenol side effects include:
* Stomach or intestinal discomfort
* Headaches
* Nausea
* Dizziness.

...

Serious Pycnogenol Side Effects
In general, studies have indicated that Pycnogenol is unlikely to cause serious side effects. Theoretically, it could increase the risk of bleeding, including dangerous internal bleeding, but studies have not demonstrated this risk. Also, in theory, pycnogenol could increase the risk of low blood sugar in people with diabetes, especially if it is combined with diabetes medications.

As with any supplement or medication, it is possible that Pycnogenol could cause allergic reactions. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop any signs of an allergic reaction, such as:

* An unexplained rash
* Hives
* Itching
* Swelling of the mouth or throat
* Wheezing
* Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

More info

L-arginine is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken appropriately by mouth short-term. It can cause some side effects such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, gout, blood abnormalities, allergies, airway inflammation, worsening of asthma, and low blood pressure.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: L-arginine is POSSIBLY SAFE when used appropriately short-term in pregnancy. Not enough is known about using L-arginine long-term in pregnancy or during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: L-arginine is POSSIBLY SAFE when used by mouth in premature infants in appropriate doses. When used in high doses, L-arginine is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Doses that are too high can cause serious side effects including death in children.

Allergies or asthma: L-arginine can cause an allergic response or make swelling in the airways worse. If you decide to take L-arginine, use it with caution.

Herpes: There is a concern that L-arginine might make herpes worse. There is some evidence that L-arginine is needed for the herpes virus to multiply.

Low blood pressure: L-arginine might lower blood pressure. This could be a problem if you already have low blood pressure.

Recent heart attack: There is a concern that L-arginine might increase the risk of death after a heart attack, especially in older people. If you have had a heart attack recently, don’t take L-arginine.

Surgery: L-arginine might affect blood pressure. There is a concern that it might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop taking L-arginine at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

More info

"None to speak of," eh? Good thing no one is taking you seriously for medical advice.