Can ginseng replace viagra? Korean red ginseng shows promise in improving erectile dysfunction and libido for men, according to a new report - Natural Medicine - Brief Article

Natural Health, April, 2003

FOR CENTURIES, MEN IN ASIA HAVE boosted their sexual performance with a potent form of ginseng called Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng). Recently, the remedy held up to scrutiny in a study published in the Journal of Urology. Korean researchers had 45 impotent men take either 900 mg of Korean red ginseng or a placebo three times daily. After eight weeks, both groups stopped treatment for two weeks and then switched to the opposite regimen for eight more weeks. The men taking Korean red ginseng increased their erectile function and libido by 42 and 23 percent respectively; the placebo group increased theirs by only 6 and 3 percent.

Not all men will benefit equally from Korean red ginseng, says Bob Damone, L.Ac, a San Diego-based acupuncturist and herbalist. He suggests consulting with a traditional Chinese medicine doctor or herbalist. To find one, contact the American Association of Oriental Medicine (888-500-7999; www.aaom.org). If you're on medication, check with your doctor before taking the herb.