New research shows promising results for those dealing with erectile dysfunction and diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), erectile dysfunction (ED) affects up to 30 million men in the U.S., and approximately 1 in 4 new cases of ED occur in men under the age of 40. A peer-reviewed study, published in the Bratislava Medical Journal, shows that daily supplementation with the natural antioxidant, Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract distributed in North America by New Jersey-based Horphag Research (USA) Inc., can improve the symptoms of ED. This study adds to a body of research showing the benefits of Pycnogenol for improving circulation and blood flow, strengthening the vascular system and managing cholesterol.
Research shows that men with diabetes have a three-times higher risk of developing ED than average (according to the CDC) and more than half of all men with diabetes will experience symptoms of ED at some point in their lives (via Reuters).
Pycnogenol, is shown in numerous studies to support vascular function, a key organ system responsible for circulating blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Pycnogenol is a standardized form of French maritime pine bark extract that promotes nitric oxide production for vascular health and blood circulation.
The new double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 53 patients with ED. Participants were divided into two groups to examine the effects of Pycnogenol for individuals with erectile dysfunction alone, and for patients with ED combined with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers analyzed participant improvement using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire and blood samples to measure biochemical markers for diabetes. Following the three-month study period, results showed that supplementation with 120 mg of Pycnogenol daily significantly improved erectile function in both test groups, including:
• 45 percent improvement of erectile function in the diabetes participant group (vs. a 20 percent decrease in the placebo group)
• 22 percent improvement of erectile function in the ED-only participant group (vs. a 16 percent decrease in the placebo group)
Participants reported additional cardiovascular benefits, including:
• 20 percent reduction of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the diabetes participant group (vs >1 percent increase in the placebo group)
• 14 percent improvement of LDL cholesterol in the ED-only participant group (vs. 4 percent in the placebo group)
• 22 percent improvement of serum glucose in the diabetes participant group (vs. >1 percent in the placebo group)
For more information, visit https://www.pycnogenol.com/.
