Effects of Sanchi ginseng Extract on the Sexual Function in Japanese Men―A Randomized, Double—blind, Placebo—controlled, Parallel—group Trial―

Objectives This study aims to investigate the effects of consuming Sanchi ginseng（Panax notoginseng）extract capsules on male libido in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. Methods In this study, we enrolled 44 healthy Japanese adult men with low libido, low erectile function domain scores on the International Index of Erectile Function（IIEF）, and who fulfilled the inclusion criteria set by the physician. We randomly assigned all participants to either the intervention or the placebo group（n＝22 each）, and each participant consumed one capsule per day for 12 weeks of the appropriate treatment. We assessed libido at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after ingestion using the IIEF, free testosterone and high-sensitivity prostate-specific antigen（hs-PSA）concentrations, nocturnal penile tumescence, the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male（ADAM）questionnaire, and the visual analogue scale of fatigue（VAS-F）. In addition, we evaluated the safety of test foods. Results The intervention group revealed a significant elevation in the satisfaction domain score on the IIEF and prevented an increase in the hs-PSA concentration. The ADAM questionnaire analysis revealed the reduction of subjective symptoms associated with low libido. In addition, the pre- and post-sleep penile circumference significantly increased 9 and 10 weeks after ingestion（P＝0.025, 0.027, 0.04, and 0.021, respectively）. We observed no adverse events. Conclusions The consumption of Sanchi ginseng extract capsules for 12 weeks increases and maintains libido in healthy Japanese adult men with low libido. Furthermore, the ingestion of Sanchi ginseng capsules is safe under the conditions examined.