Saturday Nov 30, 2013 (foodconsumer.org) -- A study of four herbal supplements published in Andrologia indicates that herbal supplementation can help men with erection dysfunction and improve sperm count.

The study tested lyophilized aqueous extracts of Asparagus racemosus Willd., Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant. F., Curculigo orchioides Gaertn., and Dactylorhiza hatagirea in male rats and found these supplements significantly improved the sperm count, seminal fructose, content and penile erection index.

The oral dose used in the study was 100 mg per kg body weight.  For a 170-pound man, he may need 7,700 mg per day to have the same effects if the findings are applicable to men.

The study also found the enhanced erectable function directly associated with nitric oxide (NO) induced by the herbal supplements.

The four Vajikaran Rasayana herbs, particularly Chlorophytum Borivilianum were also tested and found to provide a strong aphrodisiac effect and other reproductive benefits.

The study report titled "Improvement of penile erection, sperm count and seminal fructose levels in vivo and nitric oxide release in vitro by ayurvedic herbs" was authored by Dr Mayank Thakur, Central Institute for Pathobiochemistry, Charité University of Medicine, Campus Benjamin Franklin in Hindenburgdamm, Berlin, Germany and colleagues.

Some basic information on the herbal supplements

Asparagus racemosus (Satavar, Shatavari, or Shatamull) is a species of asparagus commonly found throughout Sri Lanka, India and the Himalayas. The herb is recommended in Ayurvedic medicine to prevent and treat gastric ulcers, dyspepsia and as a galactogogue.

Chlorophytum borivilianum also known as safed musli is another herb found in tropical wet forests in peninsular India. It has been recently found that this herb is a strong an aphrodisiac agent or a herb that can boost a man's sexual drive.

Curculigo orchioides also known as Xian mao, black musli, Kala musli, Hemapuspi, Talamulika, Mosali , Golden Eye-grass has been found to provide a range of health benefits as a rejuvenating and aphrodisiac drug. The herb can not only help the production of sperm, treat asthma, prevent and treat cancer, but also help prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease because it contains natural phenols curculigosides, which protect against β-amyloid aggregation.

Dactylorhiza hatagirea is a species of orchid found in the Himalayas and its juice from tuber is used as tonic and a medicine to treat pyorrhea or inflammation of the gum and teeth.  Root paste of the herb can be applied topically to treat cuts and wounds and its extract is indicated for the treatment of intestinal disorders. (David Liu, PHD)