Phytotherapy of Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire of Psychogenic Origin: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

This is a prospective placebo-controlled study to test the efficacy and safety of a dietary supplement (Vigoryx®, FG. -Pharma, Rome-Italy) for men with Psychogenic Hypoactive Sexual Desire (pHSD). The composition of Vigoryx was as follows: selenium 55 mg, L-Carnitine 250 mg, red ginseng 135 mg, aframomum 20 mg and eruca 300 mg. This is a two-center prospective blind placebo-controlled study. All patients affected by pHSD were considered to be candidates. Sexual desire was assessed in each patient before and after active drug or placebo administration using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF15, items 11 and 12) and Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I, seven grade scale) scores. The patients received Vigoryx® (active drug, Group 1) or a control substance (alimentary starch, Group 2). The differences between the unmatched groups were assessed using the Mann-Whitney Rank test, and the differences between before and after (matched groups) therapy were assessed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. The side effects were compared between the two groups using the chi2 test. Eighty-four patients were studied. Forty patients used Vigoryx (Group 1), and 44 used a placebo (Group 2). No significant differences existed between the basal IIEF scores, and between the basal scores and the score achieved after a three-month administration of the control substance; on the other hand, the IIEF score after a three-month administration of Vigoryx was significantly higher than the basal scores and the score achieved after control substance administration. Furthermore, the PGI-I score achieved after active drug administration was significantly higher than the PGI-I score achieved after starch administration. No side effects emerged in either group. Vigoryx is a safe and efficient drug for the treatment of pHSD.