Supplements for ercetile dysfunction (ED), typically involves informational material regarding dietary supplements, herbs, and lifestyle changes aimed at addressing or managing ED issues. These supplements often include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbal extracts believed to support sexual health and function.

H&QL For Men (Healthy and Quality Life For Men) is a product specially prepared by scanning current medical literature. The products it contains have neurotransmitter production, blood sugar and testosterone hormone regulation and anti-oxidant properties that play a role in the erection mechanism. With these features, regeneration is ensured in the penile tissue. H&QL For Men shows a synergistic effect when used together with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) group drugs and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). Those with chronic diseases should definitely consult their doctor.

In this article, I will give general information about the product content, its effects on erection physiology and its use.

What is “H&QL For Men”?

HQL is a food supplement prepared using current scientific literature to help erection problems in men. One box contains 60 capsules. The ingredients and their quantities are as follows:

• L-arginine: (600 mg/2 capsules)
• L-citrulline: (400 mg/2 capsules)
• Taurine: (100 mg/2 capsules)
• Pycnogenol: (100 mg/2 capsules)
• Epimedium: (80 mg/2 capsules)
• Panax: (80 mg/2 capsules)

How to use H&QL For Men?

H&QL For Men is taken as two capsules after meals, 12 hours apart, for the first 2 weeks in patients with ED problems. It is then continued in the form of capsules. For maximum effect, it should be used regularly for 3 months. Those who use medication due to chronic diseases should definitely consult their doctor.

L arginine

L-arginine is an amino acid that plays a crucial role in the production of nitric oxide (NO) within the body. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, meaning it helps to relax blood vessels, allowing for increased blood flow. In the context of erectile dysfunction (ED), L-arginine has been studied for its potential to improve blood flow to the genital area and thus enhance erectile function.

The theory behind using L-arginine for ED is that increasing nitric oxide levels can help dilate blood vessels in the penis, allowing for better blood flow and potentially improving erectile function. However, research on the effectiveness of L-arginine for treating ED has yielded mixed results.

Some studies have shown that L-arginine supplementation may benefit men with ED, particularly those with underlying endothelial dysfunction (a condition where the blood vessels do not function properly). However, other studies have found no significant improvement in erectile function compared to a placebo.

Additionally, L-arginine may interact with certain medications or medical conditions, so it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.

Citrulline

Citrulline is another amino acid that is closely related to L-arginine and plays a role in the production of nitric oxide (NO) within the body. When consumed, citrulline is converted into L-arginine in the body. This conversion occurs primarily in the kidneys.

The relationship between citrulline, L-arginine, and nitric oxide is significant because L-arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide synthesis. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes blood vessels and promotes increased blood flow. In the context of erectile dysfunction (ED), nitric oxide plays a crucial role in enabling penile erection by relaxing the smooth muscle tissue in the penis, allowing blood to flow into the erectile tissue.

Supplementing with citrulline can indirectly increase nitric oxide levels by boosting L-arginine levels in the body. Some research suggests that citrulline supplementation may be more effective than L-arginine supplementation alone for increasing plasma arginine levels because citrulline is more readily absorbed by the body and less subject to metabolism in the liver.

By increasing L-arginine levels, citrulline supplementation may enhance nitric oxide production and improve blood flow, potentially benefiting individuals with ED. Some studies have shown promising results regarding the efficacy of citrulline supplementation in improving erectile function, particularly in men with mild to moderate ED or those with endothelial dysfunction.

A meta-analysis published in the journal Urology in 2019 examined several studies investigating the effects of L-citrulline supplementation on ED. The analysis concluded that citrulline supplementation was associated with significant improvements in erectile function compared to placebo, particularly in men with mild to moderate ED and those with underlying cardiovascular risk factors.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

Taurine

Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is naturally found in various tissues throughout the body, including the brain, heart, and skeletal muscle. It plays several physiological roles, including serving as a neurotransmitter, regulating ion balance, and acting as an antioxidant.

While there isn’t substantial direct evidence on taurine’s specific role in treating erectile dysfunction (ED), some of its properties may indirectly affect sexual health. Here are a few potential mechanisms:

While taurine itself does not directly i0mpact nitric oxide (NO) levels, it may indirectly influence NO production through several mechanisms.

• Antioxidant Properties: Taurine exhibits antioxidant properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress can impair endothelial function and reduce NO bioavailability. By scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative damage, taurine may help preserve endothelial function and support NO-mediated vasodilation. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the development of ED, so antioxidants like taurine may have a protective effect.

• Cardiovascular Health: Taurine has been studied for its potential cardiovascular benefits, including its ability to improve blood vessel function and lower blood pressure. NO is a key regulator of vascular tone, and its production promotes vasodilation, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure and blood flow. Taurine’s cardiovascular effects may indirectly support NO production by promoting endothelial health and vascular relaxation. Since ED is often linked to poor cardiovascular health and impaired blood flow to the genital area, any improvement in cardiovascular function could indirectly benefit erectile function.
• Interaction with Calcium Channels: Taurine has been shown to modulate calcium channels in various tissues, including vascular smooth muscle cells. Calcium influx plays a role in NO production, as it triggers the activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), the enzyme responsible for NO synthesis. By influencing calcium channel activity, taurine may indirectly affect NO production.
• Antifibrotic activity: Taurine supplementation improves erectile function in rats with DED probably by potential antifibrotic activity.
• Blood sugar, testosterone and NO regulation: Taurine can stimulate testosterone secretion, increase nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and nitric oxide (NO) production, and reduce blood glucose levels in the diabetic animals. Taurine can increase sexual function of STZ-induced diabetic male rats mainly by correcting the diabetes, increasing sexual desire, which is implicated in ameliorating the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis function, and by improving penile erection, which requires increased signaling from the penile endothelial- and neuronal-dependent NO-cGMP pathway.

Pycnogenol

Pycnogenol is a patented extract derived from the bark of the French maritime pine tree (Pinus pinaster). It contains a mixture of bioflavonoids, primarily procyanidins, which are powerful antioxidants. Pycnogenol has been studied for various health benefits, including its potential role in improving erectile dysfunction (ED).

Several studies have investigated the effects of Pycnogenol on ED, often in combination with L-arginine, another supplement commonly used for this purpose. The rationale behind combining these two substances is that L-arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide (NO) production, while Pycnogenol may enhance the activity of the enzyme responsible for converting L-arginine into NO.

For example, a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2012 found that a combination of Pycnogenol and L-arginine significantly improved erectile function in men with mild to moderate ED compared to placebo. The participants in this study experienced improvements in various parameters, including erectile function scores and sexual satisfaction.

As always, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation for erectile dysfunction or any other health condition.

Panax ginseng

Panax ginseng, often referred to simply as ginseng, is a popular herbal remedy that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in East Asia. It is believed to have various health benefits, including potential effects on sexual function and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Several studies have explored the effects of Panax ginseng on ED, and while the results are somewhat mixed, there is some evidence to suggest that it may be beneficial for certain individuals.

Here are some potential mechanisms by which Panax ginseng may impact erectile function:

• Improvement in Nitric Oxide (NO) Production
• Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
• Hormonal (Testosterone) Regulation

Epimedium

Epimedium, also known as horny goat weed, is a herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is believed to have various health benefits, including potential effects on sexual function and erectile dysfunction (ED).

The active compound in epimedium extract is icariin, which is thought to be responsible for many of its medicinal properties. Here’s how epimedium extract may impact erectile function:

• Neurotransmitter regulation: NO is an important mediator for erection physiology. Improvement in NO production is possible with epimedium.
• Hormonal Regulation: Some research suggests that epimedium extract may influence hormone levels, including testosterone. Testosterone is important for maintaining sexual function, and optimizing hormone levels may help improve erectile function.
• Antioxidant Effects: Epimedium extract exhibits antioxidant properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Oxidative stress has been linked to endothelial dysfunction, a common underlying cause of ED, so reducing oxidative stress may help improve vascular health and erectile function.

Several studies have investigated the effects of epimedium extract on erectile function, with some reporting positive results. For example, a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2014 found that a combination of epimedium extract and icariin improved erectile function in rats with diabetes-related ED.

Summary

H&QL For Men is a special food supplement prepared by researching current literature to help men with erection problems. Its synergistic effect with the ingredients it contains is a unique feature of the product. Dosage adjustment can be made by the doctor according to the degree of chronic disease and symptoms.

Prof. Dr. Emin ÖZBEK

Urologist

Istanbul- TURKIYE