Evaluating a drink supplement to improve male sexual function in men taking PDE5-inhibitors

This study investigated the effectiveness of a drink supplement with testofen, L-citrulline, resveratrol, and caffeine (TLRC) in improving sexual function in men taking phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5-i). Researchers suggested that the TLRC drink improves the sexual function in these patients.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get and maintain an erection firm enough for sex. This affects the quality of life of men with ED. A normal sexual desire and orgasm (the climax of sexual relations) are also important for the quality of life of men. However, there are no approved oral drugs or drinks to treat dysfunction in sexual desire and orgasm. 

PDE5is such as sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis) are a standard treatment for patients with ED. Testofen, L-citrulline, resveratrol, and caffeine are naturally occurring substances that have shown to have activity sexual function. Prior studies confirmed the effectiveness of combined therapy with L-citrulline, resveratrol, and PDE5i in ED.

Testofen reduces age-related symptoms in healthy aging males. Caffeine has been shown to improve sexual function in animals. However, studies in humans are rare. Even though the effectiveness of these agents alone has been confirmed, the effect of combined treatment is still not known.

This study included 20 male patients with sexual dysfunction taking PDE5is. These participants were assigned to receive a placebo (a drug with no effect on the body) or a TLRC drink for 14 days. Patients continued receiving PDE5i treatment.

Desire and erection frequency, firmness, and confidence significantly improved in patients taking TLRC. Other factors such as sexual satisfaction, ejaculation and orgasm frequency, and overall satisfaction also improved. No negative side effects were reported.  

This study concluded that a TLRC drink supplement was associated with improvements in the sexual function of male patients taking PDE5is.

This study included a very small number of participants and a short follow-up period. Further studies with bigger populations and extended follow-up are needed.