Asian traditional medicine for erectile dysfunction

Asian cultures have different belief systems and health seeking behaviors and they believe strongly in the holistic approach to medicine and health. Asian traditional medicine emphasizes the importance of prevention of illnesses and development of natural resistance to disease, and thus believes in the promotion of general well-being. Asian traditional medicine predominates in the Asian countries, and it is used for the treatment of various physical and mental illnesses. It has also been used for the treatment of sexual dysfunction, namely erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. However, the majority of research into the safety and efficacy of medicinal plants or herbs are mainly based on animal models and very limited studies on humans, probably due to negative clinical trial results, drug interactions or toxic reactions. It is generally very difficult to identify the actual ingredient of a herbal medication that is effective for the treatment of ED. Various traditional medicines, such as herbal medicine or animal products, which are used for the treatment of ED are discussed in this paper. It is important for physicians treating ED to know about the various traditional medicines and the perception and beliefs of ED sufferers regarding traditional therapies. Physicians should understand the potential associated health risks of various traditional medicines because of possible adverse events, drug interactions, contamination or adulteration of the medicine. Finally, practitioners treating ED should recognize and emulate the emphatic and approachable qualities of traditional therapists.