Sex Supplement Improves Quality of Life

CHICAGO Sexual function dietary supplements can also improve other aspect of health, giving manufacturers more ways to market products. For instance, a sexual function dietary supplement made from a patented formula containing a proprietary blend of L-arginine, ginseng, ginkgo and 14 vitamins improved overall quality of life for female cancer survivors, according to findings were presented at the 2011 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago.

Previous research has shown ArginMax helps to increase libido in menopausal women as well as in pre- and perimenopausal women, but this is the first study to show the supplement improves overall quality of life.

With funding from the National Cancer Institute, researchers at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest Baptist, the Derrick L. Davis Forsyth Regional Cancer Center and multiple other cancer centers across the country recruited 186 adult female cancer survivors to participate in the double blind, placebo-controlled study on ArginMax (from The Daily Wellness Company, Honolulu) .

Participants received three capsules of either ArginMax or placebo twice a day for 12 weeks and were asked to complete two standardized questionnaires that accurately measure sexual function and quality of life. The questionnaires were completed at the start of the study, at four weeks, eight weeks and 12 weeks.  The Female Sexual Function Index is a questionnaire that measures different aspects of sexual function, such as desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain.  The FACT-G questionnaire measures overall quality of life and has been used in research of all cancer types. It evaluates physical, emotional, social and functional well-being. 

Researchers found an across-the-board boost in measures of overall quality of life for the patients who were randomized to take ArginMax. The FACT-G questionnaires showed improvements in both physical and functional well being among the participants taking the supplement. 

Bothersome symptoms such as lack of energy, pain, nausea, and sleeplessness were all improved, as were measures of functional well-being, for example the ability to perform normal activities at home or work," said Kathryn M. Greven, M.D., a radiation oncologist and investigator on the study. Simply, they reported a greater enjoyment of life, without any additional side effects from the supplement."

Edward G. Shaw, M.D., M.A., an oncologist as well as counselor, is principal investigator for Wake Forest Baptists Community Clinical Oncology Program Research Base and a co-researcher on the study.  He explained that cancer survivors can suffer from persistent inflammation, also known as chronic oxidative stress, which can continue for years following treatment of cancer causing fatigue that affects quality of life. He hypothesized that the ingredients in ArginMax for Women may help to counteract this process.