Evaluation of Serum Testosterone Levels Following Three Months of SA3X (Spilanthes acmella) Supplementation.

Abstract

Introduction: Low testosterone is usually associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). SA3X (Spilanthes acmella) has proven to be effective in alleviating symptoms of ED, which could be due to an alteration in serum testosterone levels. This study was carried out to evaluate the change in testosterone levels in participants with ED supplemented with SA3X for three months.Materials and Methods: A group of 326 sexually active men aged 25-60 years was investigated from November 2021 to May 2022 in Hyderabad. The participants were subjected to supplementation with SA3X capsules for three months, and a follow-up was done at the end of six months with serum testosterone assessment in each visit. The change in testosterone level was assessed using a mixed model repeated measures analysis.Results: A significant increase was observed in the mean serum testosterone levels by the end of the second month (323.91 ± 13.76 ng/dL vs. 309.84 ± 14.11 ng/dL; p=0.03) and third month (332.27 ± 12.85 ng/dL vs. 309.84 ± 14.11 ng/dL; p<0.01) of SA3X therapy. The adjusted mean change in testosterone levels was found to be 22.43 ng/dL at the end of the three-month therapy. It was also observed that the change in testosterone levels was significantly lower in participants having diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and a history of substance abuse. However, participants on phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors had an increased change in testosterone levels.Conclusion: Supplementation with SA3X capsules for three months increases the serum testosterone levels. However, causality cannot be ascertained owing to the longitudinal nature of the study, and further controlled trials are required for the same.