Translation of the study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21195829/
The article titled "Oral L-citrulline supplementation improves erection hardness in men with mild erectile dysfunction" by Luigi Cormio and colleagues explores the effectiveness and safety of oral L-citrulline supplementation to improve erection hardness in men with mild erectile dysfunction (ED).
L-arginine is known to improve nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation and endothelial function, but its oral supplementation is limited due to significant presystemic metabolism. L-citrulline, however, escapes this metabolism and is converted to L-arginine, thus justifying its use as an oral supplement to support the nitric oxide-related pathway of penile erection.
In this single-blind study, men with mild ED received a placebo for one month then L-citrulline 1.5 g/day for another month. Results showed a significant improvement in erection hardness, with a hardness rating going from 3 (mild ED) to 4 (normal erectile function) in 50% of participants taking L-citrulline, compared to only 8.3% on placebo. The average number of sexual encounters per month also increased significantly with L-citrulline supplementation. All patients who reported improvement were very satisfied with the treatment.
The study concludes that although L-citrulline is less effective than phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors in the short term, it appears to be a safe option and well accepted by patients. Its use as an alternative treatment for mild to moderate ED, particularly in patients reluctant to use phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for psychological reasons, warrants further exploration.