Peyronie’s disease is a condition that causes bending of the erect penis due to scarring of penile connective tissue. It is frequently caused by engaging in intense sex but can also result from other kinds of trauma, such as sports-related injuries.
Despite the common perception, this condition does not resolve on its own. The sooner it is treated, however, the better. Taking the correct measures can reduce symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse.
Treatment Options
Surgery is one option, however, it is painful, expensive, and inconvenient. Penile surgery is also very risky and can even result in reduced erectile function.
Perhaps the most economical, convenient and least-invasive treatment for Peyronie’s is the use of a penile traction device (penis extender). These devices have been shown to gradually correct penile curvature without any side effects.
However, there are nutritional supplements you can take to help reduce the severity and prevent the condition from getting worse. In this article, we’ll be reviewing seven of the best supplements for Peyronie’s disease.
Top 7 Supplements For Treating Peyronie’s Disease
All of the following nutritional supplements can be purchased over-the-counter, and they do not require a prescription from your doctor.
1. PABA (Para-Aminobenzoic Acid)
Potassium aminobenzoate (PABA) belongs to the vitamin B family and is used as a natural treatment for fibrosis, condition causing the skin and tissues to lose their flexibility. For this reason, it could possibly be used as an effective treatment for PD.
There are a number of studies that support the use PABA for treating Peyronie’s disease. For instance, one study involved 21 Peyronie’s patients who received PABA treatment. The men all reported a decrease in pain, and over 80% of them said that they experienced an improvement in their curvature. More than 75% saw a decrease in plaque, as well. (1)
Another study involving 32 participants with PD were given 12 grams of Potaba powder each day for at least three months (Potaba is the pharmaceutical version of PABA). They were also monitored for an additional 8-24 months.
8 out of 18 participants reported improvement in penile discomfort, 18 out of 32 participants experienced a decrease in plaque, and penile curvature was improved for 18 out of 31 participants. Not only that, eight of the participants saw a complete elimination of their penile curvature. (2)
The recommended daily intake of PABA is 12g per day, divided into four equal doses. Maximum daily intake is 20 grams.
However, this supplement is not often recommended for Peyronie’s disease treatment because of the significant gastrointestinal side effects that can develop from taking high doses PABA. Other side effects that are less common include nausea, decreased appetite, rash or fever. Additionally, PABA can interact with some antibiotics and other medications, as well.
2. Baikal Skullcap
Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria biicalensis), not to be confused with skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora ), is a plant that has been long used in traditional Chinese medicine. Do not confuse Baikal skullcap and skullcap. They are two different plants.
Also known as Chinese skullcap, baikal skullcap contains compounds that may reduce swelling and halt the growth of tumors.
While Scutellaria baicalensis is often used to treat a number of conditions (such as respiratory infections, diabetes, Ostearthritis and others), research has shown that it can also significantly reduce the symptoms associated with Peyronie’s disease.
One study demonstrated that baikal skullcap extract was helpful in decreasing penile plaque, erectile pain, and penile curvature, while improving erectile function in patients with Peyronie’s. Scutellaria biicalensis extract was also effective at preventing the symptoms from progressing and reducing their chance of recurrence. (3)
3. Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Carnitine is an amino acid that the body naturally produces in the liver and kidneys, and is stored in the brain, heart, skeletal muscles, and sperm. Carnitine is often recommended as a treatment for many conditions including Peyronie’s, because it acts as an antioxidant. These antioxidant effects help to restore cell damage that’s caused by inflammation.
A study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Acetyle-L carnitine in treating PD. 48 participants were treated with daily doses of either 20 mg of the drug tamoxifen or 1 gram of acetyl L-carnitine for a three-month period.
Tamoxifen was substantially less effective than Acetyl L-carnitine at reducing pain and preventing the progression of the condition. However, both were effective at decreasing penile plaque.
Acetyl L-carnitine also substantially decreased penile curvature. However, more research is needed in order to support these findings. (4)
The recommended dose of L-carnitine for the treatment of Peyronie’s is 1 gram twice per day for three months.
4. L-Arginine
L-Arginine is an amino acid that is converted in the body into nitric dioxide. Nitric oxide improves blood flow by relaxing and widening the blood vessels.
For this reason, L-Arginine is often used to treat cardiovascular conditions, such as high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. L-Arginine is also a supplement used to treat ED (erectile dysfunction).
L-Arginine, when used in combination with other PD supplements, works together synergistically to combat Peyronie’s symptoms. This supplement has been shown to reduce pain and improve functionality.
Research has shown that L-Arginine has antifibrotic properties, and is believed to prevent scarring. However, there is no evidence that it can reverse existing scar tissue (as is the case for Peyronie’s, but L-Arginine could be helpful in preventing further progression of the condition.
The recommended L-arginine dose for treating Peyronie’s is 1 gram (1,000 mg) twice daily.
5. Coenzyme Q10
CoQ10, is a nutritional supplement has been shown to have a positive effect on Peyronie’s disease. Although the benefits aren’t huge, CoQ10 is extremely safe, very affordable, and good for your heart.
CoQ10 appears to be most beneficial for men in the earlier stages of Peyronie’s disease, where the plaque has not yet become hardened. Research indicates that CoQ10 may help prevent the progression of disease and the worsening of penile curvature, along with other symptoms.
CoQ10 also has very beneficial effects on the heart, and it is a supplement often recommended by cardiologists. The daily CoQ10 dosage is typically suggested at between 300 and 600 mg daily.
6. Vitamin E
Vitamin E supplements may be beneficial for the early stages of Peyronie’s disease, primarily within the first 6-12 months. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties that improve healing, and can be used to help counteract any scarring or tissue damage that may result from this condition.
Vitamin E is naturally found in vegetable oils. However, a concentrated supplement can be purchased over-the-counter.
Currently, there is no evidence that taking vitamin E by itself will help treat Peyronie’s disease. However, it is still prescribed frequently and given in conjunction with other treatment options with the belief that there may be a potential synergistic effect.
7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, the heart-healthy fats found in fish and grass-fed animals, have anti-inflammatory properties and can relieve pain and discomfort. Men who have Peyronie’s may feel less pain and discomfort by increasing omega-3 intake. They work in a similar way to NSAIDs to relieve pain.
Research suggests that supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids may prove beneficial in treating the symptoms of Peyronie’s disease. However, further research is necessary to establish a clear link between omega-3s and it’s potential benefits.
Omega-3 are found in fatty fish, such as salmon, and grass-fed meats. For maximum intake, however, over-the-counter supplementation is best.
Alternative to Supplements: Penile Traction Devices
Penile traction devices (also called penis extenders) are a game-changer when it comes to Peyronie’s treatment. The traction method is a popular and effective method for correcting curvature of the penis.
Medical professionals have used penis extension devices to help thousands of men around the globe straighten their penis to straighten and lengthen the penis.
These devices apply constant tension that gradually helps straighten your penis. In fact, this was the original purpose that these devices created for.
When worn, the penis straightener will provide a constant stretch along the length of the penis. For men with PD, this will naturally stretch the affected side more than the other.
Over time, the cells of the penis will begin to split and multiply, forming new cells as a result. One side of your penis will experience more tension than the other, resulting in more cell duplication on that side.
Eventually, the side of the penis that was affected will catch up to the other, resulting in a straighter – and longer – penis. And for the best results, these devices are perfectly complemented by taking PD supplements to help speed up the process.
See Also: The Top-Rated Penis Extenders of 2023
Conclusion
Currently, there just isn’t a huge amount of scientific evidence to verify the benefits of these supplements for treating Peyronie’s. At the same time, that doesn’t mean they aren’t effective, either. Further research is needed to get a more complete picture.
A lot of men that they’ve gotten positive results when taking supplements for their PD. Some feel that it doesn’t hurt to use natural supplements along with other forms of Peyronie’s treatment.
For best results, you might try using supplements to potentially speed up the results while using a penis traction device, which has been proven to be effective.
References:
- https://www.auajournals.org/doi/epdf/10.1016/S0022-5347%2817%2966108-1
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9422444/
- https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:231987081
- https://bjui-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1464-410x.2001.02241.x
Mark McIntyre is the founder of MaleHealthReview.com and acts as it’s chief contributor. He is a fitness trainer and avid mountain biker who also enjoys camping, hiking and fishing. Besides managing Male Health Review, Mark is also a guest columnist for several blogs related to men’s health. More about this author…
