Drug Monograph

National Institute on Drug Abuse RESEARCH MONOGRAPH

Clinical monograph for drug formulary review: erectile dysfunction agents.

BACKGROUND Significant advances in the pharmacologic treatment of erectile dysfunction (ERD) have occurred in recent years, most notably the introduction of sildenafil, the first oral selective phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, in 1998. Sildenafil quickly gained acceptance by the medical community and the public because of its broad efficacy for different types of ERD and its ease of u...

Pterostilbene Monograph

Introduction Pterostilbene is a chemical classified as a benzylidene compound (more specifically a stilbene) and is biologically classified as a phytoalexin, which are antimicrobial substances that are part of the plant’s defense system and are synthesized in response to pathogen infection. This monograph focuses on trans-pterostilbene. Stilbenes are low molecular weight (approximately 200-300 ...

Policosanol Monograph

Introduction Policosanol, an extract from sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.), has been heavily researched in Cuba in several human populations for its cholesterol-lowering properties. In addition to improving serum lipids, policosanol reduces LDL oxidation, decreases platelet aggregation, decreases smooth muscle proliferation, and improves symptoms of cardiovascular disease. Side effects are...

Lycopene Monograph

T o m a t o products, including ketchup, tomato juice, and pizza sauce, are the richest sources of lycopene in the U.S. diet, accounting for greater than 80 percent of the total lycopene intake of Americans. In addition to tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) and tomato-based products, lycopene is also found in watermelon, papaya, pink grapefruit, and pink guava. Lycopene from both processed and ...