Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects more than half of men at some point. While aging is a major factor, low testosterone – due to diabetes, obesity, or treatments like prostate cancer therapy – can also lead to ED. Traditional treatments such as PDE5 inhibitors (like Viagra) may fail in men with oxidative stress caused by hormone loss, creating a need for better support strategies.
Study Background and Methods
A team led by Clifford J. Pierre and colleagues investigated whether long-term oral resveratrol and MitoQ protect penile tissue in mice whose testosterone was chemically removed. They treated castrated mice for eight weeks, examining vascular function and antioxidant gene activity in the penis. High-dose resveratrol activated important antioxidant genes (Cat, Sod1, Gstm1, Prdx3), and MitoQ provided similar, though slightly weaker, support.
Neither compound restored erectile responses alone, but the gene activation suggests they could serve as protective partners to standard ED treatments.
What Is Resveratrol?
Resveratrol is a natural antioxidant found in red grapes, berries, peanuts, and red wine. It enhances cellular defenses through Sirt1 and Nrf2 pathways, reducing oxidative stress and improving nitric oxide signaling in blood vessels. In mouse models of disease-related ED, resveratrol boosted eNOS expression, increased cGMP levels, and lowered oxidative molecules like NOX-2 and 4-HNE.
Typical human doses range from 100 to 500 mg daily. Clinical side effects are rare below 500 mg daily, though higher doses may cause digestive upset .
Cost and dosage:
- A 60-day supply of 500 mg capsules typically costs about $37–$48 per bottle ($0.62–$0.80 per day) .
- A 180-capsule bottle of 1,000 mg costs about $30 ($0.17 per capsule) ebay.com+15amazon.com+15doublewoodsupplements.com+15.
Men needing 100–500 mg daily could expect to spend roughly $12–$24 per month on resveratrol.
What Is MitoQ?
MitoQ is a CoQ10 derivative designed to enter mitochondria and neutralize free radicals where they’re produced. It’s been shown to improve blood vessel dilation and reduce arterial stiffness in older adults, increasing flow-mediated dilation (+42%) and lowering oxidized LDL in a six-week clinical trial at 20 mg daily mitoq.com+12en.wikipedia.org+12countrylifevitamins.com+12matakanapharmacy.com+3amazon.com+3welltopiarx.com+3.
Cost and dosage:
- A 30-capsule bottle (20 mg per capsule) costs between $95 and $126, depending on retailer .
- At 20 mg daily, expect to spend about $100 per month.
Why These Supplements Matter for ED
In the castration model, oxidative stress harmed penile blood vessels and reduced antioxidant gene expression. High-dose resveratrol and daily MitoQ boosted the natural defense systems in erectile tissue. Though they didn’t restore full function alone, these supplements could help create a healthier environment when paired with ED medications.
How to Use Them
- Resveratrol: 100–500 mg daily. Choose “trans-resveratrol” capsules in that range. It should be well tolerated at these levels.
- MitoQ: 20 mg daily, one capsule each morning. Clinically tested and shown safe over at least six weeks.
Where to Buy
- Resveratrol: Available at drugstores, health-food shops, or online. Options include 500 mg Trans-Resveratrol ($37–$48 per bottle) or high-dose 1,000 mg capsules (~$30 for 180 counts).
- MitoQ: Sold directly from the manufacturer and health retailers. A typical price is around $100 for a month’s supply of 20 mg capsules.
The Bottom Line
Resveratrol and MitoQ can’t replace ED drugs, but they may help protect penile tissues by fighting oxidative stress. For men with ED linked to low testosterone—especially those who can’t take testosterone therapy—adding 100–500 mg resveratrol and 20 mg MitoQ daily could support vascular health. Pairing these supplements with ED drugs may offer more complete relief.
Before starting, talk with your doctor—especially if you take blood thinners or other medications. With professional guidance, resveratrol and MitoQ could become powerful allies in restoring erectile function and supporting long-term vascular health.
