Sa3x
Also known as: SA3X, Spilanthol, Spilanthes acmella, Spilanthes acmella extract
Overview
SA3X is a standardized herbal extract derived from the plant *Spilanthes acmella*, known for its traditional medicinal uses. The primary active compound, spilanthol, is believed to confer its biological effects. SA3X is primarily marketed and researched as a supplement for improving male sexual health, specifically addressing erectile dysfunction (ED) and enhancing testosterone levels. Emerging research also suggests potential benefits in improving lipid profiles and exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties. While research on SA3X is still developing, it includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, indicating moderate quality evidence for its effects on male sexual health and hormonal modulation. It is available as an oral supplement.
Benefits
SA3X has demonstrated several evidence-based benefits, particularly in men's health. The most significant benefit is a statistically and clinically relevant increase in serum total testosterone levels. One randomized controlled trial (n=215) reported a mean increase of approximately 21.85 ng/dL in testosterone over 6 months compared to placebo (p < 0.001) in men with low baseline testosterone and ED. This study also showed improvements in erectile function scores (IIEF) and the duration of penile erection. These primary benefits are most pronounced in men with ED, low testosterone, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Secondary benefits include potential improvements in lipid profiles when combined with exercise, suggesting cardiovascular advantages. The effects on testosterone and erectile function typically manifest from 2 months of continuous use and are sustained through 6 months, with some persistence noted after discontinuation.
How it works
The active compound in SA3X, spilanthol, is thought to exert its effects primarily by stimulating testosterone production. While the precise molecular targets are still under investigation, it is hypothesized to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which regulates hormone production. For erectile function, SA3X may improve penile blood flow through vasodilation and neuromodulatory effects, enhancing the physiological processes necessary for erection. Although specific absorption and bioavailability data for spilanthol are limited, its observed efficacy in clinical trials following oral supplementation suggests effective systemic uptake and action within the body.
Side effects
SA3X appears to be well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported in major randomized controlled trials. Common side effects are minimal or absent in the reviewed studies, indicating a favorable safety profile. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been documented in the current literature. However, safety in specific populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, has not been established and therefore its use is not recommended in these groups. Individuals on hormone therapies should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional due to the supplement's potential to modulate testosterone levels. Overall, SA3X is considered safe for healthy adult men within the studied dosages.
Dosage
Clinical trials investigating SA3X have typically utilized a daily dosage of 500 mg of the standardized extract. This dosage, standardized to its spilanthol content, appears to be the minimum effective dose, with benefits observed after approximately 2 months of continuous use. There is no clearly established maximum safe dose, but the dosages used in trials have been well tolerated without significant adverse effects. SA3X is recommended for daily oral administration. For optimal results, consistent use over several months is suggested, aligning with the time course observed in clinical studies for improvements in testosterone levels and erectile function.
FAQs
Is SA3X safe?
Yes, current evidence from randomized controlled trials indicates that SA3X has a good safety and tolerability profile, with no serious adverse events reported.
How long does it take to see effects from SA3X?
Improvements in testosterone levels and erectile function have been noted from 2 months onward with continuous use, with sustained benefits through 6 months.
Is SA3X effective for all men with ED?
Benefits have been primarily shown in men with low testosterone and metabolic comorbidities. Its efficacy in healthy men without these conditions is less clear.
Does SA3X interact with other medications?
No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, caution is advised for individuals on hormone therapies, and consultation with a doctor is recommended.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9923073/ – This double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT involving 215 men with ED and low testosterone found that SA3X significantly increased testosterone levels by approximately 21.85 ng/dL compared to placebo and improved erectile function over 6 months. The study concluded SA3X is safe and well-tolerated, providing high-quality evidence for its efficacy in this specific population.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2024.1335146/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in general, not specifically SA3X. It concluded that TRT improves erectile function but has no significant effect on urinary flow. While high-quality, its relevance to SA3X is indirect as it did not include studies on SA3X or oral TRT.
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Evaluation-of-the-efficacy-and-safety-of-Tribulus-Kamenov-Fileva/fc068bdbd9abbad517914faf62e517c3e4b74c9b – A triple-blinded RCT mentioned in a Semantic Scholar summary reported that SA3X improved IIEF scores and erection duration, and was safe. However, specific details regarding sample size and duration were limited, suggesting moderate quality evidence that requires further verification for comprehensive assessment.
- https://colab.ws/articles/10.1515%2Fjcim-2024-0235 – This article from Colab.ws, referencing an RCT, indicated that 500 mg of SA3X improved lipid profiles when combined with exercise. Details on sample size and methodology were limited, classifying this as preliminary evidence for potential cardiovascular benefits.
