Herbal Viagra: What Science Says About Its Efficacy – Medical reviews by Monisha Bhanote MD, FCAP, ABOIM, CCMS, YMTS – Written by Kimberly Holland and Editorial Staff – Updated September 30, 2022.
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Herbal Viagra: What Science Says About Its Efficacy
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“Herbal” or “Natural Viagra” is a name given to a variety of supplements by manufacturers. They are sold to improve erectile function or sexual desire in men.
Some of these supplements contain ingredients that may be beneficial for erectile function and erectile dysfunction (ED). However, despite labels, you may not know what is in the supplements you are taking.
Many of these supplements contain hidden ingredients or contaminants. Unlike prescription drugs for ED such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra, these supplements are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for ED.
The FDA also does not test supplements for purity or quality like it does for drugs. The supplements haven’t gone through rigorous human trials, either.
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ED is often a symptom, rather than a condition. An erection is the result of complex multisystem processes in the body. Sexual stimulation is the interaction between you:
A health condition such as diabetes or stress can affect these parts and their functions in the body, causing ED. Atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in the arteries) is the main cause of ED, especially in men over 50 years of age.
According to the claims of some supplement manufacturers and health food store owners, certain herbal supplements and health foods can increase sexual potency with fewer side effects than prescription drugs. They can also be cheaper.
There is little scientific research on herbal treatments for ED to support their claims, and there is no uniform method to test their effectiveness. Most results in human trials rely on self-reports, which can be subjective and difficult to interpret.
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Always talk to your doctor before trying supplements, as they may interact with medications you are already taking. Many supplements are also known to interact negatively with alcohol. Your doctor will be able to make recommendations based on your condition.
You should speak with a licensed or certified herbal medicine specialist, such as a doctor of oriental medicine (DOM) or an acupuncturist, before taking certain supplements. They will be able to help you choose the most suitable supplement and dosage for you.
In some cases, products labeled as “herbal” or “natural Viagra” can help ED by relaxing the walls of the blood vessels, which improves blood flow.
But since the dose of the herbs they contain is not prescribed, these supplements can cause very low blood pressure. This can be dangerous, especially for people taking prescription nitrates.
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There is also the risk of ingesting dangerous unlisted ingredients or contaminants that can cause gastric distress and other side effects.
In some cases, herbal Viagra has been found to contain undisclosed prescription drugs and amphetamine-like substances. These may cause side effects or interactions with medications prescribed by your doctor.
That being said, there are herbs that may have benefits in reducing or eliminating ED. Read on to learn about specific herbs that may work for you.
The search for a cure for erectile dysfunction (ED) dates back to before the introduction of Viagra in the 1990s. Natural aphrodisiacs, from ground rhino horn to chocolate, have long been used to increase libido, potency, or sexual pleasure. These natural remedies are also popular because they are said to have fewer side effects than prescription drugs.
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It has a 2,000-year history in Chinese and Korean medicine as a tonic for health and longevity. People take this ginseng root, also known as Korean red ginseng, to treat ED symptoms.
Suggests that red ginseng may improve ED. But the researchers also acknowledge that further studies with larger participant pools are needed.
It works as an antioxidant, releasing nitric oxide (NO) which helps erectile function. Some people use P. ginseng cream for premature ejaculation.
This plant is considered a safe treatment, but should only be used on a short-term basis (6 to 8 weeks). Your doctor can confirm how long you should use it with you. The most common side effect of ginseng is insomnia.
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Ginseng can interact negatively with alcohol, caffeine, and some medications. Ask your doctor about how often you can take it
There are three types of maca: red, black and yellow. Black Maca can relieve stress, which can cause ED.
Of maca per day for 8 weeks reported an improvement in sexual desire more often than men who did not take it.
Although maca is generally safe, studies have shown high blood pressure in people with heart disease who took 0.6 grams of maca per day.
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Yohimbine comes from the bark of a West African evergreen tree. People have used yohimbine as a treatment for ED because they believe that:
Found that 16 out of 29 men were able to achieve orgasm and ejaculation after completing the treatment.
A combination of yohimbine and L-arginine has been shown to significantly improve erectile function in people with ED. L-arginine is an amino acid that helps dilate blood vessels. It is considered safe and effective for ED but may have side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Avoid taking L-arginine with Viagra, nitrates, or any high blood pressure medications.
If you have high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, diabetes, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or kidney/liver disease and want to take yohimbine, talk to your doctor so they can monitor you.
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, also known as White ginger, is especially popular in Uganda, where medicinal plants are more common than medicines. It is used to increase libido and manage low sperm count.
Found that ginkgo biloba helped improve erectile function in rats after nerve injury. Although more research is needed, researchers speculate that this herb may be beneficial in restoring erectile function after prostate cancer surgery.
An improvement in the sexual function of men who were on anti-depressant medication was seen. This is why researchers believe that ginkgo can be effective for men with ED due to medication.
But some studies also report no improvement or difference after taking ginkgo. This may mean that ginkgo is better for ED management than as a treatment or cure.
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In the study where men reported a positive response, participants took 40 or 6 milligram capsules twice a day for 4 weeks. They were also on anti-depressant medication.
Talk to your doctor if you are considering ginkgo supplements. It can cause stomach upset. Your risk of bleeding may be increased, especially if you are taking blood thinners such as warfarin.
Always talk to your doctor before trying a new herbal supplement. These herbs in particular have little, if any, scientific evidence to support their effects on humans.
Many herbs come from other countries and can be contaminated with pollutants from the soil or poor factory conditions. They are not studied or tested as well as prescription drugs like Viagra. Always buy your supplements from a reputable source.
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The FDA also warns men against buying supplements and creams that advertise themselves as “leaf Viagra.” Herbal Viagra is banned because it may contain undeclared prescription drugs or dangerous ingredients that can cause serious side effects. In most cases, harmful substances are not listed in the ingredients.
Your doctor can help identify the underlying cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Treating the underlying condition is the first step in treating your ED.
Viagra and other ED medications are generally safe to take unless you have cardiovascular disease. This is because ED medications cause the arteries throughout the body to widen. Low blood pressure can result, even in people without heart disease.
Viagra comes in different strengths. You and your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of taking ED pills, as well as the dose that is safe for you. Always take your medicines as directed, and do not share your medicines with others.
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Make an appointment with your doctor if you have other symptoms associated with ED, or if your ED is affecting your quality of life. It is important to mention any supplements you are interested in during your visit.
Don’t forget to tell your doctor about any symptoms you may have or feel due to ED. This information can help your doctor find the right treatment, especially if there is an underlying condition causing your ED. If this is the case, you may not need herbal supplements.
The answer to this question depends on the cause of your ED. If you have large blood vessels or nerve damage that is causing your ED, you may not be able to treat ED naturally.
However, you may find that natural interventions such as eating a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, and even taking steps to reduce stress in your life can help alleviate your ED symptoms.
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You should not be afraid to talk to your doctor if you find that the natural interventions are not working as well as you would expect.
Followed by more than 21,000 men, their diet, and the incidence of erectile dysfunction. They found that eating a healthy diet with high-quality fresh food was associated with a lower risk