Herbal Viagra Supplements: Are They Worth It? – Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects millions of Americans, but many people don’t tell their health care providers about it. Therefore, it is no wonder that many people look for pills like Viagra over the counter (OTC).
Here’s the thing, though: You can’t get erectile dysfunction pills, like Viagra, over the counter in the US. Other supplements with similar purposes are available, and it’s never been easier to get a prescription without having to visit a health care provider in person.
Herbal Viagra Supplements: Are They Worth It?
The short (and probably disappointing) answer is no, you cannot get Viagra over the counter in the US.
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Viagra (sildenafil), which is approved by the FDA for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, is a safe and effective way to achieve harder and longer lasting erections. Despite how common the drug is, it still requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
If you come across a website or store that offers “over-the-counter Viagra-like pills” or “OTC Viagra,” be careful. Viagra is one of the most counterfeited drugs in the world, according to the drug’s manufacturer, Pfizer. In fact, Pfizer found dangerous substances, such as printer ink, amphetamine (“speed”) and metnidazole (an antibiotic), in these fake Viagra pills.
Fortunately, there are two “natural” over-the-counter alternatives to Viagra that you can try as well as ways to get real prescription drugs without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. If you’re looking for ED treatment, reputable and safe telehealth companies like , can provide you with online access to licensed healthcare professionals who can assess your symptoms and prescribe ED treatment medications delivered right to your door.
And while Viagra appears to be the most well-known ED drug, it’s actually only one of a handful of well-studied and safe ED drugs—all of which, like Viagra, are part of a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. In addition to sildenafil, the generic version of Viagra, they include Cialis (tadalafil), Levitra (vardenafil) and Stendra (avanafil). Sometimes these drugs are also combined. Sparks, for example, contains the two active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis (sildenafil and tadalafil).
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PDE5 is an enzyme in the body that breaks down the chemicals responsible for erections. When PDE5 is blocked by the effects of Viagra or other PDE5 inhibitors, these substances are not broken down and as a result the penile tissues remain relaxed and pooled with blood (ie hard).
The reason these drugs require a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional is that while they are considered safe, they are not right for everyone. Your provider will evaluate your medical history to understand whether Viagra or one of the many alternatives is right for you.
While you can’t get the “real deal” without an Rx, there are some pills like over-the-counter Viagra that are advertised as treatments for ED. Certain supplements marketed as “natural Viagra” include hornwort, red ginseng, yohimbine, l-arginine, pionyl-L-carnitine, and DHEA, although remember that they do not contain the same ingredients and are not regulated in the same way as prescription drugs. are.
It’s also important to note that the studies didn’t directly compare these herbal remedies to prescription erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra. That said, some of these natural remedies show evidence of improving erections. Here’s what you need to know about them:
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A 2018 study looked at 24 different controlled studies with more than 2,000 participants. They concluded that Korean red ginseng—a herbal herb typically produced by steaming and drying—may be an effective ED treatment, but called for more research to verify their findings.
A subsequent 2021 review of nine studies totaling nearly 600 participants with mild to moderate ED found that while ginseng supplements have a beneficial effect on ED, the effect is small compared to a placebo. However, they found that ginseng increased men’s satisfaction with sex. Follow-up data were limited and most men were only followed for 12 weeks.
Available as part of several dietary supplements, hornwort—another traditional Chinese medicinal herb—contains a compound called icariin. As the active ingredient, icariin inhibits PDE-5 like Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis, making it a potentially promising (though less potent) option for treating erectile dysfunction.
Hornbill also goes by the names epimedium and yin yang huo when used in traditional Chinese medicine as an ED treatment. Although horned goat weed is included in many over-the-counter ED supplements, there have been no randomized controlled trials showing the effectiveness of this supplement in people with ED. The bottom line is that more research is needed before scientists can say definitively how it affects erections in humans.
What Is Herbal Viagra? And Does It Work?
Research on the use of yohimbine—a substance extracted from the bark of a certain tree traditionally used in West African medicine—to treat ED in humans is limited. One small study suggests that yohimbe can help about half of men with mild erectile dysfunction get and keep an erection long enough to have sex.
However, the body of research is not particularly stng. A review of eight studies found that taking yohimbe supplements can improve erectile dysfunction in men with ED when used with other treatments, but the research isn’t particularly clear or conclusive. Furthermore, other studies have found that the supplement is no better than a placebo.
This amino acid has been shown to lower blood pressure by increasing the body’s production of nitric oxide, a substance that plays an important role in erections by facilitating blood flow to the penis. In fact, some research suggests that dietary supplements can be just as effective in treating high blood pressure as lifestyle changes (eg, diet and exercise).
Research on L-arginine for ED is not so clear, but a few small studies have shown that L-arginine supplements can improve sexual pleasure or make sex more pleasurable compared to a placebo.
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Ppionyl-L-carnitine is a molecule with antioxidant properties that is produced naturally in our bodies. In one small study, men with erectile dysfunction were given a supplement that combined pionyl-L-carnitine, L-arginine, and niacin for three months. The supplement improved erections for 40% of participants, with nearly 80% experiencing at least a partial response.
Other studies have found that combining PDE-5 inhibitors, such as Viagra, with non-over-the-counter opionyl-L-carnitine or L-arginine may be more effective than Viagra alone without increasing the risk of side effects.
DHEA is a hormone produced by the body that is used as a building block for sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone. While taking supplements containing DHEA can increase DHEA levels in the body, studies have found that they do not significantly affect total testosterone levels and may even increase estrogen levels. High levels of estrogen can be associated with erectile dysfunction.
The crux of the matter? DHEA is probably not a slam dunk for treating your ED. It’s probably best to ask your healthcare provider about prescription options.
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While you can’t get Viagra or other PDE-5 inhibitors over the counter, these drugs are easy to get if you have a prescription, so don’t be afraid to discuss your options with a healthcare provider. It’s easier than ever to get ED drugs online, delivered discreetly to your door, from reputable sources (think: ). Some companies offer specific brands, generic versions only, or a combination.
It is worth knowing about the generic version as there can be a significant price difference between Viagra and its generic alternative.
Viagra and generic Viagra come in various dosage sizes; for example, the brand-name version is available in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. The same active ingredient, sildenafil, is also available in a drug called Revatio. While Revatio is technically prescribed to treat lung disease, as it contains the same active ingredient as Viagra, it is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat ED. In addition to the 20 mg dose that Revatio comes in, it can also be prescribed in doses of 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, and 100 mg.
The recommended starting dose for people with ED is 50 mg of sildenafil, although your healthcare provider may increase the dose to 100 mg if 50 mg does not work or decrease the dose to 25 mg if you find that 50 mg causes an intolerable side effect. effects. Some people start on lower doses at first because of other health problems or medications they are taking, which is decided by their healthcare provider.
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Whatever method you choose to treat erectile dysfunction, ED is a common problem and nothing to be ashamed of. Talk to your healthcare provider about any prescription drugs or supplements you take to make sure there are no potentially dangerous drug interactions before starting Viagra, generic sildenafil, or another ED drug. Also discuss any health problems you may have, such as heart disease or high blood pressure. They will work with you to get you on the right course of medication to improve your sex life and sex.
If you have any questions or medical concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. Articles in Health Guide are supported by peer-reviewed research and information obtained from medical societies and government agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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