Is Herbal Viagra Effective? What Studies Show

By | April 10, 2025

Is Herbal Viagra Effective? What Studies Show – Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects millions of Americans, but many don’t report it to their health care providers. So it’s no wonder that many people are looking for over-the-counter (OTC) drugs like Viagra. 

Here’s the thing: You can’t stand up like Viagra over the counter in the US. There are other supplements with similar goals, and it’s not easy to take prescription drugs without seeing a health care provider directly. 

Is Herbal Viagra Effective? What Studies Show

The short (and frustrating) answer is no, you cannot get Viagra over the counter in the US. 

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FDA-approved Viagra (sildenafil) is a safe and effective way to treat erectile dysfunction, making your erections last longer and longer. No matter how widely used a drug is, it still needs a licensed health care provider. 

Be careful if you visit a website or store that offers “over-the-counter Viagra-like drugs” or “OTC Viagra.” According to drug manufacturer Pfizer, Viagra is one of the most counterfeited drugs in the world. In fact, Pfizer found dangerous ingredients in this fake Viagra, including Prothetazine (“Speed”) and Metnidazole (an antibiotic).

Fortunately, there are “natural” alternatives to Viagra that you can try and ways to get a real prescription without leaving your home. If you are looking for ED treatment, such a safe and reputable telemedicine company can provide you with online access to a licensed specialist who can evaluate your symptoms and prescribe over-the-counter ED treatment.

Although Viagra may seem like the most popular drug for ED, it’s actually just one of the more well-studied and safer ED drugs that, like Viagra, is part of a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. In addition to Silenafil, the most common versions of Viagra include Cialis (tadalafil), Levitra (vardenafil), and Stendra (avanafil). Sometimes these drugs are combined. Cialis, for example, contains both active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis (sildenafil and tadalafil). 

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PDE5 is an enzyme in the body that breaks down chemicals responsible for erections. When PDE5 is inhibited, despite the effects of Viagra or other PDE5 inhibitors, these chemicals do not decrease, resulting in the tissue in the penis loosening and sticking to the blood (i.e. hardening). 

The reason these drugs need fm pvider prescription healthcare is that although they are considered safe, they are not suitable for everyone. Your doctor will evaluate your medical history to determine if Viagra or one of the many options is right for you.

While you can’t get the “real deal” without an Rx, there are some over-the-counter drugs like Viagra that are advertised as a cure for ED. Some supplements marketed as “natural Viagra” include goat’s weed, hornwort, red ginseng, yohimbine, l-arginine, ppionyl-L-carnitine, and DHEA, which are prescribed for the same condition. 

It’s important to note that the study did not directly compare these herbal remedies to prescription erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra. It can be said that some of these herbal remedies are indicated for erectile dysfunction. Here’s what you need to know:

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A 2018 study examined 24 different trials with more than 2,000 participants. They concluded that Korean red ginseng, a traditional medicine made by steaming and drying, may be an effective ED treatment, but needed further research to confirm their findings.

A total of nearly 600 participants with mild to moderate ED in nine studies after 2021 found that while ginseng supplementation had a positive effect on ED, the effect was relatively small. However, they found that ginseng made men more likely to enjoy sex. Follow-up data were limited, and most men were followed for only 12 weeks. 

Available as a dietary supplement, goat horn—another traditional Chinese medicine—contains a substance called icariin. As an active ingredient, Icariin inhibits PDE-5 like Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis and has the potential (albeit stronger) to treat erectile dysfunction.

Horned goat herb is also known as epimedium and yin yang hu when used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat ED. Although hornwort is included in many over-the-counter ED supplements, there have been no randomized studies demonstrating its effectiveness in people with ED. Importantly, more research is needed before scientists can say for sure how it affects human sperm.

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Research on the use of yohimbine, a substance derived from the bark of a certain fm tree, is traditionally used in West African medicine to treat ED in a limited population. A small study shows that yohimbe can help nearly half of men with mild erectile dysfunction achieve and maintain an adequate erection during sex. 

However, the body of research is not unique. A review of eight studies found that, when combined with other treatments, it can improve erectile function in men with ED. Additionally, other studies have found that supplementation is no better than placebo.

This amino acid has been shown to lower blood pressure by stimulating the body’s release of nitric oxide, a chemical that plays an important role in erectile function by promoting blood flow to the penis. In fact, some research suggests that supplementation can be effective in treating high blood pressure, as can lifestyle changes (eg, diet and exercise). 

Research on L-arginine for ED is inconclusive, but a few small studies have shown that L-arginine supplementation increases sexual satisfaction or makes sex more satisfying than placebo. 

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Ppionyl-L-carnitine is an antioxidant molecule that occurs naturally in our bodies. In one small study, men with erectile dysfunction were supplemented with piponyl-L-carnitine, L-arginine, and niacin for three months. The supplement caused erections in 40% of participants, and nearly 80% experienced at least partial reactions.

Other studies have found that combining PDE-5 inhibitors, such as Viagra, with the antagonist ppionyl-L-carnitine or L-arginine may be more effective than Viagra without increasing the risk of complications.

DHEA is a hormone produced by your body that is used as a precursor to sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. Although taking DHEA supplements can help increase DHEA levels in the body, studies have found that it has no effect on total testosterone levels and may even increase estrogen levels. Elevated estrogen levels may be associated with erectile dysfunction. 

Bottom line? DHEA is definitely not junk for your ED treatment. You can ask your health care provider about prescription options.

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Although you can’t get Viagra or other PDE-5 inhibitors over the counter, these are easy to get if you have a prescription, so don’t be afraid to discuss your options with Alternative Health Care. It’s easier than ever to accidentally stream ED to your home fm from the internet, from a reputable source (think:). Some companies only offer special brands, generic versions, or combinations. 

It’s worth knowing about the generic version, as there can be significant price differences between Viagra and its generic alternatives. 

There are several generics of Viagra and Viagra in general. For example, branded versions are 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg. Silenafil, the same active ingredient, is also available in a drug called Revatio. Although Revatio is technically prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction, it contains the same active ingredient as Viagra and is sometimes over-the-counter for treating ED. In addition to the 20 mg Revatio dose, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, and 100 mg doses can be prescribed. 

The recommended starting dose for people with ED is 50 mg of silencephalon, although your health indicator may increase the dose to 100 mg, even if the 50 mg dose is not deceiving or reduce your dose to 25 mg. impact Some people are at a low level because of other health conditions or medications that are causing their health level to begin with. 

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No matter what type of treatment you choose, ED is a common problem and nothing to be ashamed of. Before starting Viagra, generic silenfil, or other ED medications, talk to your healthcare provider about any prescriptions or medications you are taking. Also discuss any medical conditions you have, such as heart disease or high blood pressure. They will work with you to provide you with the right medication to improve your sex life and sexual performance.

If you have any medical questions or concerns, talk to your healthcare provider. Articles on health guidelines are supported by peer review and information obtained from fm medical societies and government agencies. However, they are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Every article in the Health Guide is rigorously fact-checked by our team.