How do Male Enhancement & Viagra Alternatives Work?

The following are some of the most common ingredients in enlargement pills and liquid formulas. The information provided here is for reference only. Some of these ingredients may have side-effects, and it is best to check with a medical doctor or the FDA if you are unsure about the exact function or effect of any of these or other products.

Here are some of the most effective nutritional supplements used in many of these products:

Epimedium Sagittum Extract (Horny Goat Weed)

Used for centuries in China, Horny Goat Weed has been proven by top medical doctors to boost libido, improve erectile function, restore sexual fire, power and sensation. Scientifically it works by freeing up testosterone, which naturally increases your sex drive and endurance.

Epimedium Sagittatum Extract is often referred to as a "Yang tonic". This herb produces a warm, almost euphoric effect on the body. Epimedium is commonly used as an aphrodisiac and aids in relieving sexual dysfunction. Epimedium herb stimulates the production of androgens (sex hormones) and has been used successfully to treat men suffering from impotence and a low sperm count. A powerful sexual stimulant, Epimedium is a leafy plant that grows best at higher altitudes. Its leaves contain a variety of healthful flavonoids, polysaccharides, and sterols, as well as an alkaloid called magnaflorine. Its exact mechanism of action is still somewhat a mystery, but it has shown success for many years in boosting sexual desire, aiding erectile function, and fighting fatigue. Clinical practitioners have long used epimedium to treat erectile problems, to improve libido, and to restore sexual vitality.

Cuscuta Seed

Cuscuta is commonly used in long-term tonic programs. It is a gentle tonic for the kidney and is widely used to improve vision, nourish the sperm and marrow, and strengthen sinews of the sexual organs. Cuscuta Seed is most commonly used to strengthen the uro-genital functions. It is used for penis enhancement, impotence treatment, premature ejaculation treatment, frequent urination, and the ear ringing and aching lower back that often accompany deficient kidney conditions that cause sexual weakness. Cuscuta is also considered to be an anti-aging herb. It is used to nourish sperm, increase fertility, penis enhancement and is listed as an aphrodisiac in all traditional Chinese pharmacopoeias.

Ginkgo Biloba/Gingko Flavoglycosides

For over 5,000 years Ginkgo has been prescribed in Chinese herbal medicine. Ginkgo is known for increasing blood flow to the brain, which may help energize the brain and central nervous system. Ginkgo improves peripheral circulation, oxygenation, and increases blood flow to the genitals to improve sexual function and the power of your erection. In a recent scientific study, 78% of men with impotence problems reported significant improvement - with no side effects. Being a reliable peripheral vasodilator, Ginkgo has been shown to be an excellent agent for treating arterial erectile dysfunction. It has a direct effect on endothelial cells which enhance blood flow of both penile arteries for penis enhancement and veins without any change in systemic blood pressure. Ginkgo is considered the oldest living tree species on earth. The species name "biloba" refers to the shape of the ginkgo tree’s leaves. The tree is commonly found in Asia today, although ginkgo species were once popular in Europe and America as well. With the popularity of ginkgo trees for medicinal use, they are now grown again in the United States. Ginkgo Biloba is used to increase arterial blood flow, which many clinicians believe has a beneficial effect on sexual function in men.

Korean Red Ginseng - Panax Ginseng

Ginseng is traditionally used to overcome general weakness and deliver extra energy. It also has demonstrated aphrodisiac powers. Used to combat impotence, infertility, and premature ejaculation, it normalizes blood pressure while rejuvenating and revitalizing the body. It also promotes the growth of nerve tissue. A key ingredient of ginseng is ginsenoside, which alters blood flow to the brain and penis and can build blood and sperm. Russian scientists have demonstrated that ginseng stimulates both physical and mental activity, enhances athletic performance and has a positive effect on the sex glands.. It functions as an energy booster and benefits those with slow circulation. Those who complain of tiredness, lethargy and mental sluggishness have seen positive results from Red Ginseng. It is also known for it's immune boosting properties against infection and disease. Red Ginseng promotes the secretion of sexual hormones in men and women and promotes blood production, hence penis enhancement.

Chemical constituents known as "ginsenosides" have been shown to actually slow down the aging process. They do this by destroying free radicals that attack normal cells. This aspect to Red Ginseng was discovered by Dr John Walker, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize.

Further research has shown a mild decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure for hypertensive patients who took Red Ginseng daily. Other beneficial effects from Red Ginseng include; lowering the risk of stroke; lowering blood sugar (protection against diabetes); protection of the heart; lower bad cholesterol; help mental fatigue; elevate sexual desire and responsiveness, and penis enhancement.

Saw Palmetto - Fructus Serenoae

Now widely known to stimulate the libido in males and increase sexual energy. Recent studies in Europe show that saw palmetto is an effective treatment for many men, and that an extract of saw palmetto can reduce prostate size by up to 13 percent. Saw palmetto enhances sexual functioning and improves desire while it reduces cholesterol and fatty acids in the blood. Saw palmetto is a remarkable herb. It is used as a popular and effective treatment for prostate enlargement. It is also used as an aphrodisiac and for the treatment of impotence. Other benefits include increased sexual vigor and improved muscle tone. Saw Palmetto is widely used for the promotion of prostate health. Historically, Native American Indians used the berries as a treatment for impotence. Saw Palmetto has a diverse use, de-toxifying the reproductive system, moving phlegm out of the body, and adding strength or yang energy. It is considered an aphrodisiac penis enhancement. It treats wasting diseases (such as diabetes), impotence, frigidity, dysmenorrheal, sexual neurasthenia, and prostate problems. Saw Palmetto is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlargement of the prostate gland that affects about half of all men older than fifty. BPH is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland. If the prostate grows in mature men, it pinches the urethra, or urine tube, and problems begin, including painful urination and frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom. The average male over age 50 may suffer from a variety of reproductive ailments, such as prostate problems, low back pain, and diminishing sexual vitality-this herb can help in alleviating some, if not all, of these symptoms. It helps the body build muscles, and is good for colds, asthma, bronchitis and catarrh due to hypo-functioning and coldness in the body.

Muira Pauma (ptychopetalum olacoides)

An herb from a shrub native to brazil, otherwise known as "Potency Wood" helps with lack of sexual desire and the inability to maintain erection. It has been proven in a sexology study in Paris, France to increases libido as well as helps patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). In fact, preliminary research suggests that Muira Pauma is one of the best botanical remedies for erectile dysfunction and increased blood flow to the penis.

Muira Pauma is a safe and more effective alternative for penis enhancement to Yohimbe extract or capsules. Recent clinical research reported that Muira pauma was more effective than the prescription drug, yohimbe hydrochloride, for loss of libido in 64% of 362 men studied without side effects. Is regarded as the most powerful herb to use for erectile dysfunction.

Catuaba Bark Extract

Catuaba has a long history in herbal medicine as an aphrodisiac. The Tupi Indians in Brazil first discovered the qualities of the plant and over the last centuries, have composed many songs praising it's wonders. Indigenous people and local people have used Catuaba for generations and it is the most famous of all Brazilian aphrodisiacal plants. In the state of Minas there is a saying which goes, "Until a father reaches 60, the son is his, after that the son is Catuaba's." According to Dr. Meira Penna, Catuaba "functions as a stimulant of the nervous system, above all when one deals with functional impotence of the male genital organs... it is an innocent aphrodisiac, used without any ill effects at all. Catuaba (bark extract, 4:1) is a Yang Tonic which has a renowned reputation for moving energy to the genital area and is enhanced by the tonifying effect of the primary formula. It is warm and enters the Kidney channel. Catuaba is considered a central nervous system stimulant with aphrodisiac properties and used for sexual impotency, penis enhancement, agitation, nervousness, poor memory or forgetfulness, and sexual weakness and lowered libido in both men and women. It is employed for many types of nervous conditions including insomnia, hypochondria, and pain related to the central nervous system. Clinical studies on Catuaba have found very interesting results involving its antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Hawthorn Berry - Fructus Crataegi

This phytochemical, with exceptional preventive capacities, comes from the hawthorn tree. Hawthorn is a great herbal extract with a number of impressive cardiovascular effects. It increases the elasticity of the arteries and strengthens the heart, while also lowering blood pressure and exerting a mild solvent-like effect upon the plaques in the arteries. Officially approved for pharmaceutical use in Germany, the government studies show the plant to be completely free of any side-effects. Hawthorn Berry is also used to increase circulation and improve digestion. It has been shown to be helpful in cases of Angina Pectoris and coronary heart disease. Hawthorn Berry helps protect the heart, lowers blood pressure and helps prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). Research shows that hawthorn fruit contains eight pure compounds. Seven of these compounds are protective to human LDL (low-density lipoprotein) oxidation, showing Hawthorn Berry's anti-oxidant properties.

Yohimbe (pausinystalia yohimbe)

Increases the flow of blood into the penis, while at the same time Yohimbe prevents the blood from flowing out. This obviously has strong implications for male sexual function. Yohimbe also increases libido, and has traditionally been used as a male aphrodisiac by stimulating sexual organs and improving central nervous system function. In addition yohimbe increases penile blood flow and has recently been recognized by the medical community as a treatment for impotence and erectile dysfunction. Yohimbe Bark Extract (4%), is a herb derived from the inner bark of the yohimbe tree which is an evergreen botanical native to Africa and grows wild throughout Africa. Long considered an effective aphrodisiac, able to stimulate sexual desire & performance. Works by increasing the formation of nitric oxide, which promotes blood flow to, and expansion of blood vessels in the erectile tissue, thus causing stronger, harder, larger and more powerful erections. Yohimbe Extract also can contain additional similar compounds called indole alkaloids. Synthesized yohimbe has been used medicinally for many decades. Yohimbe is a traditional male aphrodisiac recognized worldwide for the treatment of impotence. Today, the drug yohimbe is considered an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction.

Researchers recently reviewed several studies concerning the use of the drug yohimbe for erectile dysfunction. They concluded that yohimbe is more effective than placebo in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Yohimbe increases penile blood flow, and may also increase the amount of cGMP, a substance required for the stimulation and maintenance of erections. One thing to note is that the FDA is currently investigating the use of Yohimbe. The following is taken directly from the FDA website:

"Serious adverse effects, including renal failure, seizures and death, have been reported to FDA with products containing yohimbe and are currently under investigation."

Velvet Deer Antler:

Velvet Deer Antler has been known to improve the following; athletic performance and strength, immune system functionality, muscle recovery. It has also been reported to reduce the effect of negative stress, boost in the recovery from Illness and functions as a anti-inflammatory.

Maca (lepidium meyenii)

Maca is an annual plant grown in Peru that produces a radish-like root. It contains two groups of novel compounds, macamides and macaenes, responsible for maca's sex-enhancing ability. In clinical studies, animal subjects given Maca extract demonstrated greatly increased energy and stamina, and participated in a great increase of sexual activity. Doctors and clinicians in Peru have long relied on Maca to restore sexual vitality for their patients and improve sexual enjoyment and performance. It works by normalizing our steroid hormones like testosterone. Therefore, it has the facility to forestall the hormonal changes of aging. It acts on men to restore them to a healthy functional status by increasing libido, improving sexual desire and performance, and enhancing your energy. This allows Maca to increase potency and revitalize endocrine glands, increase blood circulation leading to maximum stretching of the corpus cavernosa (area of the penis that limits size).

Cayenne Fruit (capsicum frutescens)

Is used to ward off disease and equalize blood circulation. It may also prevent strokes and heart attacks by increasing the heart action but not the blood pressure. It has the ability to rebuild tissue and also helps combat fatigue. Cayenne has been used in India for decades for its powerful stimulant effects. Additionally, this plant helps to dilate blood vessels, thus leading to harder more attainable erections. This plant is another must for any man wanting to maximize his sexual performance.

L-Arginine

L-Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. It improves blood flow to the genital area and gives erections that are harder, bigger, last longer and can be more frequent. L-Arginine has a similar effect on women - higher blood flow makes their clitoral and vaginal tissues more sensitive and responsive to sexual stimulation. L-Arginine is an crystalline, free-form amino acid that has been show to improve erections, while at the same time benefiting cardiac blood vessel reactivity. It is also an important factor in muscle metabolism and aids in transportation, storage and disposal of nitrogen throughout the body. An amino acid precursor that helps transport nitrogen through the body. L-Arginine supplementation has been successful in improving fertility in men by increasing low sperm count and motility. L-Arginine also produces a natural growth hormone, thus helping to increase the erect size of the erectile tissue in the penis. L-Arginine

Oatstraw (avena sativa)

This restorative herb assists in renewing and strengthening the vitality of the nervous system as well as restoring elasticity to veins and improving circulatory functions. Other noted benefits of Oatstraw are increased balance, memory, sensitivity to pleasant stimuli, and improved coordination.

Avena Sativa, is said to free up bound testosterone within the body. Endemic to North America, Avena Sativa is rich in B vitamins, arginine, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin E, and vitamin F. In studies, Avena Sativa has been shown to stimulate the genital organs. It contains an amorphous alkaloid that acts as a stimulant of the motor ganglia, which increases muscle excitability.

Oyster Meat

Since the Roman Empire these creatures have enjoyed a risqué reputation. Well know for their aphrodisiac qualities in both men and women alike, oysters aid in both sperm and testosterone production in men as well as increased libido and sex drive. Roman emperors were known to have paid a pound of gold for a pound of oysters during the sexual height of the Roman Empire. The active ingredients, phosphorus, iodine and zinc, can do a lot of sexual good, especially zinc, which is increases both sperm and testosterone production.

Nettle leaf (urtica dioica)

Has a long documented history from ancient Greece to present. The polysaccharides (complex sugars) and lectins (large protein-sugar molecules are the active constituents of this plant. They directly affect the hormones and proteins that support sex hormones (such as testosterone and estrogen) within the body. This has been confirmed in double blind studies.

Orchid Substance

Orchid Substance has long been known to create an aphrodisiac effect in both men and women. This herb is used for its strong qualities that promote and encourage sexual motivation. The increase in libido due to consuming this plant is unlike any other.

Tribulus (tribulus terrestris)

Tribulus Terrestris
Many different cultures have used Tribulus terrestris for a number of conditions. The people of Bulgaria used it as a sex enhancer and to treat infertility. Tribulus terrestris has been shown to exhibit sexual enhancement properties similar to Dhea. This Indian herb restores and improves libido, it also prolongs the duration of an erection. It is very popular for its dominate role in supporting the reproductive functions of men. Additionally, it increases anabolic hormones and testosterone to optimum levels as well as increasing sex drive. Tribulus Terrestris is a plant found throughout Australia, Asia, Africa, and North and South America. It contains saponins, polysaccharides, sterols, flavonoids, and fatty acids, many of which are indicated to have general health benefits. Tribulus Terrestris is a natural testosterone enhancer, shown in clinical studies to increase testosterone levels by aiding in the production of the luteinizing hormone (LH), a hormone that influences sex drive. Tribulus Terrestris has been used to increase fertility and aid impotence. Laboratory animal studies found that after thirty days, Tribulus Terrestris increased sperm count and motility levels. Other studies have corroborated that evidence. In humans, it is thought that Tribulus Terrestris has a similar effect in increasing virility, sex drive, and potency. Other effects include increased sperm production, increased ejaculatory volume, and increased libido.

Zinc Oxide

As stated above, zinc is an essential component of more than 300 enzymes needed to maintain fertility and normal testosterone levels in adult men. It also is known to have beneficial effects on cardiac blood vessel reactivity. Zinc Oxide is an essential trace mineral and is thought to be involved in more body functions than any other mineral. It is important for growth and development, as well as the maintenance of tissues and sexual function. Zinc is also a helpful remedy for many male prostate problems. Zinc is also essential for the production of healthy sperm - low levels of zinc can lead to a low sperm count and infertility.

Astragalus (astragalus membranceous)

The roots of this plant are harvested in northern China and Mongolia. Astragalus is known for it's normalizing effects on the body's functions. Modern research confirms it also supports immune defenses.

Sarsaparilla (smilax officinalis)

Sarsaparilla is a vine native to tropical America and the West Indies. The roots are unearthed and harvested throughout the year and are used to aid in testosterone activity in the body.

Boron (citrate)

This mineral is vital for proper male nutrition as well as maintaining proper blood levels of estradiol, which is a precursor of estrogen. Estrogen is a sex hormone that must be regulated to insure maximum male sexual performance.

Pumpkin (cucurbita pepo)

Has been scientifically proven to have positive effects on one's health. Pumpkin seed promotes male potency, is an effective prevention of heart and circulatory diseases, and lowers cholesterol levels.

Licorice (glycyrrhizzin glabra)

This powdered root is useful in pill-making because of its absorbent qualities, being used to impart stiffness to pill masses and increase proper absorption.

Yohimbe
Yohimbe is one of the best performing herbal aphrodisiacs, and before the introduction of Viagra™ it was the only substance approved by the FDA to treat erectile dysfunction. Yohimbe comes originally from South Africa and it is an extract from Yohimbe bark. Yohimbe became very popular due to its ability to increase libido, enhance erections in men and improve sexual performance.

Cordyceps
Cordyceps has been an important ingredient in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It became famous because of its powerful aphrodisiac properties. Recent studies performed at Beijing Medical University of China and in Japan have shown a 64% success rate among men suffering from impotence, vs. 24% in the placebo group.

Deer Velvet
Deer Velvet is the 3000-year-old medicine. Men take it for erectile dysfunction, and to increase desire and endurance. Women take deer velvet for menstrual and menopausal problems or infertility. It has been used by asian men for centuries as a sexual tonic, mostly along with ginseng, yohimbe and other herbs.

Angelica Sinensis
Angelica is an aromatic chinese herbal remedy growing at high altitudes in China, Korea and Japan. It is known as a tonic herb for women and is used by women in the treatment of female disorders such as premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps and to help them with menopause.

Ginseng
Ginseng is believed to be an adaptogen that builds up general vitality, helps overcome diseases and strengthens all body functions depending on the individual's needs.

Damiana
Damiana can be found throughout Mexico and Central America. Since ancient times, the indigenous peoples of this region have used the bittersweet leaves of Damiana as an aphrodisiac. Mexican women found that a cup of Damiana tea taken one or two hours before intercourse helped to immerse them in the sex act. It is also used to relieve women's headaches and problems relating to menstruation.

Dhea
Dhea is produced by the adrenal glands and is the most abundant hormone found in the bloodstream. The body uses DHEA as the starting material for making the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen.

Zinc
Studies performed with zinc have shown that deficiencies have been linked to decreased testosterone levels. Increased zinc levels have also been shown to increase fertility and sperm counts.

Gingko Biloba
Gingko biloba's beneficial affect on the circulatory system has positive implications for sexual dysfunction. In one open clinical trial involving 60 patients having erectile dysfunction, 50% of the patients regained potency after six months of treatment with Ginkgo Biloba.

Niacin

Niacin (Vitamin B3) is one of the most valuable vitamins because is has an effect on 50 different body functions. For example, Niacin is needed for proper circulation and healthy skin. It is also involved in the production of sex hormones, including testosterone, and is an excellent vasodilator.

One thing to note is that the FDA is currently investigating the use of Niacin. The following is taken directly from the FDA website:

"Niacin taken in high doses is known to cause a wide range of adverse effects. The RDA for niacin is 20 milligrams. Niacin is marketed in dietary supplements at potencies of 250 mg, 400 mg, and 500 mg, in both immediate and slow-release formulations. Daily doses of 500 mg from slow-release formulations, and 750 mg of immediate-release niacin, have been associated with severe adverse reactions, including gastrointestinal distress (burning pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, cramping, and diarrhea) and mild to severe liver damage. Less common, but more serious (in some cases life-threatening), reactions include liver injury, myopathy (muscle disease), maculopathy of the eyes (injury to the eyes resulting in decreased vision), coagulopathy (increased bleeding problems), cytopenia (decreases in cell types in the blood), hypotensive myocardial ischemia (heart injury caused by too low blood pressure), and metabolic acidosis (increases in the acidity of the blood and urine)."

I would recommend that anyone with concerns about any of the ingredients contained in any of the products on this site do a thorough search of the FDA website, or contact the FDA, or your country's equivalent. Most importanly consult your doctor before taking any medication.