Multivitamin/Mineral Supplements
and Zinc
Zinc is an important component in male seminal fluid and
is equally essential for sexual function.
In addition, frequent ejaculations can create a
zinc deficiency, causing the body
to reduce sexual drive in order to
rebuild the body's zinc stores.
Supplementation with a good high
potency multivitamin/mineral
formula insures the adequate intake of
zinc, as well as other nutrients
important in sexual function. [5]
Arginine
The amino acid arginine is an important nutrient in male
seminal fluid and a precursor for
the synthesis of nitric oxide,
which is also an essential component in penile
erection. Supplementation with arginine may increase nitric oxide
production and assist in erectile
function. [6,
7]
Yohimbe
Yohimbine, an alkaloid extract from the bark of the yohimbe
tree, may be helpful in improving
libido and blood flow to erectile
tissue. Yohimbine hydrochloride is
an FDA-approved medication for the
treatment of impotence, though
studies about its effectiveness
have been inconsistent. Due to
its associated side effects, which
may include
anxiety, hallucinations, and
elevation of blood pressure and
heart rate, yohimbine should be
used under the supervision of a
health care practitioner. [1,
8-9]
Potency Wood
Potency wood, or Muira puama, is an herbal remedy that
has been used
for centuries in South American
folk medicine. As a
medicinal herb, it is said to be a
potent aphrodisiac
and nerve stimulant.
Interestingly, preliminary
studies seem to support this
theory and suggest that potency wood
may, in fact, be helpful in improving libido
and sexual function. [7]
Gingko Biloba
Because of the arterial insufficiency (lack of
blood flow) in ED, gingko biloba extract may be helpful in treating this
condition. Several preliminary
studies have shown that gingko biloba supplementation improves
blood flow to erectile tissue
without any change in blood
pressure. [10]
Damiana
Damiana, or Turnera difusa, is a southwestern herb
that has traditionally been used
an herbal aphrodisiac. Although
there are no clinical studies, damiana is believed to produce
urethral irritation, resulting in
increased penile sensitivity. [10]
Chinese ginseng
Chinese ginseng, or Panax ginseng, is an adaptogen (tonic) that helps prevent the
negative effects of emotional,
physical , and environmental
stressors. Panax ginseng has been
reported to increase sexual
function in certain animal studies and may
be helpful in improving libido,
sexual function, and fertility. [10,
11]
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