Learn about 4 supplements that some people consider to be natural Viagra alternatives, including how they compare to prescription treatments.
There are many herbs and supplements out there that claim to deliver extraordinary male performance enhancement - on par with the potent prescription Viagra.
But, are these supplements just overselling themselves or is there really something to the erectile dysfunction benefits of some of these?
In this round-up, we will cover a few of the most popular “natural Viagra” type supplements and try to identify if the science backs them up.
Also Read: Can you buy Viagra over the counter: Find safe Viagra sources
Horny Goat Weed, or the plant Epimedium, has a long history of people considering its sexual benefits.
The suggestive name itself came from a goat herder seeing his goats becoming friskier after munching on the plant.
As it turns out, the folklore surrounding the plant may have some validity to it.
Horny Goat Weed has a component called Icariin which was discovered to function as a PDE-5 inhibitor in a similar manner to prescription PDE-5 inhibitors like Sildenafil or Tadalafil, although not nearly as strong.
But, while some may experience some ED benefits while taking Horny Goat Weed, with a similar functionality to common prescription treatments, we recommend you opt for the prescription PDE-5 options to ensure consistency from batch to batch and benefit from the oversight of a doctor.
DHEA is a hormone naturally produced in both men and women, and it can be converted into both estrogen or testosterone.
And, since low testosterone levels are often cited as a potential reason for less than satisfactory results in the bedroom, DHEA has been looked into as a potential answer to erectile dysfunction.
One small study had men take 50mg of DHEA by mouth for six months and then assessed their sexual frequency and duration.
Researchers found that there was a significant increase in the number of sexual events and duration with DHEA treatment as compared to pre-treatment.
However, considering that this is a hormone that can also be converted into other hormones including estrogen, you should speak with your doctor and obtain your current hormone levels before considering supplementation.
Ginseng, more specifically Korean red ginseng, has sparked interest in the pharmaceutical world for its potential erectile dysfunction benefits.
The popular plant has been looked into in multiple studies, and according to one review article, “there is suggestive evidence in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.”
But, the review study goes on to say that due to the small scale of many studies there is not enough evidence to draw firm conclusions at the moment, and more rigorous studies should be conducted.
Herbal ingredients are also not without side effects. Potential common side effects of ginseng include diarrhea, insomnia, headache, rapid heart rate, changes in blood pressure, breast tenderness, and vaginal bleeding.
Read Related: How Does Viagra (Sildenafil) Work?: 6 Steps Happening in Your Body From Pill to Pillow
L-arginine is an amino acid known to help with blood flow, and pycnogenol is a pine bark extract.
Together, the two supplements are thought to help increase the amount of Nitric Oxide, or NO, produced in the body which leads to the dilation of blood vessels to allow more blood flow throughout the body.
One small study looked into supplementing with both of these together and their effects on men with diagnosed erectile dysfunction.
After a treatment course of three months, 92.5% of the men reported having normal erections without any reported side effects.
However, as with most supplements, there is a risk of side effects and all supplements should be discussed with your physician first.
Those with herpes should avoid L-Arginine due to a risk of potentially triggering an outbreak.
While some of these herbs and supplements may potentially have limited benefits in those with erectile dysfunction, the risks of side effects, inconsistent batches, and no direct physician oversight may put unnecessary risks on the user.
Until more studies can be done, we still are yet to discover a strong and reliable “natural Viagra” supplement and ED patients will likely have better and safer results sticking with the validated prescription ED therapies.
And, while PDE-5 inhibitors like Sildenafil (Viagra) or Tadalafil (Cialis) are not without side effects, the patient can have confidence in consistency from batch to batch and be under the direct supervision of a doctor to address any side effects or concerns that come up during treatment.
Often, people may look to the internet or herbal remedies for symptoms or conditions that may be uncomfortable or awkward to discuss with your doctor.
But with Strut Health, you can conduct a quick and simple Online Questionnaire-Based Visit with one of our U.S. licensed doctors to make sure that you are a good candidate for erectile dysfunction treatment and that the medication is a good fit for you in the comfort of your own home.
If you are a good fit for ED treatment, your prescription medication can be shipped quickly and discreetly to your front door.
.png)
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
