Arginine is an amino acid, the L-form referring to its orientation that is best recognized by your body. It is sometimes combined with yohimbine, the biologically active component in the herbal extract yohimbe, to treat erectile dysfunction. The combination of the two stimulates nerves and dilates blood vessels that allow for fuller, longer-lasting erections. If you are a diabetic who suffers from erectile dysfunction, use caution with yohimbine because it may affect your insulin levels.
L-Arginine
Arginine is considered a semi-essential amino acid because premature babies are unable to make it internally, but children and adults can. According to "Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, Micronutrients and Metabolism," arginine is needed in your body for cell division, wound healing, immune response, hormone release and getting rid of ammonia. Arginine reduces healing time of injuries and helps moderate your blood pressure. Arginine is also a releasing agent for human growth hormone, or HGH, which is known to promote vitality and reduce the effects of aging. Arginine is used for erectile dysfunction because it is a precursor for the production of nitric oxide, which is the main contributing chemical for eliciting and maintaining erections.
Yohimbine
According to "The New Healing Herbs," yohimbine is a type of blocking agent that stimulates your pelvic nerves, dilates blood vessels and slightly increases your heart rate. Yohimbine is found within the bark of the yohimbe tree, an evergreen that grows in many regions of Africa. A study published in a 1998 edition of "The Journal of Urology" found that yohimbine can induce erections in approximately 30 percent of impotent men by increasing blood flow to the penis and enhancing libido. Yohimbine is formulated as prescription drug called yohimbine hydrochloride, which is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficiently rigid for sexual intercourse at least 25 percent of the time, as cited in the "Professional Guide to Diseases." Erectile dysfunction has many causes, such as damaged blood vessels, abnormal blood pressure, unresponsive nerves, anxiety or psychological issues. Arginine helps to regulate blood pressure and dilate blood vessels, while yohimbine stimulates nerves, enhances libido and increases blood flow into the penis.
Caution for Diabetics
Diabetics often suffer from erectile dysfunction because of blood vessel destruction and reduced nerve sensations from their penis. Yohimbine has successfully treated impotence caused by diabetes, although its long-term use may interfere with insulin and other medications used for diabetes, and may lead to low blood sugar levels, as cited in "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition." A consultation with your doctor is recommended before you embark on supplementation with any yohimbe product. Arginine, on the other hand, causes very few side effects, even in large doses.
References
- "Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Metabolism"; Carolyn D. Berdanier; 2009
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
- "The Journal of Urology"; Yohimbine for Erectile Dysfunction - Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials; E. Ernst et al; June 1998
- "Professional Guide to Diseases: Ninth Edition"; Springhouse Publishing; 2009
- "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition"; George Gropper; 2000
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