There are hundreds of herbal male enhancement products promising instant erections. However, there's been insufficient research documenting the claims. A 2004 review published in Nutrition Action Healthletter, by David Schardt, examined the most common herbs used in erection products. Korean red ginseng and maca were the only herbs shown to have beneficial effects in published studies.
The Review
A 2004 review, published in Nutrition Action Healthletter, evaluated the most common herbs contained in erection supplements. Researchers from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) in Washington DC, analyzed published studies on six herbs including gingko biloba, ginseng, horny goat weed, maca, tribulus terrestris and yohimbe. Gingko biloba is derived from the ginkgo tree, one of the oldest living tree species. Gingko has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat respiratory problems. Ginseng, belonging to the Panax genus, contains several species including Asian (or Korean) ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinqufolius). Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb, used in traditional Chinese medicine as a general tonic to reduce stress and fatigue. Horny goat weed is an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve sexual function. Maca is a Peruvian root vegetable used in traditional medicine to boost libido. Tribulus terrestris is an herb used in traditional medicine to treat impotence. The prescription drug yohimbe is derived from the herb yohimbe. Yohimbe is prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction.
The Results
The researchers found that Korean ginseng and maca demonstrated positive effects on libido. In a 2003 double-blind study published in The Journal of Urology, 45 men with erectile dysfunction who took Korean red ginseng reported improvement in sexual function. A 2002 double-blind placebo-controlled study found that maca improved sexual desire but did not change testosterone levels. However, a 2002 placebo-controlled, double blind trial published in Human Psychopharmacology found that gingko didn't improve libido in men taking antidepressants. No published studies have been conducted on horny goat weed, Tribulus terrestris or yohimbe's effects on testosterone levels or sexual performance.
The Main Point
At this time, there's little proof that these herbs promote sexual function. More studies need to be done that test herbal effects on testosterone levels and sexual desire and performance. Research suggests that the best way to improve sexual health is to eat a healthy diet and exercise. Men with heart disease and obese men have the highest risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). A 2003 study published in Annals of Internal Medicine (Bacon CB et al) found that men who exercise, don't smoke and have no chronic medical conditions have the lowest risk of ED and the highest rates of good sexual function.
References
- Schardt D. Sex in a bottle: the hard sell. Nutrition Action Healthletter October 2004.
- Hong B et al. A double-blind crossover study evaluating the efficacy of korean red ginseng in patients with erectile dysfunction: a preliminary report. J Urol 2002 Nov;168(5):2070-3.
- Gonzales GF et al. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men. Andrologia 2002 Dec;34(6):367-72.
