Enhancement pill advertising claims to provide men with several benefits, but the two most common are improved erections and larger penis size. Male enhancement formulas have several common ingredients, according to the Mayo Clinic.
L-Arginine
The amino acid L-arginine causes vasodilation, a relaxation of the blood vessels that improves circulation. Because it has this affect on both the arteries and the veins, it is believed to improve blood flow to the penis. However, the Mayo Clinic says it may also cause you to experience a decrease in blood pressure as well as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is an herbal extract that can improve blood circulation, according to the Mayo Clinic. When blood circulation increases in the penis, you should be able to achieve and maintain an erection. Ginkgo biloba may cause the blood to thin, which could result in dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, muscle weakness and irregular heartbeat.
Ginseng
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health, ginseng is another herb commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction, and it is often seen as an ingredient in male enhancement pills. Ginseng is believed to improve stamina and staying power because it acts as a stimulant. You may experience headaches, sleep disruption and nausea from its use.
Epimedium
Often referred to as horny goat weed, epimedium is said to be a natural aphrodisiac. It is thought to improve sexual pleasure in men by boosting testosterone, thereby improving the erection as well as the sex drive. But according to the Mayo Clinic, medical trials are limited, so its safety and efficacy are still unknown. It may cause shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, vomiting and arrhythmia.
Hawthorn Berry
Hawthorn berry extract is an antioxidant. It is said to help relax the blood vessels, thereby improving blood circulation to the penis allowing for longer lasting and more rigid erections. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, it is known to cause headaches, dizziness and nausea.
Saw Palmetto
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine says saw palmetto reduced the size of the prostate. This is one of the reasons why it is often included as an ingredient in male enhancement pills. The reason that this should help with an erection is still debatable. Saw palmetto may cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sleep problems, swelling in the testicles and irregular heartbeat.
Yohimbe
Both the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the Mayo Clinic say that yohimbe is commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction. It is still unclear whether yohimbe can encourage erections, but there is a prescription-strength version available from your doctor. It may cause high blood pressure, headache, dizziness and insomnia.
Bioperine
Though bioperine extract isn't found in all enhancement pills, there are some products on the market that include it in their proprietary blends. According to the makers of both VigRX Plus and Sinrex, it is said to help with the absorption rate of other herbs. Much like epimedium, trials are limited for this substance, so there's the potential of an allergic reaction from ingestion.
