How herbal mix restores sexual health in men, women

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A special blend of herbs has been found to boost sexual performance in men and women. CHUKWUMA MUANYA reports.

IN recent times, there have been claims and counter claims on herbal cures for sexual dysfunction in men and women. But a special blend of herbs has shown promise in boosting sexual performance in men and in women.

The herbal preparation contains ingredients researched for their ability to boost performance by increasing blood flow to the penis, which results in harder erections. It contains specially chosen ingredients long researched for their ability to stimulate greater blood flow to the genitals and increase testosterone levels.

The unique blend includes eight specific ingredients: aerial, bark and leaf extracts of Epimedium brevicorum (Horny goat weed), root and stem extracts of Muira puama (potency wood), root of Maca, fruit of Tribulis, root of Panax ginseng, leaf of Damiana, leaf of Gingko, and Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annum).

Indeed, herbal remedies have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years to support the solid health of the male and female reproductive system, supporting healthy and efficient hormone production and providing a sound platform for sexual delight.

There are now many published clinical studies demonstrating the ability of a range of herbs to support male and female arousal.

A fertility expert at Medical Art Centre, Maryland, Ikeja and Publisher of Reproductive Health Magazine, Professor Oladapo Ashiru, said that erection occurred when stimuli caused the brain to send neural signals to the penis via the nervous system. "Complex chemicals are also released by the body that trigger the process of filling and holding the blood in the chambers of the penis. The penis is now engorged and in an erect state. If there are any problems in any area of the erection process your performance will suffer," Ashiru said.

According to a pharmacognocist at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), Dr. Olukemi Odukoya, the focus of herbal sexual performance boosters is to increase the flow of blood to the penis, thereby increasing the firmness and duration of the erection.

"There are many factors that come into play for an erection to be successful. Any type of damage or failure in a critical area can lead to weak erections and poor performance during intimate situations," she said.

Odukoya explained how plant chemicals (antioxidants) boost libido: "In sense, antioxidants are aphrodisiacs, in that they preserve the nitric oxide needed to dilate blood vessels in genital tissues, which in turn causes sexual arousal.

"Aphrodisiac herbs can be combined to deliver superior libido and lifestyle support. This strong synergistic blend encompasses a unique combination of herbs to enhance prolonged action, stamina, blood flow and energy levels."

Nigerian researchers have shown how extracts of Tribulus terrestris increase the testosterone (male sex hormone) level of the blood. They suggest that the aqueous extracts may thus be used to modify impaired sexual functions in humans due to their saponin components.

Tribulus terrestris is a flowering plant in the family Zygophyllaceae. It is commonly called devil's thorn, puncture vine, caltrop, yellow vine and goathead.

To the French, it is croix de Malte and abrolhos in Portuguese. In Nigeria, it is dareisa in Arabic-Shuwa, tsaiji in Fula-Fulfulde, hana taakama in Hausa (prevents swagger, in allusion to its thorns piercing the feet-a common expression) or tsaida (to stop because if a thorn pierces the foot one must stop to extract it), kaije in Kanuri and da ogun daguro in Yoruba.

Saponins have been implicated as possible bioactive agent responsible for the aphrodisiac effect in Tribulus terrestris. It has been documented previously that sexual behaviour and erection are dependent on an androgen (male sex hormone like testosterone) that may be acting both centrally and peripherally. Testosterone supplementation has previously been shown to improve sexual function and libido, in addition to the intensity of orgasm and ejaculation, which might also be expected to improve.

Previous studies have also implicated the saponin component of plants in enhancing aphrodisiac properties due to its androgen increasing property. The study suggests that the saponin present in all the plant extracts might have assisted in stimulating an increase in the body natural endogenous testosterone levels by raising the level of Leutinizing Hormones (LH). This LH released normally by the pituitary gland helps to maintain testosterone levels, as LH increases, so does the testosterone. The increase in testosterone seemed to have translated into male sexual competence claimed by users of these herbal preparations.

A saponin, protodioscin, derived from Tribulus terrestris has been clinically tested extensively, and is found to improve sexual drive and enhance erection in men.

Furthermore, an earlier study suggests that the aphrodisiac action may be mediated through a change in the blood testosterone level.

Tribulus terrestris has a long history of traditional medical use in China, India, and Greece. In ancient times it was recommended as a treatment to promote female fertility and support a healthy libido in both men and women.

Recent studies performed in Bulgaria are the most current evidence regarding tribulus. According to this research, tribulus increases levels of various hormones including testosterone, DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone- is the most abundant androgen, male steroid hormone, secreted by the adrenal glands) and estrogen, and for this reason supports sexual function.

The study by Adimoelja A. titled "Phytochemicals and the breakthrough of traditional herbs in the management of sexual dysfunctions" was published in the International Journal of Andrology.

Cayenne peppers and the name Cayenne comes from city of Cayenne in French Guiana. These chili peppers are also called African Pepper, Devil's Tongue, Red Bird Pepper and Hot Flame peppers. Although cayenne peppers originally come from central and South America and the West Indies, many cayenne peppers now come from China, Turkey, Nigeria, Spain and Mexico for commercial use with things like salsa and grounded pepper.

Cayenne peppers have little aroma and are also used for medical purposes due to their high vitamin A content, which reportedly helps with smooth skin and vision along with being thought to get rid of backache and toothache.

Phytochemical analysis of cayenne indicates that it contains carotenoids and capsaicinoids. Cayenne pepper fruit (Capsicum annuum) is a blood-red warming herb that has an invigorating effect on several body systems. Cayenne pepper has been shown to have antioxidant properties. Regular consumption of chilli increases the resistance of blood lipids to oxidation (antioxidant) and may slightly decrease insulin levels after a meal.

The effect of four-week chilli supplementation on metabolic and arterial function in humans showed no obvious beneficial or harmful effects on metabolic parameters but may reduce resting heart rate and increase effective myocardial perfusion pressure time in men.

The study was published last year in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition by Ahuja K. D., Robertson I. K., Geraghty D. P., and Ball M. J. at the School of Human Life Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia.

Although it has been a favoured herb in the East for hundreds of years, Germany approved Cayenne as a topical treatment for muscle spasms, both United States pharmacopeia (USP) and National Formuary (NF) have validated its use as a carminative, stimulant and rubefacient and finally the U.S. Food and Drug administration (FDA) has recognised capsaicin (a compound found inherently in Cayenne) as an Over-The Counter (OTC) topical analgesic.

Further studies of the beneficial properties of Cayenne have discovered its role as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, and contains steroid glycosides, Vitamins A and C, alpha- and beta-carotene and capsaicinoids (which include capsaicin, 6,7-dihydrocapsaicin, nordihyrocapsaicin, homodihyrocapsaicin, and homocapsaicin).

A homeopath at the United States Global Foundation for Integrative Medicine, Professor Osmond Ifeanyi Onyeka, said that there was convincing research on the role of cayenne in libido or sexual enhancement and as an aphrodisiac. "Many herbs help dilate blood vessels or have an influence on hormones and brain chemistry. Cayenne works as a stimulant and catalyst for aphrodisiac functions," he said.

Onyeka is also a licensed Naturopathic physician by the department of health, health professional licensing administration, Washington D.C USA.

Onyeka said that extracts of Epimedium brevicorum, Muira puama, Maca, Tribulis, Panax ginseng, Damiana, Gingko and Cayenne pepper have been scientifically blended in Nature's Field Adam's Desire to boost libido.

Epimedium brevicorum (Horny goat weed) is a traditional botanical medicine used in China and Japan. This herb has a history of traditional use for disorders of the kidneys, joints, liver, back and knees, its principle use is as an aphrodisiac.

According to one herbal author, Horny Goat Weed has testosterone-like effects. It stimulates sexual activity in both men and women, increases sperm production, stimulates the sensory nerves and increases sexual desire.

Horny Goat Weed's aphrodisiac effects have been verified in both animal and human research. Mice treated with a Horny Goat Weed preparation produced "apparent effects on the improvement of sexuality". It was also shown to improve sperm producing capability. Since Horny Goat Weed has been traditionally used for kidney disease, it's interesting that research has demonstrated a sexual potentiation effect and improved quality of life in patients with chronic renal failure who were given Horny Goat Weed.

Research has shown that Horny Goat Weed significantly increases testosterone in mice. This certainly appears to be the herb's mechanism of action, although Horny Goat Weed may have more than one. For example, it has been established that sexual arousal is linked to the activity of cholinergic neurotransmitters.

However, an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inactivates cholinergic neurotransmitters within 1/500 of a second. As it turns out, research shows that Horny Goat Weed is capable of inhibiting AChE. Such an inhibition may support higher levels of the key cholinergic neurotransmitters associated with sexual arousal. In addition, research has shown that Horny Goat Weed has anti-fatigue effects and helps prevents adrenal exhaustion.

The exact way that Horny goat weed works remains unclear. Animal studies have shown that it may influence levels of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine and reduce cortisol levels.

The leaves of Horny goat weed contain a variety of flavonoids, icariin, sterols and an alkaloid called magnaflorine. It is quite possible epimedium influences several aspects of human sexual biochemistry. Icariin is thought to help with erectile function.

Muira puama is botanically called Ptychopetalum_ olacoides and belongs to the plant family Olacaceae. Muira puama, also called potency wood is a small tree that grows to five metre high and is native to the Brazilian Amazon and other parts of the Amazon rainforest.

In Brazilian herbal medicine, muira puama still is a highly-regarded sexual stimulant with a reputation as a powerful aphrodisiac. It has been in the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia since the 1950s. It is used as a neuromuscular tonic for weakness and paralysis, dyspepsia, menstrual disturbances, chronic rheumatism (applied topically), sexual impotency, grippe and central nervous system disorders.

The benefits of treating impotence with muira puama have been studied in two human trials in France, which reported that muira puama was effective in improving libido and treating erectile dysfunction.

In one French study among 262 male patients who experienced lack of sexual desire and the inability to attain or maintain an erection, 62 per cent of the patients with loss of libido reported that the extract of muira puama "had a dynamic effect," and 51 per cent of patients with erectile dysfunction felt that muira puama was beneficial.

The second study evaluated positive psychological benefits of muira puama in 100 men with male sexual weakness. The therapeutic dosage was 1.5 g of a muira puama extract daily. In their final report, researchers indicated muira puama could "enhance libido (in 85 per cent of test group), increase the frequency of intercourse (in 100 per cent) and improve the ability to maintain an erection (in 90 per cent)."

The effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a root with aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancing properties, on serum reproductive hormone levels in adult healthy men has been studied.

The study was published by Gonzales G. F., C�rdova A., Vega K., Chung A., Villena A. and G��ez C. of the Instituto de Investigaciones de la Altura, and Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences (Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy), Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru in the Journal of Endocrinology.

Maca is a Peruvian hypocotyl that grows exclusively between 4000 and 4500 m in the central Andes. Maca is traditionally employed in the Andean region for its supposed aphrodisiac and/or fertility-enhancing properties.

This study was a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised, parallel trial in which active treatment with different doses of Maca was compared with a placebo. The study aimed to test the hypothesis that Maca has no effect on serum reproductive hormone levels in apparently healthy men when administered in doses used for aphrodisiac and/or fertility-enhancing properties.

Men aged between 21 and 56 Years received 1500 mg or 3000 mg Maca. Serum levels of luteinising hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone and 17-beta estradiol were measured before and at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment with placebo or Maca (1.5 g or 3.0 g per day).

Data showed that compared with placebo Maca had no effect on any of the hormones studied nor did the hormones show any changes over time. Multiple regression analysis showed that serum testosterone levels were not affected by treatment with Maca at any of the times studied (P, not significant). In conclusion, treatment with Maca does not affect serum reproductive hormone levels.

The root of the ginseng plant has been used in China, Japan, and Korea for many centuries as a benefit in psychiatric and neurological conditions and for enhancing vitality. There are several varieties of ginseng sold over the counter: Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), and Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus Chinensis) are the most common. Ginseng has been found to be helpful in enhancing energy and for sexual vitality.

Panax ginseng is one of the most commonly used and highly researched species of ginseng. This species, which is native to China, Korea and Russia, has been an important herbal remedy in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, where it has been used primarily as a treatment for weakness and fatigue.

The main active agents in Panax ginseng are ginsenosides, which are triterpene saponins. The majority of published research on the medicinal activity of Panax ginseng has focused on ginsenosides. These are the compounds to which some ginseng products are now standardized.

Damiana (Tumera aphrodisiac) is a small shrub that produces yellow flowers and grows throughout South America. Its dried leaves and stems have been used for centuries by traditional native healers as a sexual enhancer, anti-depressant, antiseptic and diuretic.

It is hardly surprising that the plant is linked to such a wide range of therapeutic actions considering the numerous active ingredients it contains - these include flavonoids, resins and tannin- which help stimulate many of the body's biological processes.

Of all its reputed benefits, Damiana's ability to boost a flagging libido has caused the most scientific interest - especially as it has been found to have benefits in this area for both men and women.

Argentinian scientists from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, studied Damiana, in addition to several other plant extracts and found that it had potent aphrodisiac properties. Their research confirmed that the plant was able to improve sexual dysfunction in men by relaxing the small muscles within the walls of the arteries of the penis. This is important because when the arteries are relaxed they widen and allow more blood to pass through them, which is what causes an erection.

Ginkgo biloba is particularly renowned for its content of flavonoids, terpenoids, and organic acids. Naturopaths suggest that the extract should ease some symptoms of sexual dysfunction in men and women, since lack of adequate blood flow to the genital organs is a root cause of impaired performance in both sexes.

Researchers have studied its benefits in supporting all phases involved in sexual desire. An open study on 63 subjects found that women were more responsive to the sexually-enhancing effects than men, with relative success rates of 91 per cent.

Ginkgo biloba was reported to have a positive effect on all four phases of the sexual response cycle: desire, excitement (lubrication), orgasm and resolution (afterglow).

Theories for the results included encouraged circulation to genitals and norepinephrine receptor-induced effects on the brain.

Dr. Stephen B. Karch, a specialist in cardiac pathology in Las Vegas, United States, and author of "The Consumer's Guide to Herbal Medicine" said: "If you look at the old Chinese herbalist stuff, they all call ginkgo an aphrodisiac. That makes perfectly good sense, because ginkgo enhances nitric oxide production and that's one of the things that leads to an erection. Nitric oxide is what's called a messenger. It tells certain blood vessels they have to relax. That, by the way, would be an immediate effect of ginkgo."

He added, "Ginkgo also improves syndromes related to hardening of the arteries in the legs. Now it goes without saying that if you have arterial disease of the leg, the arterial complex supplying the genitals is probably also involved. At least that's the experience at autopsy."

Karch said that a third major area where ginkgo has been shown to relieve sexual dysfunction is among men and women who take antidepressants, particularly so-called SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. He recommended to my attention "Ginkgo Biloba for Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction," an article by San Francisco psychiatrist Alan J. Cohen that appeared in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy.

In the paper, Cohen and co-author Barbara Bartlik write that among 63 SSRI patients given an average daily dosage of 207 mg of the extract for four weeks, 91 per cent of the women and 76 per cent of the men reported that "Ginkgo biloba generally had a positive effect on all four phases of the sexual response cycle: desire, excitement (erection and lubrication), orgasm and resolution (afterglow)."