L-Arginine

L-Arginine (6-7-8-16-19-20) is an amino acid that can be found naturally in almonds, dairy products or meat. These acids are the building blocks from which the body creates proteins needed for growth and repair in the human body. Among these, L-Arginine plays a vital part in the male sexuality by affecting erections and sperm production.

L-Arginine is an important source of nitrous oxide, which relaxes muscles and increases the blood flow to erectile tissues. Thus, L-Arginine can help men get stronger and harder erections more frequently.

As for sperm production, L-Arginine is a biochemical precursor in the synthesis of spermidine and spermine, two important components of semen. It also plays a helpful role in the cellular replication of semen.

Epimedium Sagittatum (Horny Goat Weed)

Originating from Japan, this plant is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat erectile dysfunctions and to boost sperm production. Preliminary data hints the plant has effects on testosterone levels and blood vessels. Testosterone is a male hormone responsible in part for a person's sex drive and also influences sperm production. Also, Epimedium can inhibit the AchE enzyme, thus supporting higher levels of key choligernic nerotransmitters associated with sexual arousal. In studies (11), Epimedium was shown to benefit sex drive and erections.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba (5) was almost wiped off the Earth during the ice age. Plants survived in Asia and were reintroduced in Europe around 1730. The Chinese traditionally used Ginkgo biloba for food and medicine. References to the plant can be found in treaties dating up to 2600 BC. European medicine only caught up around 1950. Amongst the fields of research, Ginkgo biloba was seen as a helpful tool in the fight against erectile dysfunctions.

60 subjects were followed between 12 and 18 months for an uncontrolled study(21). Each subject was supplemented with 60 mg of ginkgo biloba each day. The results indicated an improvement of erectile dysfunctions due to efficient circulations in erectile tissues. Another study(22) focused on erectile dysfunctions due to anti-depressants. Results indicated that a daily intake of 120 to 240 mg of ginkgo biloba had positive effects on the subjects' desire, sex drive, orgasm quality and general sexual satisfaction.

Panax Ginseng

Traditional Chinese medicine has offered a wide array of Ginseng treatments for sexual dysfunctions for over 2000 years. North American natives also used the local species of ginseng. Modern researchers believed Ginseng's effect on sexual function was hormonal. Recent studies showed the plant worked on the central nervous system and the testicals tissue.

In a 2002 double-blind clinical trial(23) with 45 subjects confirming that Ginseng, served in 3 daily doses of 900 mg, does better than a placebo..

In a double-blind clinical trial with placebo(12), 160 men suffering from premature ejaculation were given a topical cream which included ginseng in it's formula. Ejaculation was indeed retarded and further research is being conducted to better isolate the factors having contributed to this success, Ginseng amongst them.

Muira Pauma

Research from the Institute of Sexology, in Paris, focused on this Amazonian herb. Three studies, conducted by Dr Jacques Waynberg(13), established the credibility of Muira Pauma (Ptychopetalum olacoides) as a safe and effective tool to improve libido and sexual functions in subjects. Two clinical studies concentrated specifically on male sexual dysfunctions.

The first study followed 262 men with reduced sexual desire or erectile difficulties. After two weeks of treatment, 62% of subjects recognized a dynamic effect and 52% of subjects with erectile difficulties noted benefits.

As for his second study, entitled "Male Sexual Asthenia" Dr. Waynberg examined sexual troubles linked with asthenia, a condition marked by fatigue, lack of strength or debility. 100 men showing sings of impotence, loss of libido or both were included for the study. Of the 94 who completed the study, 66% noted a significant increase in their intercourse rate. 70% of the 46 men displaying a low libido showed an increase in their sex drive. Overall, 55% of patients displayed more stable erections during intercourse and 66% an increase in stamina.

Catuaba bark

The Tupi Indians of Brazil first discovered Catuaba's (also known as Catuama) aphrodisiac qualities. Today, Brazilian herbal medicine considers the plant as a central nervous system stimulant with aphrodisiac qualities. Catuaba's effects are considered important on male impotency, because it facilitates the bloodflow to the penis.

In 2001, Dr Antunes studied the relaxing effect of Catuaba on rabbit's cavernosal tissue. When this tissue is constricted, erection cannot occur. On humans, a study led by Dr Ghorayeb(14) indicated Catuaba helped increase erection, orgasms and ejaculations.

Males using Catuaba bark feel the effect on their libido, especially if used with Muira Puama.

Semen Cuscutae

The Cuscutae is also known as the Dodder. It'a parasitic wine, member of the convolvulaceae, with a long usage in Asia. The local varieties are the Cuscuta chinensis (China) and Cuscuta japonica (Japan). Dodders produce small brown seeds harvested for the concoction of herbal formulas.

Traditional Chinese Medicine attributes to the Dodder virtues in fighting impotence, nocturnal emissions, premature ejaculation and low sperm count. It is said to work very efficiently when combined to Epimedium Sagittatum. While we find wide empirical evidence in the wide traditional usage of the seed in Asia, modern science is rapidly catching up.

Tests have been conducted both on animals and humans. In China, a study(15) on humans linked Semen cuscutae to promotion of sperm motility and membrane functions. The researchers expressed high hopes for seeing the plant used to treat male sterility.

Zinc Oxyde

Zinc is an essential trace mineral and is linked to enzymatic functions. It has been also been found necessary for protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism.

The mineral is found in high concentrations in male ejaculate and plays an important role in prostate health. Frequent ejaculations have been recorded to lower Zinc presence in male's bodies. A low Zinc number is associated with poor sperm count and motility, especially when testosterone levels are low.

Dr Régine P.M. Steegers-Theunissen(16-19-20), an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University Medical Centre Nijmegen in The Netherlands wondered whether zinc and folic acid were important for male's healthy reproductive system. She set out to conduct a study with 211 men, of which 103 were subfertile. The subjects were randomly separated in three groups: one receiving Zinc, another a placebo and the last a combination of Zinc and a folic acid. Results showed all subjects receiving supplements have seen their sperm count increase massively.

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