Six Natural Alternatives to Viagra
Even if it is for comical reasons, Viagra is one of the most well-known pharmaceuticals in the United States. Prescriptions for the drug have nearly tripled in the last decade, as the ingredients become cheaper, and its stigma fades [1]. However, numerous, severe side-effects come with using the drug, such as priapism, sudden vision and hearing loss, nausea, and muscle pain, to name a few [2].
Further, sexual satisfaction is vital for a healthy, long-term relationship; it has been said, by someone somewhere, that when sexual issues emerge in a relationship, they take on 90% importance, but when they are not an issue, they only figure 10% in the overall success of the relationship.
When men hit the age of 35-45, they experience andropause, which is when various levels of erotic hormones begin to decline precipitously. This natural stage has allowed pharmaceutical companies to create and effectively market products, like Viagra, which promise to protect a vital part of the male ego.
Nevertheless, even though these drugs are available with their side-effects, six natural solutions and supplements have demonstrated in clinical studies to be effective, and we will review them now. *
L-Arginine (Healthmasters' HGH Stimulate)
The amino acid L-arginine has been shown in numerous clinical studies to be effective. This is because L-arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide. During times of stress, the body is not able to produce sufficient amounts, and the arteries experience endothelial dysfunction, meaning they cannot dilate, or expand, sufficiently, which can lead to erectile dysfunction. However, supplementing with L-arginine has been shown rectify this issue.
In a 1999 study, researchers found that oral L-arginine in high dose seemed to cause significant subjective improvement in sexual function in men with organic erectile dysfunction in patients who had low nitric oxide levels [3].
Healthmasters’ HGH Stimulate contains L-arginine, along with other vitamins and minerals that have been shown to help support overall male fertility and vigor, including, L-citrulline, zinc, and vitamin E.
L-citrulline is an important is an important precursor to L-arginine that quickly permeates the intestinal wall and enters the bloodstream. From there, L-citrulline is processed in the kidneys where it becomes L-arginine, and oral supplementation of L- citrulline has been shown to increase plasma L-arginine availability for nitric oxide, which is can be useful for alleviating erectile dysfuntion.
Vitamin E and Zinc have also been shown to support optimal fertility and vigor.
All of these compounds are in Healthmasters' HGH Stimulate.
Pycnogenol
This compound works exceptionally well with L-arginine, and many studies have investigated its effects.
During a 2010 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm study, researchers investigated the effects of pycnogenol and L-arginine on erectile dysfunction in men. The supplement group’s erectile function and testosterone levels increased significantly compared to the placebo group. The researchers concluded the combination of these supplements is useful for improving erectile function [4].
During a 2010 study, researchers also found that pycnogenol, in combination with L-arginine, is effective and safe in patients with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction [5].
A 2003 study found that L-arginine, in combination with pycnogenol, causes a significant improvement in sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction without any side effects [6].
Additionally, a 2015 study found that not only was the combination of these two products able to improve erectile functions, but the supplements also increased the quality of sperms [7].
Panax Ginseng
Asian ginseng, also known as Panax ginseng, has been shown to improve erectile function.
Studies from 2002 and 2007 concluded that Panax ginseng could be used to improve erectile function [8] [9].
Additionally, Panax ginseng may protect against oxidative stress in blood vessels and tissues in the male organ and help promote normal function [10] [11], and studies have found that Panax ginseng promotes the creation of nitric oxide in the body, similar to L-arginine [11] [12].
In a 1995 study investigating Panax ginseng’s effects, 60% of the ginseng group experienced benefits, as compared to 30% of the group using medication [13].
In a 2009 double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 86 men experienced significant improvements in their erectile function, orgasmic function, and sexual desire, along with other measurements [14]. In the researchers’ conclusion, they stated that ginseng could be an active agent for improving erectile function in male patients [14].
Finally, in a meta-analysis of seven studies which examined the effects of Panax ginseng, the researchers concluded, “Collectively these RCTs provide suggestive evidence for the effectiveness of red ginseng in the treatment of erectile dysfunction” [15].
Maca
This herb root has demonstrated many beneficial effects for men and women. Studies have shown that Maca increased men’s fertility and semen quality in infertile and healthy men [16] [17] [18] [19].
In a 2009 randomized, double-blind clinical trial, researchers concluded, “our data support a small but significant effect of Maca supplementation on subjective perception of general and sexual well-being in adult patients with mild ED [erectile dysfunction]” [20].
Tongkat Ali
This herb has also been shown to have libido enhancing properties. Two preclinical trials using an animal model have found it to be effective at improving sexual performance [21] [22].
Healthmasters offers a Tongkat Ali product.
Tribulus
This herb has strong libido-enhancing abilities in men and can also promote erectile function.
In two studies, researchers noted that when men with lowered sex drives consumed 750-1,500mg of Tribulus daily for two months, their libido increased by 79% [23] [24].
While a 2014 study found that 800mg/day of Tribulus may not effectively treat ED [25], a 2017 study found that 1,500mg/day of Tribulus to dramatically increase sexual desire and satisfaction and improve erections [26]. Therefore, at higher doses, Tribulus supplementation has been shown to reduce cases of erectile dysfunction.
A 2000 study found that Tribulus had pro-erectile activity [27], a 2012 study found that Tribulus may have value in treating ED [28], and a 2008 study found that Tribulus may be useful in treating mild to moderate cases of erectile dysfunction [29].
Healthmasters offers a Tribulus product.
Conclusion
With all of these natural supplements and compounds, men have natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals, which have been clinically shown to demonstrate pro-erectile effects. Because of the harmful and severe side effects of Viagra and the related medications, it is wise to try natural solutions first because the pharmaceutical will always be there as a back-up plan.
If you have any questions about any of the products mentioned in this article, please feel free to call our office at 800.726.1834.
References:
[2] https://www.viagra.com/learning/what-are-possible-side-effects
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10233492
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20184576
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21618639
[6] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12851125
[7] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26428638
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16855773
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12394711
[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24458001
* This article is for informational purposes only. By providing the information herein, Healthmasters and its associates are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative, or conventional treatment or regime, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.
[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18754850
[12] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15005641
[13] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8750052
[14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3735289
[15] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18754850
[16] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26421049
[17] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11753476
[18] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27621241
[19] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11753476
[20] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19260845
[21] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19703544
[22] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15803965
[23] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26727646
[24] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6367515
[25] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24630840
[26] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28364864
[27] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10748960
[28] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22906304
