Ads for supplements claiming to treaterectile dysfunction (ED)are not hard to come by.
Some even say these products work better thanprescription ED drugslike Viagra (sildenafil).
But this and many of the claims about erectile dysfunction supplements have no or very little supporting research.
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Ginseng and Vitamin E
Panax ginsengis one of the better-researched ED supplements.
A 2018 meta-analysis, which looked at 24 clinical trials, found evidence behind thistype of ginseng"encouraging.
“A 2021 review in theArab Journal of Urologylisted it first among “promising herbal remedies” for ED.
The combination of Panax ginseng and vitamin E also appears to have an effect.
Both supplements are antioxidants, which have been shown to help with blood flow and erectile function.
Side effects appeared similar in both treatment groups.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
That means it opens blood vessels like prescription ED medications do.
Researchers said it significantly improved:
L-arginine is also an antioxidant that may have a benefit for male fertility.
Side effects were reported as rare, experienced by just 8.3% of participants.
Safe and effective dosages of L-arginine haven’t been established.
Don’t take more than the recommended amounts on the product label or what your healthcare provider suggests.
Pycnogenol
Pycnogenolis a trademarked name for a patented form of French maritime pine bark extract.
It’s also called pygnogenol, maritime pine, and pine bark extract.
It may also slow blood clotting andlower blood sugarto dangerous levels.
Yohimbe/Yohimbine
Yohimbe(a.k.a.
johimbe) is an African tree.
Its bark contains the chemical yohimbine, which is used medicinally.
It is among the most common supplements marketed for ED.
You may see it marketed by either of these names.
When cellular structures called alpha-2 adrenergic receptors are activated, they prevent an erection.
Yohimbe works by blocking the action of these receptors.
In studies, it had a consistent but limited effect on ED.
In the U.S., a form of yohimbine (yohimbine hydrochloride) is used in a prescription drug.
It’s sold as Aphrodyne and Yocon and marketed for impotence and as an aphrodisiac.
However, this product is believed to work differently from yohimbe supplements.
Safe and effective dosages for yohimine aren’t established.
The usual recommended dose of yohimbine is between 5 mg and 10 mg, three times a day.
Be certain you talk to your healthcare provider before taking yohimbe supplements.
Don’t take more than is suggested.
Studies have documented several negative reactions to yohimbe.
Possible side effects include:
Overdose is possible with yohimbe.
A small clinical trial in 2018 focused on aging men with partial androgen (male hormone) deficiency.
Researchers said tribulushad a “robust effect” in raising testosterone and improving sexual function in ED.
A larger 2017 clinical trial found the supplement significantly improved:
Researchers said it was generally well-tolerated.
A standardized form ofTribulus terrestrisis sold under the name Tribestan.
It comes in 250-mg tablets.
It’s not well established whether this is a safe and effective dosage for ED.
The package recommends taking one or two tablets three times a day for at least 90 days.
Never take more than the recommended amount.
Check with your healthcare provider about whether this product is safe for you and at what dosage.
The most commonly reported side effect is stomach irritation.
It comes from the roots of a Southeast Asian shrub and contains several antioxidants.
This herb has long been used in traditional medicine for enhancing virility.
Several other supplements have been researched but have less evidence overall or mixed results.
Propionyl-L-carnitine: Preliminary research suggests that Propionyl-L-carnitine
Which Supplements Don’t Work?
Others, like DHEA and velvet bean, show promise.
Many more have no research behind them or studies that produced negative or mixed results.
Some, including ginkgo and horny goat weed, may be dangerous.
You should speak to your healthcare provider before taking anysupplements for ED.
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