Sexual Desire

Sexual Desire – Supplements and the Science – II / V
Adopted from WBMD

Ginseng:There are two kinds of ginseng -- Siberian ginseng, which is typically used as an aphrodisiac, and red Korean ginseng, which is used in Chinese traditional medicine and is better studied, explains Saigal.

"Ginseng, like a lot of herbs, is thought to work by helping the body make more nitric oxide -- as does Viagra," he says. "A couple of good studies showed some effect from ginseng, so people can look at this as an alternative to Viagra. But it's not going to be as effective as Viagra or Levitra or Cialis."

Ginseng appears to help women, too, says Hutcherson. "Ginseng gives people energy, and you need energy and endurance for sex, right?"

Black Cohosh: In the past, black cohosh has been used to treat arthritis and muscle pain. Today, it is marketed to treat hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, premenstrual syndrome, and other menopausal symptoms.

"Black cohosh has estrogen-like properties, and increases blood flow to the pelvis -- which increases arousal and response to sexual stimulation," Hutcherson says. "More blood flow means more lubrication, and that's good for sex." The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is funding studies of black cohosh as a treatment for menopausal symptoms.

Chasteberry (Vitex): Chasteberry is native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia -- and is approved in Germany for premenstrual and menstrual problems. It is said to increase sexual desire by boosting the hormone progesterone and the brain chemical dopamine.

Chasteberry also decreases the brain chemical prolactin that interferes with sexual desire. "It works for some patients," Hutcherson says.

L-Arginine (Arginine): Arginine is an amino acid the body needs for many functions, like boosting immunity. The body also uses arginine to produce nitric oxide -- an effect similar to Viagra. Arginine has been found to improve blood flow to the penis.

Arginine is generally safe, although there may be drug interactions -- especially with high blood pressure drugs. In addition, men taking Cialis, Levitra, or Viagra – or nitroglycerin (nitrates) for chest pain (angina) -- should be cautious as combining them with L-arginine can cause a potentially serious drop in blood pressure.

"It's something to try. And if it works for those arteries, it could also help the heart arteries, too. Men with heart disease might benefit most from taking arginine," says Saigal.