Sexual Desire

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

Zestra for Women: Zestra, a blend of botanical oils and extracts, is designed to increase female sexual desire, arousal, pleasure, and satisfaction when applied to the female genitalia, says Hutcherson. Zestra’s ingredients include: borage seed oil, evening primrose oil, angelica extract, coleus extract, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

In a preliminary study, Zestra was shown to increase sexual sensation, arousal, pleasure, and satisfaction in "normal women" and women with arousal problems. Zestra also helped with sexual side effects related to antidepressants.

"You rub it on your clitoris, which is supposed to increase blood flow," Hutcherson explains. But "I don't know whether it's the Zestra that works or because they're rubbing the clitoris."

The NIH is launching a clinical study comparing Zestra to placebo in women with a variety of sexual dysfunctions, including problems with interest, desire, arousal, and orgasm.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E oil -- when applied to the vagina -- helps improve lubrication. "It is very effective," Hutcherson says.

Cautionary Notes About DHEA Supplements

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a natural hormone that is converted into male and female sex hormones in the body. DHEA is sold as an antiaging supplement that improves energy, strength, and muscle, plus it increases immunity and burns fat.

However, the NIH says, "there is no conclusive evidence that DHEA supplements do any of these things,” and "there is little scientific evidence to support the use of DHEA as a 'rejuvenating' hormone."

Long-term effects of DHEA supplements have not been studied -- but there are "early signs that these supplements, even when taken briefly, may have detrimental effects on the body, including liver damage."

Even if DHEA does rev your libido, it won't help erections, Saigal says. "If the goal is a better erection, getting more testosterone won't help. I advise using a pharmaceutical instead. I would say, start with [Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra] first -- especially since we don't know the long-term effects of DHEA."