Sexual Desire

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

Gingko: Gingko has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Gingko leaf extract is used today to boost mental power, treat asthma, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction. Some studies show that gingko enhances the effects of nitric oxide -- which allows better blood flow to the penis.

"Gingko is one of those herbs that's pretty popular," says Saigal. "The thing is, there's no great data on it." Gingko is thought to help with sexual dysfunction related to antidepressant use, he notes. "One study showed that gingko made no difference; the other showed some slight difference. There may be a large placebo effect, but there have been anecdotal reports that it helps some people."

Yohimbe: Yohimbe is derived from bark of the yohimbe tree, native to Africa -- and traditionally used as an aphrodisiac. In current times, "this extract has been shown to be moderately effective in treating ED," says Saigal. "It may perhaps increase erections and libido, because it has some effect on the brain.

Some studies indicate that yohimbe may help ED in men taking antidepressants, although research in this area is limited. Caution: Some yohimbe bark extracts may not contain significant amounts of yohimbine, so they may not have these effects. "There's a buyer-beware issue," Saigal adds. "A lot of supplements use names that sound like yohimbe but are basically worthless. Look at the content label. Make sure it's from the yohimbe tree." Also, look for the name of the active ingredient -- yohimbine or yohimbine hydrochloride.

Maca: Maca is a vegetable native to Peru -- and is traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, says Saigal. "There have been rat studies, but studies to support its use are very limited," he adds. "But because it's a vegetable, maca won't hurt you."

Pycnogenol: Pycnogenol is an extract of the bark from French maritime pine. It is believed that pycnogenol helps protect blood vessels and boost production of nitric oxide -- similar to L-arginine, yohimbe, gingko, and ginseng.

"Some studies show that taking L-arginine and pycnogenol together boosts nitric oxide production," says Saigal. "Those weren't randomized trials [compared to placebo], but there was an effect. So there's some effect in combining the two."

ArginMax: If female patients are interested in herbs, Hutcherson guides them to ArginMax (a combination of Panax ginseng, L-arginine, ginkgo biloba, damiana, multivitamins and minerals).

Two large clinical studies found that ArginMax improved sexual function in menopausal and other women with low sexual desire, Hutcherson explains.