Herbs -based dietary supplements: effectiveness and safety
I. Understanding potency and erectile dysfunction
Potency, in the context of male health, refers to the ability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. This is a comprehensive physiological process, depending on many factors, including:
- Health of the cardiovascular system: The blood supply to the penis is the key to the erection.
- Nervous system: Nervous impulses are necessary to stimulate and coordinate the erection.
- Hormonal balance: Testosterone plays an important role in sexual attraction and erectile function.
- Psychological state: Stress, anxiety and depression can negatively affect potency.
- General health: Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, are often associated with erectile dysfunction (ED).
Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is defined as an inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory intercourse for a sufficient period of time. Ed can have various reasons, including physical, psychological or combination of both.
II. Herbal dietary supplements for potency: Review
In search of solutions to improve potency and overcome ED, many men turn to alternative medicine, in particular, to biologically active additives (dietary supplements) based on herbs. These products are often advertised as natural and safe alternatives to traditional medicines.
It is important to understand that the term «natural» does not always mean «safe» or «effective». The regulation of dietary supplements is often less strict than that of pharmaceuticals, which can lead to problems with quality, dosage and declared effects. Therefore, a critical approach to the choice and use of herbal dietary supplements for potency is extremely important.
A. Popular herbs and their alleged action mechanisms
Many herbs are traditionally used to improve potency. Below is a review of the most popular herbs and their alleged mechanisms of action:
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Ginseng (Panax Ginseng): One of the most famous adaptogens, ginseng is considered a stimulant of a general tone and energy. The alleged mechanism of action includes an improvement in blood circulation, antioxidant activity and the effect on hormonal balance. Ginseng can increase the nitrogen oxide level (No), which relaxes the smooth muscles of the vessels of the penis, improving the blood flow and contributing to erections. In addition, it can reduce the level of prolactin, hormone, which can suppress libido.
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The eurecoma is long -leaved (Eurycoma Longifolia), also known as Tongkat Ali: This grass from Southeast Asia is traditionally used to increase libido and fertility. It is believed that Tongkat Ali increases the level of testosterone, reduces the level of cortisol (stress hormone) and improves overall well -being. Some studies show that Tongkat Ali can improve sperm quality and increase sexual attraction.
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Maka Peruvian (Lepidium Meyenii): Maca is a root that grows in the Andes in Peru. It is traditionally used to increase energy, endurance and fertility. Maca does not contain hormones, but it is believed that it stimulates the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, glands that regulate the hormonal function. Some studies show that poppy can improve libido, sperm quality and erectile function, especially in men with mild ED form.
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Tribulus terrestrial: This grass is traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to improve sexual function and sports results. Tribulus Terrestris contains saponins, which are believed to stimulate the release of luteinizing hormone (LH), which, in turn, stimulates the production of testosterone. However, scientific data on the effectiveness of Tribulus Terrestris to increase testosterone and improve potency are contradictory.
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Goryanka (Epimedium), also known as Horny Goat Weed: This grass contains Ikariin, a substance that acts as an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-5 (FDE-5), like Sildenafil (Viagra). Ikariin blocks the FDE-5 enzyme, which destroys the CGMF (cyclic guanosine monophosphate), a substance that relaxes the smooth muscles of the vessels of the penis, improving the blood flow and promoting erection.
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Пажитник сенной (Trigonella grass-Greek): A fencth is a grass traditionally used to increase libido and improve sexual function. It contains saponins, which are believed to stimulate the production of testosterone. Some studies show that the fences can improve libido and sexual satisfaction in men.
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L-arginine: L-Arginine is an amino acid that is the predecessor of nitrogen oxide (No). No plays a key role in expanding blood vessels, improving blood flow to the penis and contributing to erection. L-Arginine is often used in combination with other herbs to improve potency.
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Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo Biloba): Ginkgo biloba is a tree whose leaves are used to improve blood circulation and cognitive function. It is believed that ginkgo biloba can improve the blood supply to the penis, contributing to an erection. In addition, ginkgo bilobe can have antioxidant properties, protecting the cells from damage to free radicals.
B. Other plant ingredients that are often found in dietary supplements for potency
In addition to the above herbs, dietary supplements for potency may contain other plant ingredients, such as:
- Saw Palmetto (Serenoa Repens): Serene palm fruit extract. It is traditionally used to maintain the health of the prostate gland. Although Saw Palmetto does not affect potency, maintaining the health of the prostate can indirectly improve sexual function.
- Damiana (Tour Diffuse): A plant traditionally used as an aphrodisiac.
- Muira Puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides): A tree originally from the Amazon, traditionally used to increase libido and improve sexual function.
- Yohimbe (Painystalia Johimbe): Extract of the bark of the tree Yohimbe. Yochimbin blocks alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, which can lead to expansion of blood vessels and an improvement in blood flow to the penis. However, a yokimb can cause side effects, such as anxiety, a rapid heartbeat and an increase in blood pressure.
III. The effectiveness of herbal dietary supplements for potency: scientific data
Assessment of the effectiveness of herbal dietary supplements for potency requires a critical analysis of scientific data. It is important to consider the following factors:
- Research size and design: Small studies with insufficient control (for example, the absence of a placebo group) can give inaccurate results.
- The quality of the ingredients: The content of active substances in dietary supplements can vary, which affects their effectiveness.
- Individual differences: The effectiveness of dietary supplements can depend on the individual characteristics of the body, such as age, health, and medications taken.
In general, scientific data on the effectiveness of herbal dietary supplements for potency are often limited and contradictory.
- Ginseng: Some studies show that ginseng can improve the erectile function, but larger and well -planned studies are needed to confirm these results.
- Tongkat Ali: Some studies show that Tongkat Ali can increase testosterone levels and improve libido, but these results require confirmation in larger studies.
- Trouble: Some studies show that poppy can improve libido and erectile function in men with mild ED form.
- Tribulus terrestrial: Most studies do not confirm the effectiveness of Tribulus Terrestris to increase testosterone or improve potency.
- Goryanka (Horny Goat Weed): Animal studies have shown that Ikariin, the active substance of the Goryanka, can improve the erectile function. However, clinical trials in people are needed to confirm these results.
- L-arginine: Some studies show that L-arginine can improve erectile function, especially in combination with other substances.
Conclusion: Despite the fact that some herbs show potential in improving potency, scientific evidence is often insufficient, and additional studies are needed.
IV. Safety of herbal dietary supplements for potency: risks and warnings
The safety of herbal dietary supplements for potency is an important aspect that must be taken into account before their use. It is important to remember that «natural» does not always mean «safe».
A. possible side effects
Herbal dietary supplements can cause side effects, especially with high doses or with prolonged use. Some of the possible side effects include:
- Digestive problems: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation.
- Headaches and dizziness.
- Increasing blood pressure and rapid heartbeat.
- Insomnia and anxiety.
- Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, swelling.
- Interaction with drugs: Herbal dietary supplements can interact with medicines that you take by changing their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
B. Interaction with drugs
It is especially important to consider the possibility of the interaction of herbal dietary supplements with medicines that you take by prescription or without a prescription. Some examples of interactions include:
- Anticoagulants (warfarin, clopidogrel): Some herbs, such as ginkgo bilobe and ginseng, can increase the risk of bleeding when taking anticoagulants.
- Antidepressants: Some herbs can interact with antidepressants, enhancing or weakening their effect.
- Belongation medicines: Some herbs can interact with blood pressure drugs, leading to a sharp decrease in blood pressure.
- Ingibitors FDE-5 (Sildenafil, Tadalafil): A combination of herbs containing Ikariin (for example, Goryanka) with FDE-5 inhibitors can enhance the effect of the latter and increase the risk of side effects.
C. Problems of quality and fakes
The regulation of dietary supplements is often less strict than that of pharmaceuticals, which can lead to problems with quality and fakes. Some of the problems include:
- Inappropriate information about the composition: Bades may contain the ingredients not indicated on the label, or in the wrong dosage.
- Pollution: Bades can be polluted by heavy metals, pesticides or other harmful substances.
- Fakes: Fake dietary supplements that do not contain active ingredients or contain harmful substances may occur on the market.
D. Who should avoid herbal dietary supplements for potency
Some people should avoid herbal dietary supplements for potency, including:
- Men with cardiovascular diseases: Some herbs can affect blood pressure and heart rhythm, which can be dangerous for people with cardiovascular diseases.
- Men with liver or kidney diseases: Some herbs can have a toxic effect on the liver or kidneys.
- Men with hormonal disorders: Some herbs can affect the hormonal balance, which can aggravate hormonal disorders.
- Men taking medications: Herbal dietary supplements can interact with the medicines that you take.
- Men with allergies to grass: Before taking herbal dietary supplement, make sure that you do not have an allergy to any ingredients.
E. Recommendations for safe use
If you consider the possibility of using herbal dietary supplements for potency, follow the following recommendations:
- Consult a doctor: Before you take any herbal dietary supplements, consult your doctor, especially if you have any diseases or you take medicines.
- Choose reliable manufacturers: Buy dietary supplements only from reliable manufacturers who adhere to quality standards.
- Read the label carefully: Make sure you know the composition of dietary supplements and dosage.
- Start with a low dose: Start with a low dose and gradually increase it, if necessary.
- Follow your well -being: If you experience any side effects, stop taking a dietary supplement and consult a doctor.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose: Exceeding the recommended dose will not increase the effectiveness of dietary supplements, but can increase the risk of side effects.
- Tell your doctor: Tell your doctor about all the dietary supplements you take, especially if you are going to undergo an operation or start taking a new medicine.
V. Alternatives of herbal dietary supplements for potency
Before resorting to herbal dietary supplements, consider other, scientifically sound approaches to improving potency:
- Life change change: Healthy nutrition, regular physical exercises, rejection of smoking and moderate alcohol consumption can significantly improve potency.
- Psychological help: Stress, anxiety and depression can negatively affect potency. Consultation with a psychologist or psychotherapist can help solve these problems.
- Medication: There are effective drugs for the treatment of ED, such as FDE-5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil). These drugs are released according to the doctor’s prescription.
- Vacuum devices: Vacuum devices can help achieve an erection, but they do not treat the cause of Ed.
- Surgical treatment: In some cases, surgical treatment of ED may be required.
VI. Conclusion
Herbal dietary supplements for potency can be an attractive option for men looking for natural solutions to improve sexual function. However, it is important to remember that scientific data on their effectiveness are often limited, and they can cause side effects. Before taking any herbal dietary supplement, you need to consult a doctor to discuss possible risks and advantages, as well as consider other, scientifically based approaches to improving potency.
Disclaimer: This article is intended only for information purposes and is not a replacement for a consultation with a doctor. Before using any herbal dietary supplements, consult your doctor.
