Erectile dysfunction herbs: A natural treatment for ED?

Health Topics: Sexual Health: Men's Sexual Health

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Erectile dysfunction — difficulty maintaining an erection sufficient for sex — is a common problem. You've likely seen advertisements on the Internet or in magazines for erectile dysfunction herbs, and you may wonder whether "natural" erectile dysfunction remedies might work for you.

Erectile dysfunction herbs aren't new. In fact, a number of erectile dysfunction herbs and other natural remedies have been used in Chinese, African and other traditional medicine cultures for many years. But finding out whether erectile dysfunction herbs work, and if they're safe, can be tricky. Unlike prescription medications for erectile dysfunction (such as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis), most erectile dysfunction herbs and other natural remedies haven't been evaluated by scientific studies.

Here's what's known about some common natural erectile dysfunction remedies.

Herbal remedy or supplement	Does it work?	Dangers and possible side effects
DHEA	DHEA, a building block for sex hormones, may help some men with erectile dysfunction, especially if they have low testosterone (hypogonadism).	DHEA can cause acne and may lower "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
Ginkgo	Ginkgo may help with erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow to the penis. More research is still needed to determine whether it's effective.	Ginkgo has been reported to cause blood thinning, which could increase the risk of bleeding. This could be dangerous if you're going to have surgery or you take a blood-thinning medication such as aspirin or warfarin.
Ginseng	This herb, often brewed as a tea, has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for a number of health conditions. A few studies of American and Asian ginseng show possible benefit in treating erectile dysfunction.	Reactions to ginseng are rare. This herb is generally considered safe, but it can cause mania when taken with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant.
L-arginine	This amino acid may help treat erectile dysfunction by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide — much like Viagra and similar medications. More research is needed to determine whether it's effective.	L-arginine may lower blood pressure. Other possible side effects include nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea, especially at high doses.
Yohimbe	Yohimbe is derived from the bark of the African yohimbe tree. It may help with erectile dysfunction, especially when it has a psychological cause. Yohimbine — a pharmaceutical yohimbe preparation — is sometimes prescribed by doctors for erectile dysfunction.	Yohimbe can cause a number of side effects, including increased blood pressure and a fast heartbeat (tachycardia). It may worsen mood disorders and kidney disease. Other side effects include flushing, dizziness, nausea and headache. Talk to your doctor before taking any form of yohimbe.
Epimedium (horny goat weed)	This herbal remedy has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. It may help raise low levels of testosterone and thyroid hormone.	There's little evidence about the safety or side effects of epimedium. It may cause breathing trouble in very high doses.
Zinc	Zinc may improve erectile function in men with a zinc deficiency, but there's no evidence that it helps men with normal levels of this mineral.	Taking too much zinc can harm your immune system and cause other health problems.
Folic acid and vitamin E	When taken along with Viagra), a combination of these vitamins may help men who didn't get an erection when taking sildenafil alone. But more studies are needed to determine whether there's a clear benefit.	Except in high doses, there's little risk of side effects from these vitamins.

Be wary of 'herbal Viagra'

After the medication Viagra was introduced in the late '90s, it quickly gained a reputation as an effective treatment for the condition. A number of nonprescription products claiming to be "herbal Viagra" soon followed. Many of these products contain unknown quantities of potent ingredients similar to those in prescription medications, which can cause dangerous side effects. Some actually contain the real drug that should be given by prescription only. Although the Food and Drug Administration has banned several of these products, including Viril-Ity-Power (VIP) Tabs, V.Max and Rhino Max, a number of other potentially dangerous erectile dysfunction remedies remain on the market.

Be cautious — and talk to your doctor

Just because a product claims to be natural doesn't mean it's safe. Like prescription medications, many herbal remedies can cause side effects and dangerous interactions when taken with certain medications. Talk to your doctor before you try an herbal treatment for erectile dysfunction — especially if you're taking medications or you have any chronic health problems such as heart disease or diabetes.

The other 'natural' remedy: Good health

Erectile dysfunction can be caused by an underlying health condition such as heart disease or diabetes. It can also be linked to psychological issues such as stress, anxiety or depression. Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological issues is involved. Managing underlying health conditions and living a healthy lifestyle can help.

Work with your doctor to manage conditions that can lead to erectile dysfunction, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Limit or avoid the use of alcohol.
Stop smoking and avoid illicit drugs such as marijuana.
Exercise regularly.
Reduce stress.
Get enough sleep.
Get help for anxiety or depression.

Last Updated: September 12, 2008

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