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Supplements
About Supplements:
The supplement market is full of substances claiming effects for this and that. In many cases, such claims are only built on folklore without any scientific background. On the other hand, many supplements have scientifically proven effects.
It is hard to sort out what to trust in the supplement market. Therefore, we have spent many hours researching around 20 substances claimed to have positive effects regarding ED.
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Based on that, here are 7 effective supplements - based on science. Side effects and sources are also listed below.
Panax Ginseng ("red ginseng")
Sometimes called “herbal viagra”. Ginseng is believed to have anti-inflammatory action, improve lung function, improve blood flow, and more.
Studies suggest that red ginseng could help treat ED by helping to relax the body’s smooth muscles and thereby helping to produce an erection.
Science:
Researchers reviewed seven studies of red ginseng in 2008. Dosages ranged from 600 to 1,000 milligrams (mg) three times a day. Conclusion: “suggestive evidence for the effectiveness of red ginseng in the treatment of ED.” There is also more recent research on how ginsenosides in ginseng work at the cellular level to improve erection. (1) (2)
Most common side effects: insomnia, headaches and dizziness.
Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium Grandiflorum)
Horny Goat Weed is a traditional Chinese remedy. It is used for many things. “Icariin” (a type of flavonoid) is the principal active component and to explain its traditional medical use by modern science, a variety of pharmacological effects have been studied.
Science:
A study in 2008 showed that icariin seems to inhibit PDE-5 in the same way as Viagra – but with much weaker effect. It also seems to enhance nitric oxide (NO) production. Other studies have shown effect of increased testosterone and sperm production in animals. Many other effects have also been found. However, most studies have so far only been made in labs; very few on humans. (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)
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Most common side effects: Often well-tolerated, but serious effects are possible with higher doses: dry mouth, mood changes, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, nosebleeds, and breathing difficulty.
Pycnogenol
A standardised form of French maritime pine bark extract. It is rich of procyanidins and is claimed to stimulate nitric oxide (NO) production.
Science:
One study showed that Pycnogenol together with L-arginine helped against ED. And a recent study showed that Pycnogenol helps ED and diabetes by improving circulation and blood flow. (8)
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Most common side effects: dizziness, stomach problems, headache, mouth sores, and bad breath.
DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid prohormone that can be converted to both estrogen and testosterone in the body. It also seems to be a nitric oxide (NO) stimulant.
Science:
Studies have shown a correlation of low levels of DHEA and ED and that a supplement of DHEA benefits treatment. (9) (10).
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Most common side effects: fatigue, headaches, acne, and an irregular heartbeat.
Propionyl-L-Carnitine
Science:
An NO stimulant. Studies have shown that propionyl-L-carnitine combined with ED medicines might improve erections more than medicines alone and that a combination of propionyl-L-carnitine, L-arginine and niacin lead to improvement. (11) (12)
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Most common side effects: mild skin rash, nausea, heartburn, and diarrhea.
L-Arginine
Science:
An NO stimulant. Researchers studied the effects of L-arginine. Thirty-one percent of men with ED taking 5 grams of L-arginine per day experienced significant improvements in sexual function. (13)
Another study showed that L-arginine combined with Pycnogenol restored sexual ability to 80 percent of participants after two months. Ninety-two percent had restored sexual ability after three months. (8)
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Most common side effects: headaches, flushing, nausea, cramps, and diarrhea. WARNING: L-arginine combined with ED medicines could lead to dangerously low blood pressure.
L-Citrulline
Science:
An NO stimulant. Interacts in the same processes as L-arginine to produce nitric oxide in the body. L-citrulline seems to raise nitric oxide levels in a more efficient way than L-arginine and with less side effects.
Men with ED seem to have low levels of L-arginine and L-Citrulline. Additional L-Citrulline improved erection hardness in men with mild ED. (14) (15)
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Most common side effects: mild symptoms of nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea.
SOURCES