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Let's look at how these impotence products perform compared to Viagra, and what makes them effective for hundreds of thousands of men.
Quality impotence/male enhancement pills contain natural ingredients from around the world, with proven anecdotal records of success in increasing libido, empowering sexual drive and function, and creating greater stamina and erection hardness. However, while researching for this article, we focused on ingredients that produce results for male impotence backed by scientific research.
In our quest to find the answer, we scoured medical research to find any side by side human studies comparing Viagra to other commonly used herbs or herbal supplement products. Unfortunately, we were unable to find any side by side studies.
Next we reviewed impotence research studies for;
- The overall effect various herbal ingredients had on male impotence
- If an herb has a demonstrated effect as a PDE-5 inhibitor (Viagra, Cialis & Levitra are PDE-5 Inhibitors).
- If an herb facilitated the effect of nitric oxide which is necessary for an erection (PDE-5 inhibitors facilitate the effect of Nitric Oxide).
- The effect various herbs had on specific body functions that are required to produce a strong, firm erection and a strong sex drive. (i.e. circulatory, vascular, nervous, endocrine system, muscular system)
We found male impotence research studies reported by well respected Institutes: Sloan-Kettering Cancer Institute; Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, Munich, Germany; University of Peking; National University of Mexico; and others that demonstrate the positive effect proper herbal ingredients provide in treating male impotence (erectile dysfunction).
How Viagra Works
During sexual arousal, the erection is mediated by nitric oxide released from nerve endings close to the blood vessels of the penis. Relaxation of these vessels causes blood to pool, producing an erection. Viagra works by inhibiting the breakdown of nitric oxide and thus enhancing it's effect. |
Summary of Viagra Compared to Herbal Treatments
| Criteria |
Viagra |
Herbal Formulas |
| How often is it taken? |
1 tablet 30 minutes prior to sex. |
1 or 2 times daily like vitamins, depending on ingredient or formulation. |
| Enhance the body's use of nitric oxide |
Very effective. Viagra is specifically design to only do this. |
Effective, but depends on the actual herb in each formulation. |
| Immediate effect |
Effect typically occurs within 30-45 minutes. Men will have an increased ability to achieve an erection when aroused. Viagra's immediate effect tends to be more potent over the short term. |
Reported as 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours, depending on the herb. Men will have an increased ability to achieve an erection when aroused. Typically, full impotence benefits are achieved over time. |
| Long-term effect |
Viagra lasts 24 hours, and no long-term positive effects have been reported. |
Effects are typically cumulative, and the greatest benefits happen over extended daily use. In most instances this is about 4 weeks. |
| Additional benefits to help treat impotence |
Viagra has no other physical benefits. |
Depending on the herb, benefits helping treat impotence can vary and include increased cardiovascular health and increased testosterone levels. |
| Side effects |
Headache, flushing, upset stomach, nasal congestion, diarrhea, dizziness, painful or other urination problems, vision problems, skin rash. Should not be used if you are using and M.A.O. inhibitors. |
Depending on the main ingredient, no side effects or a few minor side effects have been reported. |
| Typical 4-month cost |
$480 |
$120-$226 |
Summary of Popular Herbal Products Containing Impotence Effective Herbs Described in Findings
Findings
Three Herbs That Enhance Nitric Oxides Effect Like Viagra
If you are looking for herbal alternatives to Viagra, here are three herbs that you should look for that have a demonstrated effect on the body's nitric oxide usage similar to Viagra.
Horny Goat Weed
Horny goat weed contains a prominent flavonoid called icariin. Icariin is a cGMP-specific PDE5 inhibitor like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. This was demonstrated in a 1984 University of Peking study which concluded: "Icariin is a cGMP-specific PDE5 inhibitor that can be developed into an oral effective agent for the treatment of ED."
Horny goat weed has been used for over 2000 years as a sexual and reproductive tonic. It acts in multiple ways to increase erection ability, size, and fullness.
Besides it's PDE-5 inhibitor characteristics, it also has positive effects on the endocrine system, functioning as an adaptogen by increasing levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine when they are low - promoting energy - but reduces cortisol levels when they are elevated (an anti-stress effect). High stress conditions increase cortisol levels causing fatigue and depressing sex drive.
It also helps restore low levels of both testosterone and thyroid hormone back to normal - improving sex drive.
Allium Sativum (Garlic)
Yes, good old garlic. In two 1998 studies from the National University of Mexico and The Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy in Munich, Germany, garlic was shown to "activate nitric oxide synthase", or enhance the nervous system's ability to react to nitric oxide.
Also, there are multiple studies compiled at the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Institute which demonstrate garlic’s assistance in both preventing and assisting in curing several medical conditions which can cause erectile dysfunction. These symptoms include high blood pressure, heart disease, hypertension, and arteriosclerosis.
Shilajit
Studies in India showed that Shilajit provided protection to methacrylate against hydroxyl radical-induced polymerization and acted as a reversible nitric oxide-captodative agent. These findings are consistent with the therapeutic uses of Shilajit against oxidative stress and geriatric complaints of erectile dysfunction.
Herbal Nutrients That Promote Male Health & Naturally Treat Many Conditions That Cause Erectile Dysfunction
There are multiple causes of erectile dysfunction and low sex drive which may range from mild (low sex drive, weak erections, lack of energy, poor ejaculation) to severe (total inability to achieve big, strong erections and a complete lack of sexual desire).
These include:
- Cardiovascular
- Renal or urological
- Nutritional (malnutrition, vitamin deficiency)
- Endocrine (hormonal, i.e. low testosterone or high prolactin are causes Impotence)
- Neurological
- Psychological (stress, anxiety, etc.)
- Pharmacological (alcohol, smoking, recreational and prescription drugs)
- Environmental toxins (lead, herbicides)
- General systemic health problems
By improving your health in the above areas, you are often able to resolve sexual dysfunction issues. This is perhaps where natural herbal supplements provide the greatest benefit to a man's overall sexual performance.
Three Herbs Shown to Be Highly Effective Enhancing Libido & Treating Conditions That Cause Impotence
Mucuna Pruriens
Mucuna Pruriens increases testosterone, stimulates the production of human growth hormone, and acts as a prolactin inhibitor.
Increased prolactin levels are responsible for up to 70% of cases of erectile dysfunction in men.
In 2002, a U.S. patent was filed on the use of mucuna pruriens to stimulate the release of growth hormone in humans. Studies in this patent revealed the high levels of L-dopa in the mucuna seed are converted to dopamine, which stimulates the release of growth hormones by the pituitary gland. L-dopa and dopamine are also effective prolactin inhibitors.
In another study, Mucuna Pruriens was taken by 56 males and resulted in improved erection, duration of coitus, and post-coital satisfaction after only four weeks of treatment. It also showed fertility-promoting and spermatogenic effects in men, improving sperm count and motility.
Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus is a natural testosterone enhancer and also said to be an excellent circulatory system tonic and can help build muscles and increase strength.
Clinical studies on the sexual activity-enhancing effect of tribulus have shown the herb to contain protodioscin, a saponin constituent, improving libido in men with impotence due to various causes; libido in women with menopausal symptoms; and sperm motility in infertile and subfertile men.
In a study involving 59 men aged 22-67 suffering from a range of sexual dysfunctions, an increase in sexual desire and fantasies, as well as sexual self-confidence, was reported in almost all subjects. The subjective experience of pleasure, joy and satisfaction was reported in 80% of the men, erection improved in over 75%, and the duration of intercourse before ejaculation was prolonged in 25%.
T ongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longfolia)
Eurycoma longifolia tree root (long jack root) is a traditional remedy for fatigue, loss of sexual desire, and male impotence used for centuries in Malaysia. This amazing plant has only recently been recognized in the west for it's potency in helping sexual performance issues.
The bioactive glycopeptides in Tongkat Ali are shown to increase free testosterone and decrease SHBG levels in human clinical trials. Both effects assist a mans erection ability, performance and sex drive.
In the study by Ismail Tamby, MD, head of the Human Reproductive Specialist Center in Kuala Lumpur, 90% of men given Tongkat Ali extract (100 to 1) reported a boost in their libido and 73.3% reported improved sexual function. In human studies, results occur after taking Tongkat Ali for more than one week.
As an added benefit, Tongkat Ali contains superoxide dimutase, a powerful anti-oxidant enzyme that inhibits the chain reaction of free radicals harmful to the body.
Ashwagandha
Here is what the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center had to say in their Ashwagandha Clinical Summary:
"It (Ashwagandha) is also used as a general tonic, to increase energy and improve health and longevity... Ashwagandha has been shown to exhibit antioxidant effects in the brain and to have a tranquilizing effect on the central nervous system in animals... Human study's suggest Ashwagandha may promote growth in children and improve hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count and sexual performance in adults."
What to look for in an Herbal Impotence Supplement
With so many herbal "Male Enhancement/Enlargement/Sexual Performance/ Impotence" products being advertised, it can be difficult to choose products that can actually help and are safe. Also, some supplements contain herbs that can be dangerous.
- Look for ingredients that improve your overall health and condition, as well as ingredients targeted strictly for erectile dysfunction and enhanced performance. This may help treat health issues that may be causing your impotence or erection quality.
- Make sure it is manufactured in, and shipped from, the United States.
- Review the ingredients, looking for herbs where research substantiates claims such as the herbs we listed above.
- Watch out for potentially dangerous ingredients listed on the FDA's "Ingredients of Concern" such as Yohimbe.
- Look for chemical additives.
- All products should be guaranteed.
The above herbs listed represent ones that have positive demonstrated effects helping treat erectile dysfunction, increasing libido and energy. As so many men have discovered, herbal supplements may be the perfect Viagra alternative for you.
Summary
Viagra has proven to be an excellent prescription drug for men with impotence.
Positives: Viagra is fast-acting and tends to have a stronger 24-hour effect than herbs aimed specifically at enabling a big, strong erection.
Negatives: Cost, side effects, short-term effectiveness (24 hours) - Viagra only treats the symptoms of impotence. It does nothing to treat the causes of impotence, low sex drive, or improve bodily functions.
Specific herbal ingredients contained in herbal impotence & enhancement products have a demonstrated positive effect on male impotence. Some herbs act similarly to Viagra at enhancing the body's use of nitric oxide.
Positives: Cost, minimal-to-no side effects, positive effects tend to accumulate and become more pronounced over time. Dosages can be skipped and benefits are retained, unlike Viagra. Herbal formulations have positive benefits on multiple body functions (cardiovascular, endocrine, muscular and nervous systems) essential to a big, strong erection and increased sex drive.
Negatives: Immediate short-term effect is not as pronounced as Viagra.
Are Herbal Treatments right for you? Based on evidence, there are a number of ingredients proven effective for treating erectile dysfunction. However, as with any prescription drug, medical treatment, or supplement, individual results may vary. Reputable nutraceutical companies recognize this by providing and honoring a money back guarantee. This allows you to try a supplement to see if it helps your condition.
Zenerx (Zenerx Product Information) is an herbal product that contains multiple herbs proven beneficial to men with impotence and can enhance the body's use of nitric oxide like Viagra. They also have no reported consumer complaints.
Giovanni Magnotti
GM@enhancement-review.info
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