Top Natural Viagra Alternatives for Enhanced Sexual Vitality

According to the Cleveland Clinic, erectile dysfunction (ED) has a prevalence of 52%, and it also increases by about 10% per decade of age. This translates to erectile dysfunction affecting 20% of 20-year-olds, 40% of forty-year-olds, and 70% of 70-year-olds. With Viagra becoming the first and only FDA-approved medication for erectile dysfunction in 1998, many affected by the condition turn to Viagra to help them maintain a healthy erection and an even healthier sex life.
Yet, Viagra does come with side effects, such as headaches and indigestion. This then leaves individuals looking for natural Viagra alternatives that can help improve their sex life.  

First, What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Before we delve into the natural remedies for erectile dysfunction, it is important to understand this condition better. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a range of issues, including hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, depression, and hormonal imbalances. It can also be caused by the use of certain prescription medications.

Erectile dysfunction may also be a sign of an underlying issue, with one study suggesting that erectile dysfunction can be a predictor of heart disease. 

Aside from poor erections, erectile dysfunction can also manifest as premature ejaculation and low libido. 

6 Natural Alternatives to Viagra 

If you’re worried about your erections and are looking for a Viagra-free remedy, the following supplements and herbs may give you the erectile boost you need. 

1. DHEA

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced in the body’s adrenal glands. The body converts DHEA into testosterone and other sex hormones. Low levels of testosterone can cause erectile dysfunction, so maintaining healthy testosterone levels may help to maintain a healthy erection. 

According to a 2020 meta-analysis, testosterone levels increased after DHEA administration. The same study noted that the size of the increase was higher in females compared to males.

Horbaach DHEA Capsules

2. Ginkgo biloba

A popular herbal supplement derived from a Chinese tree, Ginkgo biloba can help to improve erectile dysfunction by 

increasing blood flow to the genitalia. As poor blood flow can affect an erection, the idea is that anything that can improve blood flow can help with any erectile issues. 

That said, a 2021 review concluded that Ginkgo biloba has limited positive effects on sexual function, and more studies are needed to confirm the findings that suggest otherwise.

Bronson Ginkgo Biloba

3. Horny Goat Weed

Epimedium, or horny goat weed if you prefer, is a medicinal herb native to China and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for years. 

Horny goat weed contains icariin, a compound that inhibits the enzyme PDE5. Why is this important? Well, that’s exactly how Viagra works. 

Granted, no high-quality human studies have proved horny goat weed’s effect on erectile health. Yet, a 2022 study concluded that icariin and some of its derivatives could be a potential treatment for restoring spontaneous erections.

VITAL HERBAL Horny Goat Weed Capsules

4. Korean Red Ginseng

Korean red ginseng, or red ginseng, is a native Asian plant that’s known for its health-boosting properties. Like horny goat weed, red ginseng contains a compound, Ginsenoside, that works as a PDE-5 enzyme inhibitor. As mentioned, Viagra’s function is its ability to inhibit the PDE-5 enzyme. 

According to a 2018 meta-analysis that featured 2080 men with erectile dysfunction, researchers concluded that red ginseng may be an effective herbal treatment for erectile dysfunction. They did, however, maintain that further, larger, and higher-quality studies are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.

Additionally, a more recent meta-analysis published in 2021 found that ginseng may only have trivial and clinically unimportant effects on erectile function. That said, men with erectile dysfunction may feel they have an improved ability to have intercourse compared to a placebo.

Nutrivein Pure Korean Red Panax Ginseng

5. L-arginine

An amino acid that helps the body build protein, L-arginine may also serve to help with erectile dysfunction. It works as a vasodilator and improves blood flow. 

According to a 2022 study published in the Journal of Endocrinological Intervention, supplementing with high doses of L-arginine for 3 months significantly improved penile erectile function.

HAVASU NUTRITION L Arginine Nitric Oxide Precursor

6. L-citrulline

A precursor to L-arginine, L-citrulline may also help assist with erectile dysfunction. It does so by creating more nitric oxide, a molecule in the body that promotes healthy blood flow.

Unfortunately, the current research on L-citrulline is either limited or quite dated, with a 2013 study finding that oral L-citrulline supplementation improved erection hardness in patients with mild erectile dysfunction. 

NOW Sports Nutrition L-Citrulline

Can these supplements cause side effects?

Unfortunately, the FDA does not test dietary supplements before they are sold to consumers. So, always do your research when it comes to taking any supplement because there’s a high chance that it will have some side effects. Additionally, make sure to always check with the doctor before taking any supplements. 

How else can I prevent ED?

Natural Viagra alternatives aren’t the only solution to your ED problems. Lifestyle changes can also help improve erectile health. These changes include:

• Following a healthy diet: A 2020 study found that men who followed a Mediterranean or similar diet were less likely to have erectile dysfunction compared to those who didn’t.
• Getting regular exercise:  Aerobic exercises combated the effects of ED if practiced at least four times a week. Aerobic exercises increase your heart rate, and they include walking, running, cycling, and swimming.
• Quitting smoking: Men who smoke are about twice as likely to develop ED than nonsmokers. 
• Cutting back on alcohol: In a study of 104 people dealing with alcohol use disorder and erectile dysfunction, 88.5% reportedly experienced improvements in ED after 3 months of not consuming alcohol.
• Trying mental health therapies: Around 40% of erectile dysfunction (ED) cases are considered psychological, meaning that they’re likely induced by stress, depression, anxiety, or other psychogenic issues. In this case, it would be advisable to reach out to a mental health professional so that they can help you deal with these emotions. Remember, real men ask for help.

References

https://ro.co/health-guide/natural-viagra/

https://www.medicinenet.com/9_natural_viagra_alternatives_increase_sex_drive/article.htm

Bauer, S.R., Breyer, B.N., Stampfer, M.J., Rimm, E.B., Giovannucci, E.L. and Kenfield, S.A. (2020). Association of Diet With Erectile Dysfunction Among Men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. JAMA Network Open, 3(11), p.e2021701. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.21701.

Borrelli, F., Colalto, C., Delfino, D. V., Iriti, M., & Izzo, A. A. (2018). Herbal Dietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Drugs, 78(6), 643–673. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-018-0897-3

Cormio, L., De Siati, M., Lorusso, F., Selvaggio, O., Mirabella, L., Sanguedolce, F., & Carrieri, G. (2011). Oral L-citrulline supplementation improves erection hardness in men with mild erectile dysfunction. Urology, 77(1), 119–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2010.08.028

Janjgava S, Doliashvili T. ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION AS A PREDICTOR OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE. Georgian Med News. 2016 Dec;(261):36-41. PMID: 28132040.

Karunakaran, A., & Michael, J. P. (2022). The Impact of Abstinence From Alcohol on Erectile Dysfunction: A Prospective Follow up in Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder. The journal of sexual medicine, 19(4), 581–589. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.01.517

Lee, H. W., Lee, M. S., Kim, T. H., Alraek, T., Zaslawski, C., Kim, J. W., & Moon, D. G. (2021). Ginseng for erectile dysfunction. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 4(4), CD012654. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012654.pub2

Li, Y., Ren, J., Li, N., Liu, J., et al. (2020). A dose-response and meta-analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone levels: perinatal prediction of randomized clinical trials. Experimental Gerontology, 141, p.111110. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2020.111110.

Menafra, D., de Angelis, C., Garifalos, F., Mazzella, M., Galdiero, G., Piscopo, M., Castoro, M., Verde, N., Pivonello, C., Simeoli, C., Auriemma, R. S., Colao, A., & Pivonello, R. (2022). Long-term high-dose L-arginine supplementation in patients with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction: a multicentre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of endocrinological investigation, 45(5), 941–961. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-021-01704-3

Niazi Mashhadi, Z., Irani, M., Kiyani Mask, M., & Methie, C. (2021). A systematic review of clinical trials on Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) effectiveness on sexual function and its safety. Avicenna journal of phytomedicine, 11(4), 324–331. https://doi.org/10.22038/AJP.2021.17813

Niu, Y., Lin, G., Pan, J., Liu, J., et al. (2022). Deciphering the myth of icariin and synthetic derivatives in improving erectile function from a molecular biology perspective: a narrative review. Translational Andrology and Urology, [online] 11(7), pp.1007022–1001022. doi:https://doi.org/10.21037/tau-22-232.

Silva, A. B., Sousa, N., Azevedo, L. F., & Martins, C. (2017). Physical activity and exercise for erectile dysfunction: systematic review and meta-analysis. British journal of sports medicine, 51(19), 1419–1424. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-096418

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