Displasia Cervical

Clinical RCTs have tested acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC), often combined with propionyl-L-carnitine, in aging men with sexual dysfunction. A landmark 6-month RCT (n=120, ages 60–74) found the carnitine combination outperformed testosterone in improving erectile function, sexual desire, and nocturnal penile tumescence. A separate placebo-controlled trial in men with asthenospermia and altered sexual function showed significant improvement in sexual satisfaction index scores after treatment. Evidence is most robust when ALC is used alongside propionyl-L-carnitine rather than alone.

A. galanga has been shown to enhance androgenic activity and sexual function in both human and preclinical studies. The 2023 Akbarzadeh RCT demonstrated significant improvement in sexual function and libido scores in SSRI-treated males. Traditional aphrodisiac use across Arab, Ayurvedic, and TCM systems is additionally documented.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a key Ayurvedic adaptogen with multiple RCTs demonstrating significant improvements in testosterone levels, sexual function, and fertility in men. A 2019 double-blind RCT found 600 mg/day KSM-66 extract for 8 weeks significantly increased testosterone and DHEA-S in healthy men. Its withanolides reduce cortisol, which can otherwise suppress testosterone production.

Boron is a trace mineral that influences testosterone metabolism by reducing sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), thereby increasing free testosterone. A 2011 pilot study found 10 mg/day boron for 7 days significantly increased free testosterone by 28% and decreased SHBG and estradiol in healthy men. ConsumerLab lists it among evaluated testosterone-support nutrients.

LBP reversed sexual dysfunction in diabetic male mice, improving sexual behavior and spermatogenic function via HPG axis activation. TCM classifies boxthorn as a tonic herb for male sexual vitality and libido. Animal model data show LBP at 10–40 mg/kg/day restores sexual behavior impaired by diabetes.

Bulbine natalensis is a Southern African succulent herb used in traditional Zulu and Xhosa medicine as an aphrodisiac. Animal studies show dose-dependent testosterone increases and aphrodisiac activity. No human RCTs exist; evidence is preclinical but mechanistically consistent, though dose-dependent toxicity concerns have been noted.

Butea superba is a Thai medicinal herb (red kwao krua) used traditionally in Thailand to enhance male sexual vitality and libido. Clinical studies in Thailand, including a small RCT, found it improved erectile function scores. It contains cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitors and phytoandrogens.

Cistanche (Cistanche tubulosa/deserticola) is a parasitic plant used in TCM as a Kidney-Yang tonic for impotence, low libido, and male infertility for over 1,800 years. Animal and preliminary human data support testosterone-enhancing and aphrodisiac effects attributed to phenylethanoid glycosides and oligosaccharides.

Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis/militaris) is a medicinal fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine for millennia to enhance male sexual function, energy, and vitality. A double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT in 202 men found significant improvement in sexual desire and function after 40 days. Animal studies show testosterone increases via Leydig cell stimulation. ConsumerLab lists it among evaluated testosterone boosters.

Cowage seed (Mucuna pruriens) is used in Ayurveda and Unani medicine as an aphrodisiac and treatment for male sexual weakness, spermatorrhoea, and infertility. L-DOPA-rich seed powder has clinical RCT evidence in infertile men for improving testosterone, LH, and sperm parameters.

D-Aspartic Acid (D-Asp) is an endogenous amino acid found in neuroendocrine tissues that stimulates GnRH, LH, and testosterone release. A 2009 human RCT found 3.12 g/day for 12 days increased testosterone by ~42% in men; however, subsequent trials in athletes with normal testosterone showed no effect. Evidence is stronger for men with sub-optimal testosterone levels.

DHEA serves as a precursor to testosterone and estrogen in men. Clinical studies show DHEA at 50 mg/day can increase total serum testosterone levels and improve sexual well-being. However, a meta-analysis of older men found no significant effect of DHEA supplementation on sexual function. Evidence is mixed but a biological rationale is well-established.

DIM (Diindolylmethane) is a compound derived from indole-3-carbinol in cruciferous vegetables that modulates estrogen metabolism, shifting it toward less potent metabolites and potentially increasing free testosterone by reducing aromatase activity. ConsumerLab lists it among evaluated testosterone-support ingredients for men. Small clinical studies support its anti-estrogenic effects.

Eurycoma Longifolia (Tongkat Ali) is the botanical species name for the plant producing multiple clinical-trial-supported benefits for men's testosterone, libido, and erectile function. Multiple RCTs and a 2022 systematic review confirm significant testosterone increases and libido improvements, particularly in hypogonadal men, at 200–300 mg/day of standardized extract.

Eurycomanone is the principal quassinoid bioactive of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) responsible for its testosterone-releasing and aphrodisiac effects. It stimulates release of free testosterone from SHBG and has androgenic activity demonstrated in animal models and implicated in human clinical studies on standardized extracts.

Eurypeptides are low-molecular-weight peptides isolated from Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) root that stimulate release of free testosterone by displacing it from sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). They are a key bioactive fraction alongside eurycomanone for testosterone support and male sexual vitality.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds contain furostanolic saponins (fenuside) that inhibit aromatase and 5-alpha-reductase, thereby supporting free testosterone levels. A 2011 double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT in 60 healthy men found 600 mg/day of Testofen for 6 weeks significantly increased sexual arousal, energy, and orgasm domains. Systematic reviews classify it as having moderate evidence for testosterone support in men.

Garlic (Allium sativum) has traditional use as a male aphrodisiac in multiple cultures and emerging evidence for testosterone support. Animal studies and one human study show that aged garlic extract can significantly increase testosterone levels, possibly via reduced oxidative stress in Leydig cells and improved nitric oxide production.

Ginkgo biloba has been used in TCM and has been clinically studied for sexual function, particularly in men with SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. Multiple studies suggest it enhances penile blood flow via nitric oxide and platelet-activating factor antagonism. Clinical evidence is modest but consistent for pro-sexual effects in men.

Panax ginseng (Korean/Asian red ginseng) has the strongest single-agent evidence base among herbal supplements for male erectile dysfunction and libido. Multiple RCTs and a 2025 systematic review/meta-analysis of 14 RCTs found ginseng significantly improved IIEF scores, sexual desire, orgasmic function, and serum testosterone in men with ED. Its ginsenosides promote nitric oxide synthesis in penile endothelial cells.

Ginsenosides are the primary triterpene saponin bioactives from Panax ginseng responsible for its pro-erectile and libido-enhancing effects. They stimulate eNOS and increase NO in penile vascular endothelium, and meta-analyses of RCTs confirm ginsenoside-standardized ginseng products significantly improve erectile function and sexual desire in men.

Horny goat weed (Epimedium spp.) contains icariin, a flavonoid with demonstrated PDE5-inhibitory and testosterone-mimetic properties in preclinical studies. Used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years to treat impotence and low libido. While human RCT data are limited, in vitro and animal studies strongly support its mechanism of action for erectile function and libido.

Icariin is the primary active flavonoid from Epimedium (horny goat weed) with well-characterized PDE5-inhibitory and testosterone-mimetic mechanisms in preclinical models. In vitro and rodent studies show it increases intracavernosal pressure, enhances eNOS/NO production, and exhibits androgen-like activity. Human clinical evidence is still limited.

L-arginine is the direct biosynthetic precursor of nitric oxide (NO), a critical mediator of penile smooth muscle relaxation and erection. Multiple RCTs and a meta-analysis found L-arginine supplementation significantly improves IIEF scores, erectile function, and overall sexual satisfaction in men with ED. A PMC meta-analysis confirmed significant improvements in erectile and orgasmic function.

L-citrulline is an amino acid converted endogenously to L-arginine with greater bioavailability, thereby raising plasma arginine and NO levels more effectively than direct L-arginine supplementation. A small 2011 RCT found L-citrulline supplementation (1.5 g/day) significantly improved erectile hardness scores in men with mild ED compared to placebo.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii), an Andean root vegetable, has centuries of traditional use in Peru for fertility and sexual vitality. Human RCTs and a 2010 systematic review support its ability to improve sexual desire in men without measurably altering testosterone. A small RCT showed maca improved self-reported sexual desire after 8–12 weeks versus placebo.

Macamides are unique benzylamine alkaloids found exclusively in Maca (Lepidium meyenii) root and are considered the primary bioactive compounds responsible for its libido-enhancing effects. They modulate the endocannabinoid system and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), potentially influencing sexual motivation. Maca's libido effects in human RCTs are attributed to macamide content.

Bajijiasu isolated from M. officinalis enhanced sexual function (mounting frequency, intromission) and testosterone levels in male mice, with histological evidence of testicular activity. Oligosaccharides from the root alleviated chronic stress-induced sexual dysfunction in CUMS mice via BDNF/TrkB/CREB and HPG axis normalisation.

Muira Puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides) is known as 'potency wood' in Brazil and has been used in Amazonian traditional medicine as an aphrodisiac. Two early clinical studies by Dr. Jacques Waynberg found it improved libido in 60–85% of men with low desire and erectile function in 50–62%. A more recent clinical trial with a combination product also showed significant benefit.

Osthole is the primary coumarin bioactive from Cnidium monnieri with documented PDE5-inhibitory and NO-enhancing effects in penile tissue. Animal studies confirm its mechanism for improving erectile function, supporting its traditional use as a male aphrodisiac in TCM.

Pycnogenol combined with L-arginine (as Prelox) significantly improves erectile function in men with erectile dysfunction in RCTs, with IIEF-5 scores improving from moderate ED to normal range. Pycnogenol alone also shows benefit in some pilot studies. Mechanism involves enhanced eNOS activity and increased nitric oxide availability for penile vasodilation.

A Queen Margaret University study (2012, n=60) found two weeks of pomegranate juice intake increased salivary testosterone by an average of 24% and improved mood scores in healthy men and women. Improved mood, reduced anxiety, and testosterone elevation are proposed contributors to male libido. Evidence is preliminary.

Protodioscin is the principal steroidal saponin in Tribulus terrestris responsible for its pro-androgenic and pro-erectile effects. It may be converted to DHEA in the body and stimulates LH and testosterone synthesis. Used as the standardization marker for Tribulus extracts studied in clinical trials for male sexual function.

Rhodiola has documented traditional use across Russian, Scandinavian, and Central Asian medicine as a sexual tonic and impotence remedy. A 2016 open-label study (n=1,375) of subjects with low libido and life-stress symptoms showed clinically relevant improvements in sexual function after four weeks of Rhodiola extract. Small clinical trials in men with erectile/ejaculatory dysfunction further support modest benefits, primarily mediated through stress reduction.

Rosa damascena oil improved sexual dysfunction in male MDD patients on SSRIs in a double-blind placebo-controlled RCT (n=60, 8 weeks). A separate double-blind RCT found Rosa damascena oil improved sexual function and testosterone levels in male patients with opium use disorder on methadone maintenance therapy.

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is one of the best-supported herbal agents for male erectile function, with multiple RCTs and a 2025 systematic review/meta-analysis of 14 RCTs finding it significantly improves erectile function, orgasmic function, and intercourse satisfaction in men with ED. Its active compounds crocin and safranal are antioxidant and may protect NO bioavailability.

Saw palmetto has been used traditionally as an aphrodisiac and libido tonic by Native Americans, and this is backed by limited clinical data. A 6-month multicenter study in BPH patients showed a reduction in low libido complaints from 26.5% to 13.2%. By reducing DHT while preserving free testosterone, the extract may sustain androgenic drive without the libido-suppressing side effects seen with 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor drugs.

Shilajit is a mineral-organic exudate from Himalayan rocks used in Ayurveda for millennia as a male rejuvenator and aphrodisiac. A 2015 RCT in Andrologia (38 men aged 45–55, 250 mg twice daily for 90 days) found significant increases in total and free testosterone, and DHEA-S. ConsumerLab and multiple evidence databases list it as a studied testosterone booster in men.

P. paniculata extract improved copulatory performance in sexually sluggish or impotent male rats in a published pharmacological study without affecting locomotor activity. The effect appears specific to sexual dysfunction rather than normal sexual function. Traditional use as an aphrodisiac is well-documented across South American herbal medicine.

Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) is a Southeast Asian herb with centuries of traditional use as a male aphrodisiac and modern clinical evidence supporting testosterone support and libido. Multiple RCTs and a 2022 systematic review/meta-analysis of nine RCTs found significant increases in total and free testosterone. A 2012 Andrologia study found 90% of hypogonadal men normalized testosterone after 4 weeks of 200 mg/day extract.

Multiple RCTs demonstrate that tribulus extract improves erectile function and sexual desire in men with mild-to-moderate ED. A 2017 Phase IV double-blind RCT (n=180) showed significant IIEF score improvements after 12 weeks. The mechanism likely involves nitric oxide pathways rather than testosterone elevation.

Tribulus terrestris has a long history in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for male sexual function. A 2017 prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (180 men with ED) found significant improvement in IIEF scores after 12 weeks of 750 mg/day standardized extract. A 2025 systematic review found modest evidence for erectile function improvement, though effects on testosterone in healthy men are inconclusive.

Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) seeds are rich in L-DOPA, a dopamine precursor that plays a central role in sexual motivation and hormonal regulation. Multiple clinical studies in infertile men have shown it increases testosterone, LH, and sperm quality. A 2008 double-blind RCT found significant testosterone elevation and semen improvement after 3 months of seed powder.

Watermelon contains L-citrulline and lycopene, both linked to vascular and oxidative mechanisms supporting male sexual function. Clinical evidence for L-citrulline on erection quality exists; epidemiological evidence links lycopene to lower erectile dysfunction risk, which indirectly relates to sexual vitality.

Withanolides are the principal bioactive steroidal lactones from Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) responsible for its testosterone-supporting and adaptogenic effects in men. They reduce cortisol, have anabolic steroid-like activity, and multiple RCTs on standardized Ashwagandha extract defined by withanolide content have confirmed improvements in testosterone and male sexual function.

Yohimbine is an alkaloid from the Yohimbe tree (Pausinystalia johimbe) with a 70+ year history of pharmaceutical use for erectile dysfunction. Multiple RCTs and meta-analyses confirm small but significant pro-erectile effects versus placebo via alpha-2 adrenergic receptor blockade, enhancing smooth muscle relaxation in penile tissue. It was previously used as a prescription drug for impotence in the USA.

Zinc is an essential trace mineral with a well-established role in testosterone synthesis and male reproductive function. Clinical studies confirm that zinc deficiency is directly associated with hypogonadism and low libido in men, and supplementation restores testosterone levels and sexual function in deficient individuals. It is listed among the most common ingredients in men's sexual health supplements with documented activity.

Ajwain seeds and roots have documented traditional use as aphrodisiacs in Ayurvedic, Unani, and traditional Persian medicine. The roots in particular are described as diuretic and aphrodisiac. No human clinical trials on sexual function have been conducted.

Allium tuberosum (Chinese chive, garlic chive) is used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine as a Kidney-Yang tonic and aphrodisiac to treat impotence and sexual debility in men. Animal studies support its androgenic effects; listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia for male reproductive disorders.

Antler (calcified or velvet deer/elk antler, 'lu rong' or 'lu jiao') is used in TCM and Korean medicine for millennia as a Kidney-Yang tonic for male impotence, infertility, and sexual debility. It contains growth factors, androgens, and amino acids.

Asparagus has documented traditional use as an aphrodisiac across multiple systems including Ayurveda, Chinese folk medicine, and European herbalism. A. racemosus is used as a tonic with aphrodisiac properties. Chinese folk medicine recorded asparagus decoctions for treating impotence. The constituent saponins and alkaloids are thought to contribute to sexual vitality, but no human clinical trials specifically for male libido have been conducted.

Ba ji tian (Morinda officinalis) is a fundamental Kidney-Yang tonic in traditional Chinese medicine used for over 2,000 years to treat impotence, low libido, and male sexual weakness. Animal studies confirm androgenic effects and improved sexual behavior. Listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia for male sexual and reproductive health.

Epimedium's common name 'horny goat weed' reflects its long-established TCM reputation as an aphrodisiac and male sexual tonic. It has been used for centuries to treat impotence, sexual dysfunction, and low libido. Preclinical studies support aphrodisiac effects via PDE5 inhibition and testosterone support, but controlled human libido trials have not been published.

Broomrape has been regarded as a male tonic and aphrodisiac in TCM, Tibetan, and Western herbal traditions. Orobanche cumana is specifically noted in ancient Chinese herbalism for an 'andrin-like action.' One human RCT with a Cistanche+ginkgo combination showed improved sexual life quality scores, but this cannot be attributed solely to broomrape/Cistanche.

Chinese mountain ant (Polyrhachis vicina) is a traditional Chinese tonic used for millennia to enhance male vitality, sexual function, and energy. It contains zinc, ATP precursors, and polyrhacitides. Animal studies support its androgenic and pro-sexual effects, though human clinical trial evidence is very limited.

Cnidium (Cnidium monnieri) fruit is used in TCM to enhance male sexual function, treat impotence, and increase libido. Its active compound osthole has demonstrated PDE5-inhibitory and NO-enhancing properties in animal studies, supporting a mechanism similar to Viagra. Human clinical data are limited.

Curculigo orchioides (kali musli) is an Ayurvedic herb used as a vajikarana (aphrodisiac) in traditional Indian medicine to enhance male sexual function and libido. Animal studies confirm aphrodisiac activity. Human clinical data are limited but pharmacopoeial recognition and consistent animal study results support traditional use.

Cynomorium coccineum (suo yang) is used in TCM and traditional Arabic medicine as a Kidney-Yang tonic for male impotence and sexual weakness. Animal studies support androgenic and aphrodisiac effects. Listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia for male sexual disorders.

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a Central American herb used for centuries by Mayan and Mexican traditional healers as a male aphrodisiac and sexual tonic. Animal studies and traditional use across multiple cultures support its role as a sexual stimulant. Clinical human evidence remains preliminary and only from combination products.

Deer velvet (pre-calcified deer antler) has been used in TCM and Korean medicine for over 2,000 years as a Kidney-Yang tonic to improve male sexual function, libido, and fertility. It contains IGF-1, gonadotropins, and growth factors. Small human studies suggest benefits for sexual function, though large RCT evidence is limited.

Dodder has been employed as an aphrodisiac and tonic for male sexual vitality in TCM and across Asian traditional medicine systems for over 2000 years. It is commonly used in traditional medicine as a tonic and aphrodisiac. Preclinical data show restoration of testosterone levels and androgen receptor expression, providing mechanistic plausibility. No human RCT specifically targeting libido as an endpoint has been published.

Eucommia bark has been used in TCM for over 2,000 years to treat male sexual dysfunction including impotence and spermatorrhea, under the TCM framework of 'reinforcing Kidney Yang.' Preclinical data on HPG axis enhancement and testosterone support provide a partial scientific basis, but no human trials have addressed libido directly.

Fadogia agrestis is a Nigerian shrub used in West African traditional medicine as an aphrodisiac and vitality tonic. A well-cited 2005 Asian Journal of Andrology study shows dose-dependent testosterone increases and improved sexual behavior in rats. No human clinical trials have been conducted as of 2026, and potential hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity concerns have been raised.

Goji berry has a well-documented traditional use as an aphrodisiac and male vitality tonic in TCM, referenced in classical texts including the Compendium of Materia Medica. Animal research shows LBP improved copulatory performance and sexual hormone levels in hemicastrated male rats. Human clinical evidence for libido enhancement specifically is limited to traditional documentation and supportive animal data.

Macaenes are polyunsaturated fatty acid compounds found in maca (Lepidium meyenii) root, traditionally co-credited with macamides for maca's aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancing properties. Most of the evidence for maca's sexual effects derives from whole-root or co-standardized preparations; macaenes have not been isolated and tested separately in human trials.

Glandular therapy traditions include pituitary substance among formulas for male sexual vitality and low libido, given the pituitary's role in driving LH-dependent testosterone production. This use appears in early 20th-century organotherapy and persists in contemporary naturopathic practice. No modern clinical evidence exists.

Royal jelly is used in traditional medicine across Asia and the Middle East as a male sexual tonic and energy booster. It contains 10-HDA, testosterone precursors, and amino acids. Animal studies suggest it may support testosterone levels; human evidence is limited and traditional use and preclinical support underlie its inclusion for men's libido.

Safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used as a vajikarana (aphrodisiac) and rasayana to enhance male sexual vigor, sperm production, and libido. Preliminary animal studies and small clinical trials support its androgenic and pro-sexual effects attributed to saponins and alkaloids, though robust human RCT evidence is limited.

Sarsaparilla has a multi-century tradition as an aphrodisiac and male reproductive tonic in South American, Mesoamerican, and Asian herbal medicine. Its steroidal saponins are proposed to modulate androgen pathways, but no human clinical trials confirm direct effects on libido or testosterone. The claim that it contains anabolic steroids is false.

Sarsaparilla has been used for centuries across Central/South American, Asian, and European traditions as an aphrodisiac and treatment for sexual impotence. Its steroidal saponins are hypothesised to mimic or modulate reproductive hormones, though testosterone has never been detected in the plant and no human RCTs confirm efficacy for libido.

Yohimbe (Pausinystalia johimbe) is the bark source of yohimbine alkaloid, used for generations in West Africa as an aphrodisiac and sexual stimulant. Traditional use predates pharmaceutical extraction and remains the basis for modern yohimbine supplements targeting male erectile function and libido.