Extendzine Reviewed

Damiana is a shrub belonging to the family of Turneraceae. Even though it is a small shrub, it produces aromatic, small flowers. It is generally found in the regions of South America, Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. It is also a fruit bearing shrub. The flowers generally blossom in late summer on the damiana shrub. Then the fruits follow. The fruit it bears is quite similar in taste to figs. It emits a smell which is quite similar to the odor of chamomile. The oils present in the shrub are reason behind this odor. It is said to have aphrodisiac properties. Natives of south and Central America use the leaves to make tea. In Mexico, the tea made with damiana leaves is generally drunk with sugar so as to increase the love making ability.

Ginkgo Biloba, actually ginkgo biloba, is a unique species of a tree, is also deemed a living fossil, because it is deemed an ancient genus. All other genera are extinct, but in China it has been cultivate for centuries, so this species survived. While it was believed that no ginkgo plants were present in the wild, some areas in eastern China have been recently discovered. Ginkgo biloba extract is usually derived from the leaves and the inner seed of the fruit. It is due to certain flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids that certain nootropic properties have been observed, leading to clinical trials in treatments of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In body building circles, this extract is being used as concentration and memory enhancer, increasing blood flow with antioxidant properties as an additional bonus.

Horny Goat Weed is actually belonging to the genus Epimedum, where about sixty species are in the family of Berberidaceae, all of them flowering herbaceous plants. Many of the species have the tag of being aphrodisiacs, but Horny Goat Weed seems to be the most potent one. It is found naturally in south of China, then toward Europe all over Asia, whereby only the furthest outposts of Europe seems to grow these perennials. Japanese cultivars have imported Epimedum for centuries already, using it as garden plants. The legend states that a goat keeper observed the mating habits of the goats after they consumed the Horny Goat Weed and thus recognized the properties of the plant. Chinese herbal medicine used this icariin containing plant for treatment of erectile dysfunctions. It seems to mimic testosterone effects, is a PDE5 inhibitor, just like Viagra, antioxidant, antidepressant and has nootropic properties as well.

L-Arginine is an amino acid that performs several functions in the human body. L-Arginine not only helps in getting rid of the ammonia but also aids the formation of nitric oxide, a compound responsible for relaxation of blood vessels. This amino acid is also involved in the formation of protein in human body. Besides stimulating the release of prolactin and growth hormones, L-Arginine can help in the treatment of heart diseases as it increases blood flow and improves the function of the blood vessels. It is effective for treating erectile dysfunction and heals wounds effectively. L-Arginine is produced in the liver as well as the kidney. Food items which include this acid are animal proteins like meat, fish, poultry and plants. L-Arginine supplements become essential when the supply of arginine depletes because of infections and severe burns.

Macuna Pruriens is a flowering plant in the legume family, genus mucuna and the family Fabaceae, sub family Phaseoleae. It is a climbing plant, a shrub with over fifteen meter extending vines, which has a long lasting history of being used as an aphrodisiac. It is actually containing a lot of levodopa, which is a precursor of dopamine, a neurotransmitter. The levodopa is also used for centuries in traditional medicines, such as Ayurveda, for combating Parkinson’s disease. Some parts of the plant contain 5-hydroxytryptamine, also known as serotonin. These hairy parts have commonly been used to produce itching powder. Seeds are believed to have certain antidepressant qualities, when ingested; furthermore, it contains other ingredients, such as nicotine, 5-HTP, dimethyltryptamine – DMT, and bufotenine, which can induce psychedelic reactions.

Magnesium is another mineral which is deemed essential for all biological life. As an essential part of basic nucleic acid, magnesium ions, together with phosphate ions, are also required for over 300 catalytic reactions of enzymes. Any enzymes synthesizing or utilizing adenosine triphosphate require a magnesium ion. Incredulously enough, magnesium deficiency is the most widespread deficiency, affecting a third of the population in the United States only, with third world countries surpassing the count easily. Being also essential, together with calcium and phosphorus, in the skeletal structure, magnesium deficiency is viewed as a main factor in ailments such as osteoporosis. Naturally available through cereals, green leafy vegetables, nuts, spices, tea, cocoa and coffee, magnesium is available as a supplement in magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate form, whereby the latter is viewed as more bioavailable.

Saw Palmetto , also known as Serenoa repens, which is the only species from the genus Serenoa in the Arecaceae family. Arecaceae are actually all palm trees and Saw Palmetto is no exception. It is a smaller version of a palm tree with heights that do not surpass four meters. It is believed to be native to southeast of the United States, the oldest plants found in Florida with almost 700 years of age. The berry-like fruits are rich in fatty acids and plant sterols and Saw Palmetto extract has been often used for treatment of urinary tract problems, mainly infections. Some other applications related to cholesterol have been evaluated, but no indications were proven. Treatment against benign prostatic hyperplasia is currently under evaluation, whereby initial data was encouraging, but methodological research data contradictory.

Selenium , an essential mineral that is toxic at high dosages. Selenium plays an important function in the antioxidant enzymes that protect cells against free radicals. Selenium also promotes proper thyroid hormone metabolism.

Tribulus Terrestris, commonly known as Puncture Vine, has been frequently used in India and China for its medicinal properties. The plant is used mainly in overcoming problems with infertility, erectile dysfunction and to improve libido. In recent times, however, it is being used by athletes to enhance performance. Research carried out on samples suggests that the levels of testosterone and estrogen are increased by its use. The fruit of the plant has also been used as a diuretic and a urinary antiseptic. Other than this, it is also used to treat headaches and problems of the eyes, such as conjunctivitis and weak eyesight. It has been used traditionally to treat people with gout problems. The use of Tribulus Terrestris has shown no adverse side effects.

Yohimbe is an alkaloid and the active ingredient of a medicinal herb also known as Pausinystalia yohimbe, formerly named Corynanthe yohimbe. It is noted as a stimulant drug and also as an aphrodisiac. While the medicinal community has conducted numerous studies of yohimbe in conjunction with sexual dysfunctions, in veterinary medicine, yohimbine is employed as the antidode to anesthesia stemming from the drug xylazine in large and small animals. In recent times, yohimbine has been found to instigate fat loss in athletes when taken orally. There are also some formulations available, for a significant price, where yohimbine can be directly applied transdermally to adipose tissue, leading to a local reduction. This application is still in experimentation and should not be used without professional assistance.

Zinc is an essential mineral that is used in many healing processes to speed up the healing process in instance that include sunburned skin, diaper rash and helps prevent premature aging of the skin.