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 is known to increase blood flow to the brain and has treated numerous ailments, neurological disorders and circulation problems and have assisted with difficulties like dizziness, memory, mental fatigue and headaches, to name a few.

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 helps in forming proteins and is responsible for releasing the bodies growth hormones. In addition it makes nitric oxide. This is a vessel relaxant, which helps to improve blood circulation.

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, which is a mineral used by the body to help maintain muscles, bones, and nerves. Magnesium is also needed for energy metabolism and protein synthesis.

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 refers to an herb used in India and China as traditional medicines for centuries. Tribulus Terrestris contains active compounds known as steroidal saponins, and these are basically found in the leaf. The tribulus consists of furostanol and spirostanol glycosides. People use Tribulus Terrestris for erectile dysfunction as well as low libido. This has gained popularity owing to sports performance improvement. This is available in Russia and Bulgaria as it enhances the testosterone hormone levels, estrogen and DHEA. Tribulus Terrestris supplements taken for four weeks showed no effect on the hormones of the male sex. Preliminary studies heightened the sexual behavior in animals and yet the studies have not confirmed its effect on human beings. However, Tribulus is popular as an aid for sports performance as it shows no effect in exercise performance or body composition. Tribulus do not show any significant change in fat or body weight and this difference can be felt by experiencing strength in the leg press. Conversely, nursing or pregnant women should avoid taking Tribulus.

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 a metallic chemical element and an essential trace element, whereby only two to four grams of Zinc are found in the human body. There are several biological roles that Zinc plays in humans, including the metabolism of RNA and DNA, gene expression and the regulation of apoptosis. It is deemed vital for proper brain activity and essential in the learning process. It is also critical for the central nervous system, but is also found in muscle, bones, liver, kidneys, eyes and most prominently in the prostate. It is supplied to the body by the ingestion of red meats, particularly beef and lamb, but can also be found in seeds, including sesame and mustard, wheat, beans, whole grains, sunflower seeds and nuts, including almonds.