There are many different ways to treat erectile dysfunction. Some of the different types of treatments include prescription medicine, herbs, minerals, vitamins, and exercise. In this article we will be taking a look at some popular herbal, vitamin, and mineral supplements that have been shown to be effective erectile dysfunction treatments. The first supplement that we will be looking at is Horny Goat Weed.
Horny Goat Weed is a plant that is native to the Mediterranean and parts of Asia; Its scientific name is Epimedium. It has been used to treat low male sex drive for thousands of years in China, where it was discovered to significantly increase the sexual appetites of goats. In 2008, the University of Milan published research on the effects of horny goat weed, which showed that is has the potency and effectiveness to compete with many popular erectile dysfunction medications. Evidence suggests Horny Goat Weed may regulate levels of the hormones such as cortisol, testosterone, and thyroid hormone by bringing low levels back to normal. Animal studies indicate that Horny Goat Weed may work by boosting nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide irelaxes smooth muscle and lets more blood flow to the penis. Epimedium also inhibits an enzyme known as PDE5 (which is responsible for destroying nitric oxide), which is the same way that Viagra functions.
Vitamin Mineral Supplements
Tribulus Terrestris is another popular herb that has been shown to be an effective when used as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. The popularity of Tribulus Terrestris among competitive power-lifters led to two decades of government sponsored studies at the Chemical Pharmaceutical Research Institute in Bulgaria culminating in the 1980's with a formula for improving physical and sexual performance. The most noted outcome of this research was the success of the Bulgarian weight lifting team which stunned the world in Olympic competition. Studies have shown significant increases in testosterone levels in individuals taking Tribulus Terrestris.
Another popular supplement that is used to treat erectile dysfunction is a combination of Zinc, Magnesium, and B6. Zinc is imperative to maintaining normal testosterone levels. Insufficient zinc levels prevent the pituitary gland from releasing the hormones that stimulate testosterone production. Zinc has been shown to increase testosterone levels when taken with the Vitamin B6. Zinc also stops the enzymes that are responsible for converting testosterone into estrogen. Magnesium is also a very effective testosterone booster. Researchers from Selcuk University assessed how four weeks of magnesium supplementation affect total testosterone levels in 3 groups of men. Total testosterone levels increased in both athletes and sedentary control groups.
The last supplement that we will be discussing is an enzyme called L-Arginine. L-arginine is functionally similar to Viagra. Like Horny Goat Weed, L-arginine is used for the production of nitric oxide. The way in which L-Arginine and Viagra differ, is that Viagra blocks the enzyme PDE-5 which destroys nitric oxide and L-arginine makes nitric oxide. Basically, Viagra destroys an enzyme that destroys nitric oxide, whereas L-arginine just makes more nitric oxide instead. In one study of fifty adult males who suffered from erectile dysfunction, subjects were divided into two separate groups; a placebo group, and an independent group which was given L-arginine supplements. After 6 weeks, more men in the L-arginine group showed significant improvements, compared to the group that was given placebos.
While the debate among the medical community about the effectiveness of herbs and minerals as an effective erectile dysfunction treatment continues, the web is loaded with thousands of testimonials from men across the world that attest to their effectiveness. But, you should check with your doctor before you take anything, especially if you have a heart condition. And, if you're under 18, don't take anything.