Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: A Natural Cure for Erectile Dysfunction?

Some herbs claim to help treat erectile dysfunction. Know the facts before trying one.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is a problem getting and maintaining an erection strong enough for sex. Erectile dysfunction is common, and treatments such as prescription medications are available. But you may have seen ads for herbs or nutritional supplements that claim to enhance sexual performance. Could they work for you?

Erectile dysfunction supplements and other natural remedies have long been used across cultures. But they haven’t been studied or tested nearly as much as prescription medications for ED. Prescription medications include sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil, tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca, others), and avanafil (Stendra). These are known as PDE5 inhibitors.

Some supplements can cause side effects. It can also affect medications and other health conditions. The amount of active ingredient can vary greatly from one product to another. That’s why it’s important to talk to your healthcare professional before trying a new supplement. Your healthcare professional can find out if it is safe for you and can recommend the right amount to take.

Do not use nutritional supplements to treat ED that lack proven benefits and pose a potential risk of harm.

Here’s a guide to herbs and supplements for erectile dysfunction:

It has been studied in humans, with positive results, and is generally safe
Herb or supplement Does it work? safety
L-Arginine Some research shows that taking high doses improves erectile dysfunction by helping blood vessels open more widely to improve blood flow. Side effects may include stomach pain, bloating, headache, insomnia, and diarrhea. Do not take L-arginine with sildenafil.
Ginseng Panax ginseng may improve sexual function in people with erectile dysfunction. Premature cream is used for premature ejaculation. Panax ginseng has many active ingredients in it. It appears to be safe when used for up to 6 months. Insomnia, headache, and dizziness are common side effects.
Propionyl-L-Carnitine Studies have shown that propionyl-L-carnitine with sildenafil may improve erectile function better than sildenafil alone. Propionyl-L-carnitine is likely safe when used for up to 6 months.
dia Some early research shows that dehydroepiandrosterone, also known as DHEA, It helps treat erectile dysfunction associated with high blood pressure or for which there is no clear cause. Long-term or heavy use of DHEA may be linked to some types of cancer. Using DHEA in low doses for a short time, such as up to 6 months, can cause side effects such as acne, headaches, insomnia, mood changes, and upset stomach.

Yohimbe

 Small studies suggest that using this component of the bark of an African tree can improve ED for various reasons. This herb has been linked to serious side effects. These include agitation, increased blood pressure, rapid or irregular heartbeat, heart attacks and seizures. Do not use yohimbe without the guidance of a health care professional.
Ginkgo Ginkgo biloba may enhance blood flow to the penis. But there is not enough evidence that it helps treat erectile dysfunction. Side effects can include dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, and headache. In rare cases, ginkgo may increase the risk of bleeding and irregular heartbeat.
Horny goat weed, also called epimedium Substances found in the leaves of this herb have been used to improve sexual performance. But there is not enough evidence to prove that it helps treat erectile dysfunction. Side effects can include dizziness, dry mouth, nosebleeds, thirst, and vomiting. This herb may also affect heart or breathing functions.

Our care team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you solve your health problems. Visit Mayo Clinic Men’s Health to get started.

Start the process

Beware of “Herbal Viagra”

Many over-the-counter products claim to be herbal forms of Viagra. Some of these products contain varying amounts of ingredients such as those found in prescription medications. Such ingredients can cause serious side effects. Some products contain real medication, and the medication should only be given by prescription. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has banned many of these products. But some serious erectile dysfunction treatments are still on the market.

Be careful and talk to your healthcare professional

Just because a product claims to be natural does not mean it is safe. Many herbal remedies and nutritional supplements can cause side effects. It can also have serious effects when taken with some medications. Talk with your healthcare professional before trying an erectile dysfunction supplement. This is very important if you are taking medications or have a long-term health condition such as heart disease or diabetes.

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Register for free and stay up to date on the latest research developments, health tips, current health topics and health management expertise. Click here to preview the email.

To provide you with the information that is most relevant and useful to you, and to understand what information is useful, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this may include protected health information. If we combine such information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will not use or disclose that information except as described in our Notice of Privacy Practices. You may unsubscribe from email communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the email.