A Viable Viagra Alternative?

For those who have never heard of horny goat weed (officially Epimedium brevicornum), this plant gets it's peculiar name from the arousing effect it has on the animals which eat it. Studies have shown that the active ingredient in horny goat weed, a substance called icariin, inhibits the PDE5 enzyme which helps control the flow of blood to the penis thus promoting erection. This is the same process by which Viagra's active compound sildenafil works.

While sildenafil is 80 times more effective than icariin at inhibiting PDE5, researchers claim that a modified version will improve it's effectiveness to that on par with Viagra. It may also avoid some of the more common side effects associated with Viagra, specifically those related to heart and sight functions. As mentioned previously however, commercial availability may not be realized for as many as 10 years.

Natures Remedies

The effectiveness of plants like horny goat weed and Safed Musli in treating sexual dysfunction is no secret in traditional remedies. The use of such ingredients has in fact been a staple in herbal medicine for many different cultures over the millennia.

Even the compounds found in some popular contemporary male enhancement formulas rely on the natural properties of herbs to enact change at both the physiological and psychological levels.

Still, we has a long way to go before finding a permanent cure for erectile dysfunction. Science is just beginning to research and better understand all of the complexities involved with this specific disorder. It is heartening however to see some progress being made in the fight against this condition which impacts so many, particularly when the source comes from nature itself.

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Post tags: erectile dysfunction, horny goat weed, icariin, male impotence, Viagra