Yohimbe Bark / Horny Goat Weed

Yohimbe is native to tropical West Africa, and was frequently used by the Bantu people. The part of this plant used medicinally is the bark. Yohimbe Bark has a long folk history of helping increase libido or sexual energy and desire. It has also been used to dilate pupils, for heart disease, and as a local anesthetic. It has a more recent history of use as an aphrodisiac, and as a hallucinogen. Currently, Yohimbe is the only natural drug with enough credible evidence to be listed as a sensual stimulant and sexual booster in The Physician's Desk Reference. Yohimbe Bark affects both the male and female reproductive, nervous, circulatory and respiratory systems. It contains an alkaloid yohimbine, which expands the blood vessels in the extremities of the body, including the genitals (similar to the prescription drugs ViagraT, CialisT, and LevitraT), skin, and fat cells. This compound has now been isolated, and is synthesized by pharmaceutical companies for use in the treatment of impotence. Yohimbine acts as an alpha adreno-receptor blocker, reducing the effect of hormones that cause constriction of blood vessels, which typically increases as we age. Yohimbe Bark particularly aids blood flow to the corpus cavernosom to more readily engorge the penis. This herb concurrently increases the body's production of norepinephrine which is essential to the formation of erections, and steps up adrenaline to nerve endings which enhance sexual stimulation. Thousands of Urologists in the U.S. and abroad have been recommending the drug forms of Yohimbe for years. Many studies have shown that Yohimbe Bark can help impotence caused by poor blood circulation. A recent clinical study in Rhode Island (published in the Journal of Urology) tested the active ingredient yohimbine on a group of men who had experienced chronic sexual dysfunction - for those who had been impotent for less than two years, the improvement rate was an astounding 81% as a direct result of consuming a moderate dosage over a period of one month.

Horny Goat Weed is a low growing, deciduous perennial with leathery leaves (up to 1 foot long) spreading by underground stems. The flowers of this plant are 1 to 2 inches wide, resemble a bishop's hat (pendent-shaped), have long spurs, and come in various colors (purple, pink, yellow or white). A great deal of research has been done in recent years concerning human sexual performance and libido drive. Some of that research have focused on natural, botanical ingredients which have legendary history as natural aphrodisiacs, and Horny Goat Weed is among the top performers. The leaves of the plant contain a variety of flavonoids, polysaccharides, sterols and an alkaloid called magnaflorine. Many cultures have reported that Horny Goat Weed supports increased libido, improved erectile function, and relief from menopausal discomfort. While the scientific community has focused mainly on men and treatments for erectile dysfunction, women's sexual performance and loss of sex drive (among both sexes) are also hot issues today. In recent studies, a daily dose of Horny Goat Weed extract has shown significant results as a sexual performance enhancer for both men and women - boosting sexual energy and stamina. Horny Goat Weed lowers blood pressure by dilating capillaries and blood vessels while slowing the adrenal production that can hinder blood flow to the sex organs. Men achieve better erections due to this effect and it is thought that women benefit from the increased blood flow as well, and perhaps from other testosterone-like alkaloids and sterols within the plant. Research has also shown that Horny Goat Weed significantly increases testosterone in mice. Horny Goat Weed is a traditional Chinese herb of long-standing use by those in the health care profession, where it has been used in the past to relieve liver, joint, knee, and back problems. The Chinese Academy of Sciences recommends the regular use of Horny Goat Weed to slow the aging process, as it improves the overall quality of life as well.