Horny Goat Weed & Maca Root

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.

Maca is a hardy perennial plant cultivated high in the Andean Mountains. Legend has it that Inca warriors would consume Maca before entering into battle. This would make them extremely strong. But after conquering a city, the Incan soldiers were forbidden from using Maca to protect the conquered women from the warrior's powerful sexual impulses. Maca has been used successfully by native Peruvians as an aphrodisiac, and as an adaptogen to increase energy levels. Its fertility enhancing properties were supported clinically as early as 1961, when researchers discovered it increased the fertility of rats. Recently, scientists have rediscovered the wonders of the herb Maca in enhancing libido and energy levels and in attacking erectile dysfunction. A study published in the April 2000 issue of Urology, the prestigious medical journal that first published the Viagra studies, found Maca's sexual performance powers to be consistent with the legendary reports coming from Peru for hundreds of years. Hugo Malaspina, M.D., a cardiologist practicing complementary medicine in Lima, Peru, has been using Maca in his practice for ten years. Dr. Malaspina first found out about Maca through a group of sexually active older men who were taking the herb with good results. Dr. Malaspina reported: "One man in this group started taking Maca and found he was able to perform satisfactorily in a sexual relationship with a lady friend. Soon everyone in the group began drinking the powdered Maca as a beverage and enjoying the boost that the root was giving their hormonal functions." A chemical analysis conducted in 1981 showed the presence of biologically-active aromatic isothiocyanates, especially p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate, which have reputed aphrodisiac properties. Initial analysis of Maca indicates that the effects on fertility are a result of the glucosinolates. Today, dried Maca roots are ground to powder and sold in capsules as a medicine and food supplement to increase stamina and fertility.