Is There A Natural Viagra (Sildenafil)? (And Does It Really Work?) Introduction
Viagra, or sildenafil, was the buzz word and solution for decades for millions of men with erectile dysfunction. By the time the pill was approved in 1998, it felt like the final word, and millions of men felt more confident about sex thanks to the new pill. But there were downsides to the medication: side effects and expensiveness. That’s why many have been searching for a natural Viagra substitute. We are going to see in this essay whether a natural Viagra actually exists and whether it’s effective.
What is Viagra?
Viagra is a drug developed by Pfizer for the treatment of ED. It relaxes the muscles and increases blood flow to the penis, thereby enabling men to have and hold an erection. It is offered in different doses (most commonly 25mg, 50mg, 100mg). It is administered by mouth and works within 30-60 minutes of swallowing. Viagra lasts for four hours on average, depending on the individual.
Is There a Natural Viagra?
Natural Viagra is not sildenafil, and no such drug exists. Yet there are a number of natural solutions that assert to have similar effects on ED. These include herbs, supplements, and lifestyle interventions.
Herbs
Some herbs are considered ancient ED natural cures. These include ginseng, horny goat weed and yohimbe. Although there is some evidence that these herbs might help to reduce ED, there is no conclusive science to back it up. Furthermore, these herbs might interact with other drugs and may have side effects, so you should speak to a physician before experimenting with them.
Supplements
There are also many supplements out there that purport to mimic Viagra’s effects. They include L-arginine, DHEA, and maca. But as with herbs, there’s not much scientific evidence that they work, and they could also cause unwanted side effects and interactions with other drugs.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle interventions can also mitigate ED. These include giving up smoking, cutting down alcohol, and keeping a healthy weight. Exercise and eating a balanced diet can also improve your health and may assist in the management of ED. But changing lifestyles won’t always pay off and may take a great deal of effort to achieve results.
Does Natural Viagra Really Work?
With the limited scientific data available, it’s difficult to say with certainty if natural ED cures work. However, some studies have found some positive outcomes with herbs and supplements. For instance, a study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men with mild-to-moderate ED who received a combination of ginseng and saffron experienced greater improvements in erectile function and sexual satisfaction compared with those who received a placebo.
A separate paper in the Journal of Urology found that L-arginine treatment in men with ED resulted in better sexual function than a placebo. But those studies were small in sample size and didn’t use the double-blind, placebo-controlled design regarded as the gold standard in science.
Examining the Evidence:
Although many natural therapies have been used for centuries to manage a number of disorders, such as ED, they need to be carefully examined to determine their effectiveness. Over the past few years, a number of studies have investigated the efficacy of natural Viagra and its ingredients.
L-Arginine: The Power of an Amino Acid
L-arginine is an amino acid that helps produce nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels, increasing blood circulation. There are few studies, and the majority say that L-arginine may improve ED in men with mild-to-moderate ED. In a handful of smaller trials, erectile function improved in people taking L-arginine. Yet the results are inconsistent, and some trials find no benefit. The current prevailing opinion is that although promising, the evidence does not warrant its application and more trials with larger, more experimentally rigorous ones will be required to complement these early results.
Ginseng: A Tradition of Herbal Remedy
Ginseng is revered by traditional medicine and it’s also been used to combat a range of diseases, including ED. Some research indicates it may increase root erectile function, sexual happiness, and overall vitality. One systematic review, for example, remarked on a limited success rate for sexual dysfunction patients. Ginseng research is, however, notorious for its minuscule samples and occasionally suspect practices. The optimal dose and time course are therefore undetermined and will require additional studies.
Ginkgo Biloba: The Promise of the Ancient Tree
Gingko biloba is a deciduous tree indigenous to China that has been used as medicine for millennia. One initial experiment suggested that ginkgo biloba may help to boost sex function in men with ED because it allegedly increases blood flow. Unfortunately, the research in this area is generally bad and, although promising, there is no definitive evidence of efficacy. Like most of the other natural remedies listed here, there will be more research needed to confirm these rumours and determine best practices.
Maca Root: The Fertility Enhancer
Maca root is a cruciferous Peruvian vegetable used traditionally as an aphrodisiac for fertility and sexual energy. A few small studies have also found it increases sexual desire, and for men suffering from ED, it may enhance erection power so the user is more sexually satisfied. But like most other medications, research is lacking, and better studies are required to confirm these claims and determine the right dose at which such healing effects can be produced.
Antioxidants: Guarding Sexual Health
Antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and E, play a critical cardiovascular role and can reduce oxidative stress that is presumed to cause ED. Antioxidants can improve erectile function by alleviating diseases that promote the occurrence of erectile dysfunction. … There are a few good things from the research, but the evidence is only just starting to come together, and more research is needed to pinpoint the best combinations and doses of the antioxidants to administer in ED.
Conclusion: Is There A Natural Viagra (Sildenafil)? (And Does It Really Work?)
Even though natural remedies claim to work in much the same way Viagra does, little science has ever provided a reason to use them. There have been some promising studies, though we would still need to do more to ensure effectiveness. In addition, it’s also essential to look into the potential side effects and compatibility of these remedies with other drugs before undertaking any form of natural therapy to manage ED. Naturally, the ultimate option should you experience any issues with ED is to make sure to speak to a healthcare provider about what may be the appropriate treatment plan.
