What Goes Into Making Sexual Supplements?
From Indonesia and Malaysia, comes Eurycoma longifolia, or Tongat Ali, as it is also known. This little evergreen is reputed for its testosterone-increasing effect. Also favored by body builders, this little wonder was co-patented by the Malaysian Government and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in December 2003, after extensive research on the isolated bioactive fraction extract.
Epimedium is known by many sobriquets, such as 'rowdy lamb herb,' 'bishop's hat,' 'fairy wings,' and 'horny goat weed.' Obviously, as legend goes, it was discovered by a Chinese goat herder who noticed his goats getting randy after eating this weed. The active ingredient in Epimedium is Icariin and ranges in potency from 5% extracts to 60%.
In certain parts of the US, Tribulus terrestris is considered an invasive species of weed, and we like it for just that. First publicly used by Jeffery Peterman in the 1970s, Tribulus terrestris is known to increase testosterone levels, build muscle and increase sexual drive. It has been used for the same purpose by traditional Chinese medicine, Indian ayurveda and even the unani systems of medicine.
The next stop is 'Peruvian ginseng,' a.k.a. Lepidium meyenii or maca. Found native in the Andes mountain ranges of Bolivia and Peru, it is a root vegetable that grows well only in high-altitude, cold climates. This little plant remained secret for about 2,000 years until the Spanish invaded the area. They used this herb as currency as well. No wonder, since it has been tested to show that it increases semen production and libido and does not affect hormonal balance.
Last but not the least is Ginkgo Biloba, or Maidenhair tree. This hardy tree hit fame when six of the variety managed to survive the atomic blast at Hiroshima, some 1000 meters from the epicenter. What's more, immediately afterwards the trees put out buds. No wonder, the leaves of this 'oldest tree known to man' can fix impotence and help the body develop and maintain an erection.