DHEA Shows Promise in Treating Erectile Dysfunction
Plays Important Role in the Biology of Aging

It happens regularly to millions of men in this country – yet few talk about it. The inability to achieve or maintain an erection, otherwise known as erectile dysfunction (ED), affects men increasingly as they age. Since DHEA levels show a similar age-linked decline, scientists have posed the obvious question: Could DHEA be a key biological agent for sustaining healthy male sexual function? Researchers from the University of Vienna recently tracked the results of DHEA replacement therapy in a group of forty men with ED, aged 41-69, over a 24-week period. These men suffered from early loss of erection, which made them unable to complete intercourse. To ensure that the study was double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled, another group of men with ED was administered a placebo capsule. Results were compared using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), a standard tool for the clinical assessment of ED. The researchers uncovered what they called a "biologically obvious trend" – a statistically significant increase in all domains of IIEF in the DHEA group compared to the control group, including improved erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction. “DHEA treatment demonstrated the first clinical effects after 8 weeks and an impressive improvement in maintaining the erection after 16 weeks,” researchers observed, with no negative side effects reported. These findings bolster the results of the Massachusetts Male Aging Study of 1994, which found an inverse correlation between DHEA levels and the incidence of ED in men. Erectile dysfunction is estimated to affect 30 million men in the U.S. alone. DHEA levels normally peak in a man’s late 20s and early 30s, declining to nearly one-third their youthful levels as men age. Previous studies have linked low DHEA with heart disease, aging, and other degenerative conditions.

Source: Reiter WJ, Pycha A, Schatzl G, Pokorny A, Gruber D, Huber JC, Marberger M. Dehydroepiandrosterone in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Urology 1999;53(3):590-595.

Tribulus Terrestris is an herb also known as the puncture vine, and has been used for centuries in Europe as a treatment for impotence and as a stimulant to help enhance sexual drive and performance. On the athletic front, this potent herb has been studied and observed to enhance LH (luteinizing hormone) production and raise testosterone levels. The increased testosterone levels by Tribulus Terrestris will have a positive effect on strength and stamina. Athletes are using Tribulus Terrestris to help ensure their own natural levels of testosterone are at a normal level at all times. Tribulus Terrestris does not work the way prohormones such as Androstenedione and DHEA. It is a natural stimulant of LH. In fact, a person that has used a prohormone, should use Tribulus Terrestris on the "off cycle" to help their own testosterone levels return to normal, which is what the prohormone will suppress. On the "off cycle", many men feel weak, tired, and moody because their own natural testosterone levels have been suppressed. Tribulus Terrestris will help alleviate these symptoms. Clinical studies in Bulgaria showed Tribulus Terrestris improved reproductive functions, including increased sperm production and testosterone levels in men. Among women, Tribulus Terrestris increased the concentration of hormones including estradiol, with testosterone being very slightly influenced, thereby improving reproductive function, libido, and ovulation.

What does Tribulus Terrestris do?

• Increases the natural level of testosterone
• Increases strength and stamina
• Alleviates tired, weak moody feelings on the "off cycle" of a prohormone
• Stimulates sexual drive and performance
• Increases sperm production
• Improves reproductive function, libido, and ovulation

Epimedium Sagittum may not sound serious, but in reality, it could provide a serious boost to those who need it. An all-natural phyto-aphrodisiac, it’s based on the latest scientific research into male performance and well-being. Epimedium Sagittum is a traditional botanical medicine used in China and Japan. Although this herb (which also goes by the names Yin Yang Huo, Inyokaku, and Herba Epimedii, Horny Goat Weed) has a history of traditional use for disorders of the kidneys, joints, liver, back and knees, its principle use is as an aphrodisiac. According to one herbal author, Epimedium Sagittum has testosterone-like effects. It stimulates sexual activity in both men and women, increases sperm production, stimulates the sensory nerves, and increases sexual desire. Epimedium Sagittum’s aphrodisiac effects have been verified in both animal and human research. Mice treated with an Epimedium Sagittum preparation produced "apparent effects on the improvement of sexuality". It was also shown to improve sperm producing capability. Since Epimedium Sagittum has been traditionally used for kidney disease, it’s interesting that research has demonstrated a sexual potentiation effect and improved quality of life in patients with chronic renal failure who were given Epimedium Sagittum. Research has shown that Epimedium Sagittum significantly increases testosterone in mice. This certainly appears to be the herb’s mechanism of action, although Epimedium Sagittum may have more than one. For example, it has been established that sexual arousal is linked to the activity of cholinergic neurotransmitters. However, an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inactivates cholinergic neurotransmitters within 1/500 of a second. As it turns out, research shows that Epimedium Sagittum is capable of inhibiting AChE. Such an inhibition may support higher levels of the key cholinergic neurotransmitters associated with sexual arousal. In addition, research has shown that Epimedium Sagittum has anti-fatigue effects and helps prevents adrenal exhaustion. Horny Goat Weed (epimedium): Will it make you horny, too? by Ray Sahelian, M.D. Epimedium is a pungent ornamental herb found in Asia and the Mediterranean. The Chinese call epimedium Yin Yang Huo, which loosely means “licentious goat plant.” Legend has it that the name horny goat weed came from a herder who noticed his goats becoming more sexually active after eating the plant. Supplement companies have adopted the provocative name by which it is known in the U.S. Horny goat weed was named epimedium because it is similar to a plant found in the ancient Asian kingdom of Media, now a part of Iran. Epimedium is a genus of many related plant species and some are used for medicinal purposes, including Epimedium sagittatum, Epimedium brevicornum, and Epimedium koreanum. Although epimedium has a history of traditional use for disorders of the kidneys, joints, and liver, its principle use in the United States is as an aphrodisiac and to combat fatigue. What the research says about epimedium Very little research has been published in the Western medical literature regarding this plant. Our Chinese study investigated the therapeutic effect of epimedium sagittatum on 22 patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis. Twelve patients with hemodialysis were served as controls. Epimedium sagittatum had a sex enhancing effect and improved their quality of life. Epimedium mechanism of action The exact way that epimedium works remains unclear. Animal studies have shown that it may influence levels of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine and reduce cortisol levels. The leaves of epimedium sagittatum contain a variety of flavonoids, icariin, sterols and an alkaloid called magnaflorine. It’s quite possible epimedium sagittatum influences several aspects of human sexual biochemistry. Icariin is thought to help with erectile function.

Arginine is the primary source of nitrous oxide (NO) – an odorless gas made of nitrogen and oxygen that relaxes muscles and increases blood flow to organs including the heart and penis. By facilitating blood flow through the erectile tissue of the penis, NO produced from L-arginine can give men erections that are bigger, harder and frequent.

In a group of 15 men with erectile dysfunction given 2,800mg of arginine per day for two weeks, six were helped, though none improved while taking placebo. Available research looks promising and suggests that at least some men are likely to benefit.

[Int J Impot Res 6:pp.33-6,1994]

Muira pauma (Ptychopetalum olacoides) is a Brazilian shrub with a long history in South American folk medicine as an aphrodisiac and sexual tonic for promoting virility and treating impotence. Human studies have substantiated the use of muira pauma for improving libido and treating erectile dysfunction. In one study conducted at the Institute of Sexology in Paris, France under the supervision of Dr. Jacques Waynberg, 262 male patients experiencing lack of sexual desire and the inability to attain or maintain an erection were treated with 1 to 2.5 grams of muira pauma extract a day. Following two weeks of treatment, 51 percent of those suffering from erectile dysfunction reported significant improvement. Additionally, 62% of the patients suffering from loss of libido reported that the muira pauma extract had, in the words of the researchers, “a dynamic effect.” A second study conducted by Dr. Waynberg included 100 men who complained of impotence, loss of libido and sexual difficulties due to “asthenia,” described as fatigue, loss of strength, or debility. Following treatment with Muira pauma, 66% of the men reported a significant increase in frequency of intercourse. Of 46 men complaining of loss of desire, 70% reported that treatment with muira pauma increased libido. Another important measure of sexual function, stability of erection during intercourse, was improved or restored in 55% of the patients. Other benefits reported included a reduction of fatigue, improved sleep, and increased morning erections. Treatment with muira pauma was much more effective in cases with the least psychosomatic involvement. Of the 26 men diagnosed with common sexual asthenia without noticeable sign of psychosomatic disorder, the treatment was effective for asthenia in 100% of cases, lack of libido in 85% of cases, and for inability of coital erection in 90% of cases.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a hardy perennial plant cultivated high in the Andes Mountains, at altitudes from 8,000 to 14,500 feet. It has one of the highest frost tolerances among native cultivated species. Maca has a low-growing, mat-like stem system, which can go unnoticed in a farmer’s field. Its scalloped leaves lie close to the ground and it produces small, self-fertile, off-white flowers typical of the mustard family to which it belongs. Tribal and herbal medicine uses this energizing plant is also referred to as Peruvian ginseng (although maca is not in the same family as ginseng). Maca has been used for centuries in the Andes to enhance fertility in humans and animals. Soon after the Spanish conquest in South America, the Spanish found that their livestock was reproducing poorly in the highlands. The local Indians recommended feeding the animals maca; so remarkable were the results that Spanish chroniclers gave in-depth reports. Even colonial records of some 200 years ago indicate that payment of (roughly) nine tons of maca was demanded from one Andean area alone for this purpose. In Peruvian herbal medicine today, maca is reported to be used as an immunostimulant; for anemia, tuberculosis, menstrual disorders, menopause symptoms, sterility (and other reproductive and sexual disorders); and to enhance memory.

Maca has been growing in world popularity over the last several years due to several large U.S. marketing campaigns touting its energizing, fertility enhancement, hormonal balancing, aphrodisiac, and, especially, enhanced sexual performance properties. Other (anecdotal) herbal medicine uses in the U.S. and abroad includes increasing energy, stamina, and endurance in athletes, promoting mental clarity, treating male impotence, and helping with menstrual irregularities, female hormonal imbalances, menopause, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

The nutritional value of dried maca root is high, resembling those of cereal grains such as maize, rice, and wheat. It contains 60-75% carbohydrates, 10-14% protein, 8.5% fiber, and 2.2% lipids. The protein content of maca exists mainly in the form of polypeptides and amino acids (including significant amounts of arginine, serine, histidine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, valine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and threonine). It also has about 250 mg of calcium, 2 g of potassium, and 15 mg of iron in 100 g of dried root-and important amounts of fatty acids (including linolenic, palmitic, and oleic acids). Maca contains sterols (about 0.05% to 0.1%) and other vitamins and minerals. In addition to its rich supply of essential nutrients, maca contains alkaloids, tannins, and saponins.

A chemical analysis conducted in 1981 showed the presence of biologically active aromatic isothiocyanates (a common chemical found in the mustard family of plants and shown to be a wood preservative and insecticide). Chemical research shows maca root contains a chemical called p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate, which has reputed aphrodisiac properties. At least four alkaloids are also present but have not yet been quantified. Fresh maca root contains about 1% glucosinolates-plant chemicals found in many plants in the family Brassicaceae (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables). Maca’s main plant chemicals include: lkaloids, amino acids, beta-ecdysone, calcium, carbohydrates, fatty acids, glucosinolates, iron, magnesium, p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate, phosphorus, potassium, protein, saponins, sitosterols, stigmasterol, tannins, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc.

Biological activities and clinical research Maca’s fertility-enhancing properties were reported as early as 1961, when researchers discovered that it increased fertility in rats. Marketing and resulting sales of maca for sexual function has been fueled by clinical research since. Studies in 2001 reported a beneficial effect on male sperm production in rats and improvement of sperm count and motility in nine healthy adult men. In 2002, a study reported improved sexual performance in inexperienced male rats; another “self-perception on sexual desire” test in healthy men reported aphrodisiac or libido enhancement effects It may well be that maca’s beneficial effects for sexual function and fertility can be explained simply by its high concentration of proteins and vital nutrients.

Dried maca root contains about 10% protein – mostly derived from amino acids. Amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) are required in the diet to drive many cellular functions in the body – including sexual and fertility functions. Amino acids are required to manufacture neurotransmitters such as dopamine and noradrenaline. These substances transmit signals in the nervous system and play a major role in the process of sexual arousal and physical performance during sex. The main amino acids that these neurotransmitters require include phenylalanine, tyrosine, and histidine (all three of which are found in good supply in maca). The amino acid arginine, of which maca is a significant source, is thought to assist in the generation of nitric oxide-which is thought to counteract male impotence (although this is not clinically validated). Many libido- and sexual-enhancement health supplements on the market today contain arginine for this reason. Arginine has also clinically proven to play a role in male fertility through its action of increasing sperm production and motility. It is highly likely that some of the sexual and fertility effects reported were due to maca’s high arginine content. The amino acid histidine also is found in maca root in high amounts. This amino acid plays an often-overlooked but important role in sexual function: during ejaculation and orgasm. The body utilizes histidine to produce histamine, and histamine in the corpus cavernosum (penile erectile tissue) ultimately is responsible for the way ejaculations happen. Men suffering from premature ejaculation often show increased histamine activity; they may be helped by a simple antihistamine, or the amino acid methionine (which counteracts the formation of histamine from histidine). This is the same mechanism that explains a side effect of prescription antihistamines – aorgasmia (or the inability/difficulty to achieve an orgasm). Conversely, men and women having difficulties achieving orgasms may be helped by histidine supplementation – this may increase histamine levels in the sexual tract, which in turn make orgasms and ejaculations easier. An additional pro-sexual effect of histidine (as well as arginine) may lie in its vasodilating effect, increasing blood flow to the sex organs. Again, the significant, natural histidine content of maca may have played a role in the rat studies reporting a greater number of copulations.

Panax Ginseng (Korean Red Ginseng) increases stamina and energy and has even shown to increase testosterone levels. When you consider it also has a positive effect on blood flow, it’s easy to see why ginseng would have a valuable effect to maintain an erection.

Nettle root (Urtica dioica) blocks 5 alpha reductase, reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Nettle root appear to contain substances, which bind to SHBG helping reduce the proportion of bound: free testosterone.

In studies, Bioperine (Black pepper – piper nigrun fruit extract) increases absorption of other nutrients from 30 to 250% via a process called thermogenesis. Recent studies have shown that it can greatly increase the bioavailability of other compounds – such as vitamins, minerals, and herbal substances. By itself Bioperine does not increase testosterone, but when added to the TestoLife formula, it causes your body to absorb up to 250% more of the first 9 testosterone-boosting nutrients described above.