Sunday, May 18, 2014

The Top 8 Herbs for Andropause

The Top 8 Herbs for Andropause

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The Top 8 Herbs for Andropause

Posted: 17 May 2014 08:00 AM PDT

What are the best herbs for andropause?

Andropause, or male menopause, is a condition associated with a drop in sexual activity, testosterone levels, and a diminished frequency of normal erections. It’s an age related problem and many men are in full swing by middle age. Thankfully, there are natural solutions for combatting the demoralizing effects of andropause. Herbs that have been used for centuries have demonstrated their potent abilities and received validation from modern science. Here are the top 8 herbs for promoting vitality during andropause.

1. Tribulus terrestris

A natural aphrodisiac, Tribulus terrestris has been used in various countries for centuries to stimulate libido and promote normal testosterone levels. [1] The plant’s active compound, protodioscin, is a precursor to testosterone. As a blood vessel dilator, protodioscin may allow more blood to reach the penis, resulting in a normal, full erection. In animal models, impotent male rats given Tribulus terrestris showed an increased erection frequency. [2]

2. Suma

The suma root comes from the suma ground vine, typically found in the rain forests of South America. It’s been widely used as an herbal tonic for hormone activity and some evidence suggests it’s effective for improving libido and sexual response. Ecdysterone, a bioactive compound in suma, may help promote normal hormone levels in men, particularly the sex hormone testosterone, which stimulates male sexual performance. [3] Men suffering from andropause or general sexual dysfunction are among the most popular consumers of suma root.

3. Ashwagandha

Also known as “Indian ginseng,” Ashwagandha has been used for over 3000 years to remedy various sexual issues. There is some research to suggest that Ashwagandha, especially when combined with Tribulus terrestris, may promote fertility in men. Researchers believe that Ashwagandha helps alleviate stress, which is essential for promoting sperm quality. [4] The herb may also be helpful for encouraging normal energy levels, a common issue that plagues many infertile, impotent, and sexually inactive men. [5]

4. Maca

Native to Peru, maca (also known as Peruvian ginseng) has been a favorite aphrodisiac and sexual endurance enhancer for thousands of years. Research has consistently shown maca to produce a significant erectile response. [6] Positive effects on ejaculation rates have also been reported in animal models; and human studies confirm that maca may boost sperm quality. [7] [8]

5. Avena sativa

Avena sativa is a potent tool and its benefits for testosterone production, energy enhancement, endurance, and prostate health have been studied in the lab. Compounds in Avena sativa may stimulate luteinizing hormone, the hormone responsible for activating the production of testosterone. Examinations into the use of Avena sativa have found that it offers help for promoting a healthy sexual response, libido, and orgasm frequency. [9]

6. Tongkat ali

Another herb with powerful aphrodisiac properties, Tongkat ali has been shown to stimulate libido, semen quality, and muscle growth. [10] [11] [12] These effects are attributed to Tongkat ali’s positive effects on testosterone levels. Middle-aged males experiencing menopause may see changes in their sexual health while supplementing with this Malaysian herb! [13]

7. Catuaba

Similar to Tribulus terrestris, Catuaba bark promotes a strong and longer-lasting erection by increasing blood flow to the penis. [14] Catuaba may also increase the brain’s sensitivity to dopamine, a neurotransmitter that enhances the pleasurable effects experienced during sex. [15]

8. Muira puama

Studies have shown that Muira puama, an herb native to Brazil, may promote blood flow to support the chances of having a normal erection. [16] Men who are experiencing andropause often seek out Muira puama for this reason, and its ability to increase sexual desire and satisfaction.

A Final Thought

Whether it’s reducing stress or promoting blood flow or testosterone levels, there are plenty of natural aphrodisiacs for supporting sexual health. Getting enough exercise and sleep are also integral for battling the early onset of andropause symptoms.

Have you, or someone you know, experienced the effects of andropause? Have you tried these, or other, remedies? Please leave a comment below and share your experience!

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

References:

  1. Gauthaman K, Ganesan AP, Prasad RN. Sexual effects of puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) extract (protodioscin): an evaluation using a rat model. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2003 April;9(2):257-65.
  2. Singh S, Nair V, Gupta YK. Evaluation of the aphrodisiac activity of Tribulus terrestris Linn. in sexually sluggish male albino rats. The Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics. 2012 January;3(1):43-7. doi: 10.4103/0976-500X.92512.
  3. Arletti R, Benelli A, Cavazzuti E, Scarpetta G, Bertolini A. Stimulating property of Turnera diffusa and Pfaffia paniculata exracts on the sexual-behavior of male rats. Psychopharmacology (Berlin). 1999 March;143(1):15-9.
  4. Mahdi AA, Shukla KK, Ahmad MK, Rajender S, Shankhwar SN, Singh V, Dalela D. Withania somnifera Improves Semen Quality in Stress-Related Male Fertility. Evidenced-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2009 September 29.
  5. Shenoy S, Chaskar U, Sandhu JS, Paadhi MM. Effects of eight-week supplementation of Ashwagandha on cardiorespiratory endurance in elite Indian cyclists. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. 2012 October;3(4):209-14. doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.
  6. McKay D. Nutrients and botanicals for erectile dysfunction: examining the evidence. Alternative Medicine Review. 2004 March;9(1):4-16.
  7. Lentz A, Gravitt K, Carson CC, Marson L. Acute and chronic dosing of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on male rat sexual behavior. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2007 March;4(2):332-9; discussion 339-40.
  8. Gonzales GF, Cordova A, Gonzales C, Chung A, Vega K, Villena A. Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improved semen parameters in adult men. Asian Journal of Andrology. 2001 December;3(4):301-3.
  9. Malviya N, Jain S, Gupta VB, Vyas S. Recent studies on aphrodisiac herbs for the management of male sexual dysfunction–a review. Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica. 2011 January-February;68(1):3-8.
  10. Tambi MI, Imran MK, Henkel RR. Standardised water-soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia, Tongkat ali, as testosterone booster for managing men with late-onset hypogonadism. Andrologia. 2012 May;44 Suppl 1:226-30. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01168.x.
  11. Ang HH, Lee KL, Kiyoshi M. Eurycoma longifolia Jack enhances sexual motivation in middle-aged male mice. The Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology. 2003;14(3):301-8.
  12. Ang HH, Ngai TH, Tan TH. Effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack on sexual qualities in middle aged male rats. Phytomedicine. 2003;10(6-7):590-3.
  13. Tambi MI, Imran MK. Eurycoma longifolia Jack in managing idiopathic male infertility. Asian Journal of Andrology. 2010 May;12(3):376-80. doi: 10.1038/aja.2010.7.
  14. Antunes E, Gordo WM, de Oliveira JF, Teixeira CE, Hyslop S, De Nucci G. The relaxation of isolated rabbit corpus cavernosum by the herbal medicine Catuama and its constituents. Phytotherapy Research. 2001 August;15(5):416-21.
  15. da Silva AL, Bardini S, Nunes DS, Elisabetsky E. Anxiogenic properties of Ptychopetalum olacoides Benth. (Marapuama). Phytotherapy Research. 2002 May;16(3):223-6.
  16. Antunes E, Gordo WM, de Oliveira JF, Teixeira CE, Hyslop S, De Nucci G. The relaxation of isolated rabbit corpus cavernosum by the herbal medicine Catuama and its constituents. Phytotherapy Research. 2001 August;15(5):416-21.

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