
It contains compounds that your body may use to produce sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone ( 14, 17).Ī 12-week study found that supplementing with 600 mg of fenugreek extract daily improved sexual function and increased testosterone levels in 120 middle-aged and older men ( 18). Red ginseng may boost libido and enhance erectile function, though more research is needed.įenugreek is a popular herb in alternative medicine that may help enhance libido and improve sexual function. It may also interact with medications like blood thinners, so people who take them may want to consult a medical professional before use ( 15). It’s also important to know that while red ginseng is generally well tolerated, it may cause side effects, such as headaches and an upset stomach.

Still, the effect is small, and the strength of the included studies was mostly of low quality ( 14). Indeed, a review of 9 studies consisting of nearly 600 men with mild to moderate ED concluded that red ginseng, among other types, likely improves erectile function or satisfaction with sex compared with placebo. In fact, studies have revealed that this herb is significantly more effective at enhancing erectile function than a placebo ( 11, 12, 13). This is a compound that aids blood circulation and helps muscles in the penis relax. In addition, red ginseng may boost the production of nitric oxide. In fact, a review of 10 studies found that red ginseng was effective at improving sexual arousal in women with menopause ( 10). Ginseng - red ginseng in particular - may aid low libido and improve sexual function.

Yet results regarding its ability to treat ED are inconsistent, so more research is needed. Tribulus terrestris may help raise libido. Conversely, in another study, taking 1,500 mg daily for 90 days improved erections as well as sexual desire ( 3, 4).Īs such, more research is needed on Tribulus terrestris and ED. One older study found that taking 800 mg of this supplement daily for 30 days did not treat ED. However, studies in people with ED show mixed results. However, the study did not include a placebo group, so no conclusions can be drawn.

In fact, in a 90-day study in women reporting low sexual pleasure, taking 750 mg of tribulus daily for 3 months increased sexual satisfaction in 88% of participants ( 2). While human studies haven’t shown that it can raise testosterone levels, it appears to increase sex drive in people of both sexes. It’s also widely available as a sports supplement and commonly marketed to boost testosterone levels and improve sex drive. Tribulus ( Tribulus terrestris) is a small leafy plant whose roots and fruit are popular in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine ( 1).
