Do Sexual Enhancers Really Work?

As is true with herbal dieting aids, we are literally being assailed by sexual enhancement formulas, which are vigorously promoted and line the shelves at every corner store and supermarket. Surely, there must be something in these products that helps to increase libido and enhance sexual performance; or, are they merely inducing a placebo effect?

Curious, I began to read the ingredients on some of the more common libido enhancers, such as Enzyte. There was no surprise when I discovered that many of the herbs contained in it have long been known for increasing sexual arousal through raising one of the most fundamental hormones responsible for libido: testosterone.

Testosterone is a hormone secreted by the testes in men, and is responsible for secondary sexual characteristics; e.g., facial hair growth; enlarged penis size; deepening of the voice; increases in muscular size and strength; and, in extreme forms, male pattern baldness. Testosterone is also the driving force behind sexual desire and aggression: hence its appeal in areas of sexual enhancement products. Since to take testosterone directly is simply steroid use, manufacturers of products such as Enzyte utilize herbal therapies that have long been known for increasing testosterone naturally.

There are four main herbs used as aphrodisiacs: yohimbe bark; horny goat weed; passionflower; and, ashwaganda.

Yohimbe bark is obtained from the inner lining of an African tree, and has been used by native people for centuries for increased sexual desire and performance. In addition to raising testosterone levels, yohimbe bark increases the circulation and tone of smooth muscles, especially those of the penis. This means quite simply that erections are obtained faster and maintained for longer periods with yohimbe.