It is estimated that about 31% men experience some form of sexual dysfunction. Physical or psychological factors might lead to sexual problems. Most cases of sexual dysfunction are curable.

Sexual problems can occur in men at any age. However, they are more likely to occur in aged males. Poor libido, erectile dysfunction and ejaculation disorders are the most common sexual problems that lead to infertility.

Ejection of semen during ejaculation is usually accompanied by orgasm. Premature ejaculation is a common ejaculation disorder that occurs when the penis releases the semen before entering the vagina. Retarded ejaculation, characterized by very slow speed of ejaculation, could reduce the pleasure of sex. Emotional factors are largely believed to be responsible for premature and retarded ejaculation. Nervousness during sexual activities and relationship problems could inhibit normal ejaculation.

Retrograde ejaculation, which occurs when the semen instead of entering the penis, moves into the bladder during orgasm, could be a sign of nerve damage. It is more common among diabetic men. Prostate, bladder and abdominal surgeries might cause retrograde ejaculation. Ejaculation problems could develop as a side effect of certain medications taken for treating emotional disorders.

Failure to achieve or maintain penile erection for a satisfying sexual experience is more likely to occur in older men. However, it is not uncommon in men in their 30s and 40s. In older men, cardiovascular problems, hypertension and lipid imbalance might inhibit erection. Sluggish blood circulation owing to accumulation of fat deposits in the blood vessels might reduce blood flow to the penis. This would prevent the penis from hardening and enlarging in response to sexual stimuli. Diabetics have a higher risk of experiencing erection problems. Untreated diabetes slows down blood circulation and damages the nerves, which might impair your ability to attain erection. Stress, anxiety and depression might prevent you from attaining or maintaining erection.

Loss of libido or reduced interest in sexual activities might be a sign of testosterone deficiency. Emotional disorders might reduce your desire for sex. Health disorders and certain antidepressants might decrease your sex drive.

Improves libido and boosts fertility

The tuberous root of Asparagus adscendens is used as an aphrodisiac in the traditional Indian medicine system. In Ayurveda, Shwet Musali is classified as a “Vajikarana Rasayana” herb that improves virility and sexual potency. It is recommended for improving penile erection, preventing premature ejaculation, increasing sperm count and motality. The aphrodisiac property of Asparagus adscendens is primarily attributed to the steroidal glycosides present in the root.

Reduces stress

The hormonal and chemical changes that occur in the body due to stress lowers libido. Studies suggest that asparagus adscendens might be used for managing stress. It is especially effective in preventing stress-related immune disorders that induce production of the hormone corticosterone. Elevated level of corticosterone suppresses production of testosterone by lowering the functions of the testes. (Kanwar AS, Bhutani KK. “Effects of Chlorophytum arundinaceum, Asparagus adscendens and Asparagus racemosus on pro-inflammatory cytokine and corticosterone levels produced by stress.” Phytother Res. 2010 Oct;24(10):1562-6).

Alleviates health disorders that inhibit sex drive

Sexual dysfunction could develop due to an underlying health disorder. Diabetics have a higher risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction, infertility and poor libido. The anti-diabetic effect of Asparagus adscendens could restore the normal sexual behavior in diabetics by normalizing the blood sugar level. (Mathews JN, Flatt PR, Abdel-Wahab YH. “Asparagus adscendens (Shweta musali) stimulates insulin secretion, insulin action and inhibits starch digestion.” Br J Nutr. 2006 Mar;95(3):576-81).

People suffering from cancer or on chemotherapy drugs are prone to sexual dysfunction. The chemopreventive effect of Asparagus ascendance might help to improve virility by shrinking the cancer tumors. The root of Asparagus adscendens could reactivate the antioxidant enzymes, which would help to neutralize the scavenging activities of free radicals. (Singh M, Singh S, Kale RK. “Chemomodulatory potential of Asparagus adscendens against murine skin and forestomach papillomagenesis.” Eur J Cancer Prev. 2011 May;20(30):240-7).

Since antiquity, aphrodisiacs are used worldwide for improving virility. Besides herbs such as Shwet Musali, you can boost your sexual energy by consuming the right diet and following a healthy lifestyle. Sex is not solely for personal pleasure. It satisfies both you as well as your sexual partner. According to Ayurveda, for a satisfying sexual experience, one should choose the right partner. Moreover, discipline is also necessary for maintaining normal sexual function. Sexual dysfunction, according to the traditional medicine system of India, could develop if you fail to regulate your sexual activities.

Regular exercises might benefit your sexual behavior by enhancing blood circulation and reducing the risk of cardiovascular illnesses.

Certain yoga poses are recommended for improving virility. Supta Baddha Konasana (reclined cobbler’s pose), Sablabhasana (locust pose), Viparitakarani (legs up the wall) and Apanasana (knees to chest) are recommended for strengthening the reproductive system and improving sexual functions.

Deep breathing exercises and Pranayama could help to enhance virility. The relaxation effect of the breathing exercises helps to reduce stress. Stress and anxiety are associated with sexual dysfunction. Moreover, these exercises improve oxygen circulation throughout the body, which would help to improve the functions of the reproductive organs and boost stamina needed to sustain sex drive. Emotional distress associated with sexual dysfunction could be alleviated through meditation.

Talking with your partner about your problems might help to improve your sexual function. You can easily overcome your worries if you have a partner who loves you. Often lack of physical and emotional attachment with the sexual partner reduces sex drive. Doing activities together, cuddling and touching might help to bring you closer to your partner. Physical contact helps to induce secretion of hormones that regulate sexual activities. Modifying your positions during sexual activities might help to improve your sexual functions.

To gain the stamina needed for sustaining sexual activities, you should get sufficient sleep. Sleep helps to revitalize the mind and body, and is a natural remedy for anxiety and stress.

Risk of developing sexual dysfunction might be diminished by increasing the frequency of sexual activities. Regular sex might protect you from erectile dysfunction. Moreover, by frequently engaging in sexual intercourse you might help your partner to get pregnant easily. To enable conception, it is advisable to have sex during ovulation. If you are using a lubricant to enhance the pleasure of sexual activities, it is advisable to apply a lubricant that does not harm the sperms.

A fertility boosting diet should contain enough zinc, selenium and vitamins B12, C and E. Adult men need at least 11mg of zinc per day. Oyster is touted to be the richest source of zinc. This essential mineral is also present in lobster, crabs, red meat, poultry, dairy, whole grains, nuts and beans. The human body could easily absorb zinc from animal foods, whereas presence of phytates in legumes and whole grains reduce the bioavailability of the mineral present in plant foods. Consumption of alcoholic drinks might inhibit zinc absorption.

The antioxidant effect of selenium helps to maintain the normal activities of the reproductive organs. The selenium content in foods depends upon the quality of the soil where a plant grows. Brazil nut is the richest source of this trace mineral. It is also present in grains and nuts. Meat and milk of animals that feed on plants grown in selenium rich areas are also good sources of this mineral.

Increasing vitamin B12 intake might stimulate sperm count and motility. Fish, meat, organ meat, poultry, egg and dairy are the common sources of vitamin B12.

The antioxidant vitamins C and E might reduce the risk of infertility by protecting the sperms from the harmful activities of free radicals. Studies suggest that infertile men tend to have higher levels of free radicals. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables could help to strengthen the antioxidant defense system. Citrus fruits, papayas, berries and cruciferous vegetables are the best sources of vitamin C. Whole grains, nuts, seed and olive are common dietary sources of vitamin E.

Consuming foods rich in L-arginine might aid sperm development and improve penile erection. This amino acid is present in whole grains, seeds, nuts, meat, fish, poultry and dairy.

In men, low sperm count is often linked to deficiency of the amino acid L-carnitine. L-carnitine helps to maintain erection. Red meat and dairy are the richest sources of the amino acid. You might even find this amino acid in asparagus, peanut, wheat and avocado.

Safed Musali is a thorny plant that is growing tall and erect. Safed Musali or Shweta Musali’s rhizomes are 0.25-0.5 mrn thick and they are white in color. It is used as an aphrodisiac as well as to increase sperm count. Its use as general tonic is also well known all over India.

Safed Musali contains some very useful active ingredients. Some of them include Spirostanol glycosides (asparanin A and asparanin B) and two furostanol glycosides (asparoside A and B). They have been isolated from the methanol extract of the fruits of Asparagus adscondens'.

Sarsasapogenin and diosgenin have also been reported from Safed Musali or Shweta Musali. Mucilaginous extract of Safed musli is also studied. The protein content is significantly high in the root of Safed Musali making it the best herb for general tonic or general debility.

The roots of Safed musali are considered as demulcent, diaphoretic, galactogogue and stimulant [1, 2, and 3].

Safed musali is useful in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery and general debility [3].

[1] Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974 ISBN 0094579202

[2] Gupta. B. L. Forest Flora of Chakrata, Dehra Dun and Saharanpur. Forest Research Institute Press 1945

[3] Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986

Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disease characterized by glucose overproduction and under-utilization. As the incidence of diabetes expands rapidly across the globe there is an urgent need to expand the range of effective treatments. Higher plants such as Asparagus adscendens provide therapeutic opportunities and a rich source of potential anti-diabetic agents. In the present study an aqueous extract of Asparagus adscendens was shown to induce a significant non-toxic 19-248 % increase in glucose-dependent insulinotropic actions (P < 0.001) in the clonal pancreatic beta cell line, BRIN-BD11.

In addition, the extract produced an 81 % (P < 0.0001) increase in glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Asparagus adscendens also produced a 21 % (P < 0.001) decrease in starch digestion in vitro. The present study has revealed the presence of insulinotropic, insulin-enhancing activity and inhibitory effects on starch digestion in Asparagus adscendens. The former actions are dependent on the active principle(s) in the plant being absorbed intact. Future work assessing its use as a dietary adjunct or as a source of active components may provide new opportunities for the treatment of diabetes. (Asparagus adscendens (Shweta musali) stimulates insulin secretion, insulin action and inhibits starch digestion. Mathews-J-N; Flatt,-P-R; Abdel-Wahab,-Y-H in Br-J-Nutr. 2006 Mar; 95(3): 576-81)

Supplement Facts:

Serving size: 2 Vegi caps
Servings per container: 30
Each 500 mg capsule contains: Shwet Musali

Dosage: To improve virility and sex drive, you can take one to two Shwet Musali capsules, twice a day, after meals, or as directed by the physician.