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In Ayurveda, the herb Withania somnifera, better known as Ashwagandha or winter cherry is categorized as Rasayana or an herb that helps to nourish and rejuvenate the body. Also referred as the Indian ginseng, a Guru Nanak Dev University, India, study indicates that Ashwagandha helps to improve physical performance and boosts cardio-respiratory endurance in young adults. Researchers found that this medicinal herb could boost stamina and reduce generalized weakness. It also supports neuromuscular coordination and improves muscular strength in the lower limbs. (Sandhu JS, shah B, Shenoy S, Chauhan S, Lavekar GS, Padhi MM. “ Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy young adults.” Int J Ayruveda Res. 2010 Jul;1(3):144-9) These properties of Ashwagandha are especially useful for treating the problems of poor libido owing to low energy. In a CSM Medical University, Lucknow, India, study, researchers found that Ashwagandha could help to reduce stress-induced infertility. The infertile male subjects in the trial comprised of heavy smokers as well as individuals suffering from psychological stress. The participants were asked to take 5 grams of Ashwagandha root powder daily for up to three months. The findings showed that the herb helped to reduce stress, increased the level of antioxidant enzymes and improved the overall quality of the semen in men who reported sexual problems at the beginning of the study. In addition, partners of 14 percent of the subjects on Ashwagandha became pregnant at the end of the study period. (Mahdi AA, Shukla KK, Ahmad MK, Rajendar S, Shankhawar SN, Singh V, Dalela D. “Withania somnifera Improves Semen Quality in Stress-Related Male Fertility”. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009 Sep 29)
Also known as Kapikachhu or Kaunch Beej, Mucuna pruriens is recommended in folk medicines for improving fertility in men. Several studies in India have revealed the efficacy of the aphrodisiac herb. Researchers at the Department of Biochemistry at CSM Medical University, Lucknow, found that infertile men treated with cowhage experienced higher sperm count and better sperm motility following the treatment. This herb also helps to maintain hormonal balance by boosting the levels of serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), which triggers testosterone secretion, dopamine, adrenaline and nonadrenaline hormones. In addition, this herb can help to treat sexual problems induced by psychological stress. It helps to improve the quality of the semen by rejuvenating the antioxidant defense system in men with poor libido. Antioxidant enzymes help to neutralize the free radicals that are blamed for damaging the sperms and reducing sex drive. (Shukla KK, Mahdi AA, Ahmad MK, Shankhwar SN, Rajender S, Jaiswar SP. “Mucuna pruriens improves male fertility by its action on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis”. Fertil Steril. 2009 Dec;92(6):1934-40)
Clinical trials have shown that Tribulus terrestris or Gokshura could improve libido. The herb owes its aphrodisiac property to the phytochemical Protodioscin, which helps to improve erection. It helps to treat erectile dysfunction by stimulating production of DHEA, a natural steroid hormone. DHEA is needed for producing testosterone. (Adimoelja A. “Phytochemicals and the breakthrough of traditional herbs in the management of sexual dysfunctions”. Int J Androl. 2000; 23 Suppl 2:82-4)
In Ayurveda, Asparagus racemosus belongs to the Rasayana herbs category. Modern studies have validated the aphrodisiac property of the herb. Animal studies have shown that Asparagus Racemosus could improve penile erection. It can also help to improve the sperm count, improving the reproductive function in men. (Thakur M, Thompson D, Connellan P, Deseo MA, Morris C, Dixit VK. “Improvement of penile erection, sperm count and seminal fructose levels in vivo and nitric oxide release in vitro by ayurvedic herbs”. Andrologia 2011 Aug;43(4):273-7)
Asparagus Racemosus extract mimics testosterone. By elevating the testosterone level, it helps to improve the sexual behavior in men. By stimulating production of nitric oxide, it aids penile erection. (Thakur M, Chauhan NS, Bhargava S, Dixit VK. “A comparative study on aphrodisiac activity of some ayurvedic herbs in male albino rats.” Arch Sex Behav. 2009 Dec;38(6):1009-15)
In Auyrveda, the rhizome of Safed Musli or Curculigo orchioides is used as an aphrodisiac. Animal studies have validated the aphrodisiac property of the herb. It could improve penile erection and increase sperm count. (Thakur M, Chauhan NS, Bhargava S, Dixit VK. “A comparative study on aphrodisiac activity of some ayurvedic herbs in male albino rats.” Arch Sex Behav. 2009 Dec;38(6):1009-15) Studies further showed that the aqueous extract of the herb might prevent heat-induced sexual problems. (Thakur M, Chauhan NS, Bhargava S, Dixit VK. “A comparative study on aphrodisiac activity of some ayurvedic herbs in male albino rats.” Arch Sex Behav. 2009 Dec;38(6):1009-15) In addition, the aphrodisiac encourages sexual activities by increasing mount frequency and increasing attraction towards the opposite sex. (Chauhan NS, Rao ChV, Dixit VK. “Effect of Curculigo orchioides rhizomes on sexual behaviour of male rats”. Fitoterapia. 2007 Dec; 98(7-8):530-4)
In Ayurveda, Shilajit is considered a Rasayana material that can help to boost stamina. The black colored substance extracted from the Himalayan Mountains could be used for treating oligospermia in men. Oligospermia or low sperm concentration in the semen is a common cause of infertility. In a study, sixty men with total sperm count less than 20 million per ml of semen were asked to take 100mg of Shilajit, twice a day after meals, daily for up to 90 days. At the end of the study period, the sperm count and sperm motility improved in the subjects. In addition, Shilajit helped to elevate the serum testosterone level and the follicle-stimulating hormone in the participants. Daily intake of Shilajit was not linked to adverse side effects. (Biswas TK, Pandit S, Mondal S, Biswas SK, Jana U, Ghosh T, Tripathi PC, Debnath PK, Auddy RG, Auddy B. “Clinical evaluation of spermatogen activity of processed Shilajit in oligospermia”. Andrologia. 2010 Feb;42(1):48-56.)
Besides enhancing the flavor of the food, Myristica fragrans or nutmeg could even be taken as an aphrodisiac. In Unani medicine nutmeg is recommended for treating male sexual disorder. In a laboratory study, researchers found that oral administration of nutmeg extract could significantly augment sexual activities in male rats. It could improve penile erection. (Tajuddin, Ahmad S, Latif A, Qasmi IA, Amin KM. “An experimental study of sexual function improving effect of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg).” BMC Complement Altern Med. 2005 Jul 20;5:16.) |