Dietary supplements for erectile dysfunction: A natural treatment for ED?

Some herbs claim to help erectile dysfunction. Find out the facts before trying one.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Erectile dysfunction, also known as ED, is characterized by difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection that is sufficiently firm for sexual activity. This condition affects many men and can arise from a variety of causes including physical health issues, psychological factors, or lifestyle choices. Though traditional treatment options, like prescription medications, are available, you may have encountered advertisements promoting herbs or dietary supplements that assert they can enhance sexual performance. The question then arises: Could these natural remedies actually be effective for you?

Historically, erectile dysfunction supplements and natural remedies have been used across different cultures worldwide. However, it is important to note that these herbs and supplements lack the extensive research and rigorous clinical trials that prescription medications go through. Well-known prescription treatments, such as sildenafil (commonly recognized as Viagra), vardenafil, tadalafil (marketed as Cialis and Adcirca), and avanafil (known as Stendra), fall under the category of PDE5 inhibitors, which have been scientifically validated for their effectiveness in treating ED.

While certain herbal supplements may hold promise, they also carry risks. Some of these products can lead to adverse side effects or interact negatively with other medications or pre-existing health conditions. Furthermore, the concentrations of active ingredients can fluctuate widely from one product to another, making consistent dosing a challenge. This variability reinforces the necessity of consulting with your healthcare professional before introducing any new supplement into your health regimen. An experienced healthcare provider can help determine if a supplement is appropriate for your specific circumstances and recommend the safest dosage.

Caution is warranted when considering the use of supplements for erectile dysfunction, especially those that have not demonstrated proven benefits and may pose a potential risk of harm.

Below is a detailed guide on some of the herbs and supplements commonly associated with erectile dysfunction:

Studied in people, positive results, generally safe
Herb or supplement Does it work? Safety
L-arginine Some studies indicate that high doses can enhance erectile dysfunction by facilitating the widening of blood vessels to improve blood circulation. Potential side effects may encompass stomach discomfort, bloating, headache, insomnia, and diarrhea. It is advisable not to combine L-arginine with sildenafil.
Ginseng Research suggests that Panax ginseng may have a positive effect on sexual function in men experiencing erectile dysfunction. A topical cream form is also utilized for premature ejaculation treatment. Panax ginseng contains numerous bioactive compounds and appears to be safe for usage up to 6 months. Common side effects might include insomnia, headaches, and light-headedness.
Propionyl-L-carnitine Research indicates that combining propionyl-L-carnitine with sildenafil may enhance erectile function more effectively than sildenafil alone. This supplement is likely safe when taken for a duration of up to 6 months.
DHEA Initial studies suggest that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) can be beneficial for erectile dysfunction, particularly in cases associated with high blood pressure or where the cause is unclear. Long-term or excessive use of DHEA may be linked to certain cancers, while low-dose, short-term use (up to 6 months) may have side effects like acne, headaches, mood swings, and gastrointestinal upset.

Yohimbe

 Preliminary studies propose that this bark-derived supplement from an African tree may improve erectile dysfunction arising from various origins. Yohimbe has been associated with severe side effects, including heightened anxiety, elevated blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and even heart attacks or seizures. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential before use.
Ginkgo There is some evidence suggesting that ginkgo may enhance blood flow to the penis; nonetheless, substantial proof confirming its efficacy for erectile dysfunction is lacking. Possible side effects can include dizziness, digestive issues, and headaches. There is a rare risk of increased bleeding and heart rhythm irregularities associated with ginkgo.
Horny goat weed, also referred to as epimedium This plant has been traditionally used to enhance sexual performance, but evidence substantiating its effectiveness for erectile dysfunction is insufficient. Side effects may involve dizziness, dry mouth, nosebleeds, excessive thirst, and vomiting, as well as potential impacts on heart and respiratory functions.

Be wary of 'herbal viagra'

A multitude of products marketed as herbal alternatives to Viagra can be found on the market without the need for a prescription. These products often contain varying concentrations of ingredients similar to those in prescription medications. Such ingredients can lead to serious side effects, and in some instances, the products may even contain genuine medications that should only be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has prohibited many such products due to safety concerns, yet some potentially hazardous erectile dysfunction remedies continue to be available for purchase.

Be cautious and talk with your healthcare professional

It is critical to recognize that a product's label claiming to be "natural" does not inherently guarantee its safety. Numerous herbal remedies and dietary supplements carry the potential to induce side effects. Moreover, they can have harmful interactions with prescription medications. Prior to attempting any supplement for erectile dysfunction, it is imperative to engage in a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider. This conversation is especially vital if you are taking other medications or managing chronic health conditions like heart disease or diabetes.

Our dedicated team of Mayo Clinic professionals is ready to support you with your health inquiries. Visit Mayo Clinic Men's Health to get started.

Begin your journey towards better health today.

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Sign up for free and stay informed about advancements in research, health tips, trending health topics, and expertise in managing your health. Click here for an email preview.

We utilize your provided data to deliver relevant content tailored to your needs. To enhance our service further, we might integrate your email and website interactions with other information we possess. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only employ your protected health information according to our Notice of Privacy Practices. You can opt out of email communications anytime by clicking the unsubscribe link included in our emails.

Jan. 03, 2025

  1. Petre GC, et al. Dietary supplements for erectile dysfunction: Analysis of marketed products, systematic review, meta-analysis and rational use. 2023; doi:10.3390/nu15173677.
  2. Tainted sexual enhancement and energy products. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. URL: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/medication-health-fraud/tainted-sexual-enhancement-and-energy-products. Accessed Sept. 17, 2024.
  3. Rakel D, et al., eds. Erectile dysfunction. In: Integrative Medicine. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2023. URL: https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Sept. 17, 2024.
  4. DHEA. NatMed. URL: https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Sept. 17, 2024.
  5. L-arginine. NatMed. URL: https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Sept. 17, 2024.
  6. Panax ginseng. NatMed. URL: https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Sept. 17, 2024.
  7. Yohimbe. NatMed. URL: https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Sept. 17, 2024.
  8. Ginkgo. NatMed. URL: https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Sept. 17, 2024.
  9. Horny goat weed. NatMed. URL: https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Sept. 17, 2024.
  10. Propionyl-L-carnitine. NatMed. URL: https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Sept. 17, 2024.
  11. AskMayoExpert. Erectile dysfunction. Mayo Clinic; 2023.
  12. Erectile dysfunction/sexual enhancement. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine. URL: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/erectile-dysfunctionsexual-enhancement. Accessed Sept. 17, 2024.
  13. Ziegelmann MJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Oct. 4, 2024.

See more In-depth

See also

  1. Acromegaly
  2. Acupuncture
  3. Arteriosclerosis / atherosclerosis
  4. Autonomic neuropathy
  5. Infertility — Not just a female condition
  6. Cushing syndrome
  7. Diabetic neuropathy
  8. Diabetic neuropathy and dietary supplements
  9. Types of diabetic neuropathy
  10. Erectile dysfunction
  11. Erectile dysfunction: Nonoral treatments
  12. Erectile dysfunction: A sign of heart disease?
  13. Erectile dysfunction and diabetes
  14. What is erectile dysfunction? A Mayo Clinic expert explains
  15. Erectile dysfunction FAQs
  16. Erectile dysfunction medications
  17. Graves' disease
  18. Hemochromatosis
  19. Is a home sperm test useful?
  20. Kegel exercises for men
  21. Low sperm count
  22. Male hypogonadism
  23. Male infertility
  24. Male masturbation: Does frequency affect male fertility?
  25. Metastatic prostate cancer
  26. Multiple system atrophy
  27. Penile implants
  28. Penis health
  29. Penis pump
  30. Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
  31. Pituitary tumors
  32. Prolactinoma
  33. Senior sex tips
  34. Sperm morphology: What does it mean?
  35. Symptom Checker
  36. Ultrasound
  37. Urinalysis