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 called ED, is trouble getting and keeping an erection that's firm enough for sex. ED is common, and treatments such as prescription medicines are available. But maybe you've seen advertisements for herbs or supplements that claim to boost sexual performance. Could they work for you?

Erectile dysfunction supplements and other natural remedies have long been used in various cultures. But they haven't been studied or tested nearly as much as prescription medicines for ED. Prescription medicines include sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil, tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca, others), and avanafil (Stendra). These are known as PDE5 inhibitors.

Some supplements can cause side effects. They also can affect other medicines and health conditions. And the amount of the active ingredient can vary greatly from product to product. That's why it's important to talk with your healthcare professional before you try a new supplement. Your healthcare professional can find out if it's safe for you and can recommend the right amount to take.

Don't use supplements for ED that lack proven benefits and pose a potential risk for harm.

Here's a guide to erectile dysfunction herbs and supplements:

Studied in people, positive results, generally safe
Herb or supplement Does it work? Safety
L-arginine Some research shows that taking high doses improves erectile dysfunction by helping blood vessels open wider for better blood flow.  Side effects may include stomach pain, bloating, headache, insomnia and diarrhea. Don't take L-arginine with sildenafil.
Ginseng Panax ginseng may improve sexual function in people with erectile dysfunction. A cream preparation is used for premature ejaculation.  Panax ginseng has many active ingredients in it. It appears to be safe when used for up to 6 months. Insomnia, headaches and vertigo are common side effects.
Propionyl-L-carnitine Studies have shown that propionyl-L-carnitine combined with sildenafil might improve erectile function better than sildenafil alone.  Propionyl-L-carnitine is likely to be safe when used for up to 6 months.
DHEA Some early research shows that dehydroepiandrosterone, also called DHEA, helps for erectile dysfunction that's linked with high blood pressure or that doesn't have a clear cause.  Long-term or heavy use of DHEA may be linked with some cancers. Use of DHEA at low doses for a short time, such as up to 6 months, can cause side effects such as acne, headache, insomnia, mood changes and upset stomach.

Yohimbe

 Small studies suggest that use of this ingredient from the bark from an African tree can improve ED that has various causes.  This herb has been linked with dangerous side effects. These include agitation, increased blood pressure, fast or irregular heartbeat, heart attack and seizures. Do not use yohimbe without a healthcare professional's guidance.
Ginkgo Ginkgo may boost blood flow to the penis. But there's not enough proof that it helps for erectile dysfunction.  Side effects can include dizziness, digestive symptoms and headache. Rarely, ginkgo may raise the risk of bleeding and irregular heartbeats. 
Horny goat weed, also called epimedium Substances in the leaves of this herb have been used to improve sexual performance. But there's not enough evidence to show that it helps for ED.  Side effects can include dizziness, dry mouth, nosebleed, thirst and vomiting. This herb also may affect heart or breathing functions.
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Be wary of 'herbal viagra'

Many products that are sold without a prescription claim to be herbal forms of Viagra. Some of these products contain various amounts of ingredients like those in prescription medicines. Such ingredients can cause dangerous side effects. Some products have the real medicine in them, and the medicine should be given by prescription only. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has banned many of these products. But some risky erectile dysfunction remedies are still on the market.

Be cautious and talk with your healthcare professional

Just because a product claims to be natural doesn't mean it's safe. Many herbal remedies and dietary supplements can cause side effects. They also can have dangerous effects when taken with some medicines. Talk with your healthcare professional before you try a supplement for erectile dysfunction. That's extra important if you're taking medicines or you have a long-term health condition such as heart disease or diabetes.

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Jan. 03, 2025 See more In-depth

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  3. Acupuncture
  4. Arteriosclerosis / atherosclerosis
  5. Autonomic neuropathy
  6. Infertility — Not just a female condition
  7. Cushing syndrome
  8. Diabetic neuropathy
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  10. Types of diabetic neuropathy
  11. Erectile dysfunction
  12. Erectile dysfunction: Nonoral treatments
  13. Erectile dysfunction: A sign of heart disease?
  14. Erectile dysfunction and diabetes
  15. What is erectile dysfunction? A Mayo Clinic expert explains
  16. Erectile dysfunction FAQs
  17. Erectile dysfunction medications
  18. Graves' disease
  19. Hemochromatosis
  20. Is a home sperm test useful?
  21. Kegel exercises for men
  22. Low sperm count
  23. Male hypogonadism
  24. Male infertility
  25. Male masturbation: Does frequency affect male fertility?
  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. Stage 4 prostate cancer
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  36. Ultrasound
  37. Urinalysis