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Maca (Lepidium peruvianum chacon) - is cultivated in the heights over 3400 up to 4800 meters in the mountain range of the Peruvian Andes. Maca is a tubercle that grows a few centimeters above ground in form of a perennial dense bush, producing a small pale flower and a 8-9 cm rays that is the beneficial part of the plant. Interestingly, the Maca is cultivated with seeds of biennial form, collecting the harvest between the 6 and 9 months after its plantation. Research as verified that the Maca was cultivated more than 2000 years in the Peruvian plateau of Chinchaycocha, and was also cultivated in the pre-Columbian period in the zone of Junín (Peru).

Traditional uses:
The Peruvian popular wisdom states that the Incas, due to their regular consumption of Maca, lived more than 150 years of age with a total clear mind, having children after the age of 100 years . When early Spaniards first arrived in the Andean highlands, they noticed a reduction in libido and reproduction rates, which they attributed to the high altitude. Local Andeans recommended Maca and the Spaniards noticed a markedly positive result.

Native medicine practitioners and herbalists have recommended Maca for the following:

• Enhancing libido, treating impotence
• Stimulating and regulating the endocrine system, including the adrenals, the thyroid, the ovaries, and the testes
• Stimulating fertility in both men and women
• Increasing energy, stamina and endurance, reducing chronic fatigue
• Stimulating the immune system
• This product has been geared primarily to men, not women.

Clinical studies:
The scientific literature sites Maca's rich composition of plant sterols, benzyl and p-methoxybenzyl glucosinolates, which are known to improve sexual enhancement. According to a recent study published in the April 2000 issue of Urology, Maca significantly improved erectile dysfunction and increased libido in mice and rats treated with the extract. Unfortunately, without the extensive financial backing of the large pharmaceutical companies few clinical studies involving humans have been completed.

Modern day uses:
Maca is rich in essential minerals, especially iodine, iron, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous and includes fatty acids including linolenic, palmitic and oleic acids, and polysaccharides. Most individuals know that iodine, calcium magnesium and phosphorous are essential minerals for our well-being but, what about the benefits of linolenic, palmitic and oleic acids, polysaccharides and Linolenic acid? Today, physicians and herbal specialist prescribe Maca for the following:

• Rheumatoid arthritis – studies have shown that these acids and polysacharides in Maca reduce inflammation in joints and tissues.
• Diabetes – supplementing these acids and polysaccharides assists nerve function and prevents nerve damage caused by diabetes.
• Cancer - the acids and polysaccharides help suppress tumor growth specifically in breast cancer and melanoma.
• Heart disease - linolenic, palmitic and oleic acids, and polysaccharides help prevent heart disease by preventing arteriole sclerosis plaque formation, dilating blood vessels, and reducing blood pressure.
• Ophthalmic - linolenic acid is beneficial in Sjögren's syndrome and may be useful in other dry eye conditions.
• Menstrual complications - essential fatty acids such as linolenic acid and palmitic and oleic acid, reduce inflammation and support hormone production.
• Linolenic acid - has also been shown to reduce the symptoms of alcoholism, atopic dermatitis, and osteoporosis.
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  Precautions and/or side effects:
  Maca, is essentially void of any toxicity of side effects making it one of the safest herbal products available. Individuals with preexisting medical conditions should consult with their physician particularly if they are taking prescription or over-the-counter-medications or supplements. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding and children should also consult with there physician prior to taking any new supplements. There have been no significant side effects reported with the use of Maca at the time of this writing.

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L Arginine - is an essential amino acid (the body cannot create the amino acid on its own it must be ingested). Arginine is found in many foods, including dairy products, meat, fish and poultry.

Physiology:
L-arginine promotes the erection process by acting as a precursor to the formation of nitrous oxide. During the normal male erection process blood flow is directed into the corpus cavernosum. The corpus cavernosum consists of "sponge like" tissue which runs the length of the penis. As the corpus cavernosum fills with blood, it expands and begins to press against the body of the penis. This pressure closes the veins reducing their ability to carry blood away from the penis. The reduction in venous blood flow, known as venous occlusion, allows blood to be trapped in the corpus cavernosum. This process continues until the pressure in the corpus cavernosum equals the pressure of the corpus cavernosal arteries. It is at this point that the penis is fully erect.

The engorgement of the corpus cavernosum and subsequent erection is triggered by a short-lived neurotransmitter, nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is synthesized from the oxidation of the amino acid L arginine. In order to produce nitric oxide in the body, a terminal nitrogen atom must combine with an oxygen molecule in the blood. An enzyme called nitric oxide synthase controls this reaction and NADPH, niacin-containing redox-active electron storage compound, mediates the reaction. This reaction can be accomplished via oral ingestion of formulas that contain the free form amino acid L-arginine. The left-handed molecule, L-arginine, is the primary source for Nitric Oxide in humans.

Once synthesized nitrous oxide activates an enzyme that manufactures cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a biochemical signaling enzyme. The cGMP, directs the smooth muscle cells to relax, leading to the dilation of penile arteries and the subsequent filling of the corpus cavernosum. Immediately following the release of nitrous oxide and production of cGMP, another enzyme, cGMP phosphodiesterase Type 5 named PDE-5, is activated. PDE-5's main activity is to break down cGMP almost as fast as it is formed. The result of this breakdown of cGMP by PDE-5 is a rapid decrease in smooth muscle relaxation and a loss of blood flow to the penis. Subsequently, the penis returns to its flaccid state.


Clinical studies:
L-arginine through its oxidation process to nitric oxide, plays a significant role in the erection process. Research has shown that increased levels of nitric oxide can correct up to 90% of the clinical cases of erectile dysfunction. The role of nitric oxide in controlling blood flow was only recently discovered in 1998 resulting in a Nobel Prize for scientific discovery. From this discovery, the researchers at Physicians' Select further researched the importance of L-Arginine in our male libido enhancer supplement to promote the optimal male sexual response.

Modern day uses:
In addition to promoting the erectile response L arginine also is beneficial in the following ways:

• Necessary for spermatogenesis
• Precursor amino acid to human growth hormone
• Essential for normal immune system activity
• Promotes muscle growth and fat burning
• Assists with regeneration of damaged liver
• Necessary for production and release of growth hormone
• A precursor to Creatine and the neurotransmitter nitric oxide
• Arginine is crucial to the wound healing process through collagen synthesis, particularly in the elderly who suffer from poor circulation
• Arginine is the most potent amino acid in releasing insulin.
• Precursor to GABA, an important inhibitory neurotransmitter
• Improves immune response to bacteria, viruses, and tumor cells
• Supplementation of the amino acid can reduce the pathological increases in the thickness of plaque lined vessel walls in individuals with elevated cholesterol and arthrosclerosis

Precautions and/or adverse effects:
Individuals with preexisting medical conditions should consult with their physician particularly if they are taking prescription or over-the-counter-medications or supplements. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding and children should also consult with there physician prior to taking any new supplements. More specifically, individuals should not take arginine supplements if they are predisposed to any the following medical conditions:

• Cancer
• Low blood pressure
• Liver or Kidney disease
• Individuals on blood thinners
• Psychological conditions, such as, psychosis
• Diabetics and borderline diabetics
• Individuals who have not completed their bone growth i.e. children and/or teenagers
• Individuals with acute or chronic viral conditions i.e. Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV),
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes Virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

There are very few side effects associated with the supplemental use of the herb. Though, individuals may experience an increase in cold sores or herpetic lesions (increase doses of arginine may promote the outbreak if herpes simplex in individuals who have the virus). Excessive dosage of arginine may also cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, swelling in the lower extremities.

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A woody, pungent ornamental herb found in western and eastern Asia and the Mediterranean, various hybrids are grown elsewhere and most often are used as groundcover, particularly in shady areas. The herb also goes by the name horny goat weed.

Traditional uses:
The Chinese refer to the herb as Yin yang huo, which means "licentious goat plant." The use of Epimedium as a medicinal herb dates back thousands of years. Epimedium is one of the most valued ingredients in their tonics. Epimedium first recorded use dates back to the ancient text, Shen Non Ben Cao Jing (ca. 200 B.C..-100 A.D.) were it was used as a warming herb that improved male fertility. The herb received its more common name, horny goat weed, when goats grazing on the herb were observed to have significantly increased sexual drive.

Clinical studies:
Recently, Epimedium has been extensively used in China for support of the liver and the heart. The herb has also been the subject of a number of animal studies that suggest that icariin, found in Epimedium, may enhance the production of testosterone.

In one such study involving the use of Epimedium as an immuno-enhancing supplement in individuals with chronic renal insufficiency it was found that these patients reported a significant increase in their sexual response, as well as, an increase in their immune response. Effect of Epimedium sagittatum on quality of life and cellular immunity in patients of hemodialysis maintenance Dept. of Nephrology, General Hospital of PLA, Beijing. 1995

Modern day uses:
Today, Epimedium is prescribed by physicians and herbal specialist for the following:

• Increase the pituitary gland's production of androgens thus increasing testosterone production and release
• Increase libido or sexual drive
• Stimulates the sensory nerves
• Promotes erectile function
• Supports muscular growth and Health
• Alleviates fatigue
• Dilation of the blood vessels
• Treatment of respiratory diseases including asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis

Precautions and/or adverse effects:
Individuals with preexisting medical conditions should consult with their physician particularly if they are taking prescription or over-the-counter-medications or supplements. Women who are pregnant or nursing and children should also consult with their physician prior to taking any new supplements. There have been no significant side effects reported with use of the recommended doses of Epimedium at the time of this writing. Though, excessive doses of the herb have been associated with mild dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

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A member of the grass family native to Scotland, there are some twenty five varieties of the oat plants, Avena sativa is the species that is used in herbal supplements. The seeds mature in the late summer and early fall. Once the seeds are harvested, the straw from the plant can be cut up and brewed as special teas. The husks surrounding the seeds are used for cereal such as oat bran.

Traditional uses:
Avena sativa is Latin for wild oat, Some believe the idiom "sowing your wild oats" is based on the observation that stallions given wild oat experienced greater sex drives. Historically, Avena sativa was prescribed as a traditional botanical medicine for the treatment of disorders of the liver, kidney and joints. The herb was also used as a tonic to help control the nerves, depression and as a natural aphrodisiac and strength enhancer for both and women.

Clinical studies:
Modern studies at the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality have shown that Avena sativa helps improve libido dramatically. They have shown that Avena sativa exerts its action by freeing up testosterone. Bound testosterone is not as effective as free testosterone in promoting sexual desire. Free testosterone also increases stamina and promotes muscle growth. The study also showed that both males and females have reported positive results including better stamina and an overall feeling of well being.

Additional clinical studies have shown that Avena sativa is also important in the lowering of cholesterol and assisting individuals in their efforts to quit smoking; The Cholesterol Lowering Effects of Oats (The Lancet, August 10 1973 pg-303), Pharmacotherapy with Avena Sativa - a Double Blind Study., Int J Clin Pharmacol Biopharm. 1976 Oct;14(3):214-6, Schmidt K, Geckeler K,

Modern day uses:
Today, Avena sativa is prescribed for the following:

• Libido enhancer for increased sexual drive in both men and women
• Decrease in the cholesterol levels, hence a reduction in the risk for cardiovascular disease.
• Recognized as a natural anti-depressant and a mild sedative
• Used as calming effect it can relieve tension, insomnia, anxiety, nerve pain and chronic fatigue.
• Antioxidant properties

Precautions and/or adverse effects:
Individuals with preexisting medical conditions should consult with their physician particularly if they are taking prescription or over-the-counter-medications or supplements. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding and children should also consult with there physician prior to taking any new supplements. More specifically, there have been very few reports of any side effects associate Avena sativa at the time of this writing. However, individuals with a history of celiac spru or and allergies associated with oats or grains should not use the herb.

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Indigenous to coastal dunes of Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina and Texas, Saw Palmetto also known as Sabal serrulata or Serenoa repens has been an important food source for the native Indians.

Traditional uses:
North American natives for hundreds of years have used the palmetto berries as a cure for various aliments including, impotence, atrophy of the testes, urinary tract inflammation of the prostate, decreased libido, infertility, dysmennorhea, and as an expectorant for mucous membranes.

Physiology:
Preventing Benign Hypertrophic Prostate (BPH) is important; the condition affects some 50-60% of al men at some point in their lives. Men over the age of 50 should have an annual prostate exam and a blood test to measure for Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). The PSA antigen is a marker for prostate cancer. In BPH the prostate impedes the flow of urine, therefore, the bladder is unable to empty properly. This can lead to infections in both the bladder and the kidneys. Many men with even the early stages of BPH complain of frequent and sometime painful urination especially at night. Review the illustration below and you will note how the prostate wraps around the urethra as it transverses to the penis. When the prostate enlarges it can impede the flow of urine causing the complications mentioned previously. Saw palmetto inhibits the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The converted form of testosterone, DHT is thought to be one of the factors promoting BPH.

Clinical studies:
Recently, a number of clinical trials have confirmed the effectiveness of saw palmetto in treating BPH. A recent review of clinical data, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, concluded that Saw palmetto extract was as effective as the prescription medication Proscar in the treatment of BPH. Wilt TJ, Ishani A, Stark G, et al. Saw palmetto extracts for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. JAMA 1998;280

Modern day uses:
Today, Saw palmetto is primarily prescribed for its recognized effects on the prostate gland. However the herb is also prescribed by physicians and herbal specialist for the following conditions:

• Testicular inflammation
• Irritable bladder
• Decreased Libido
• Urinary tract infections
• Respiratory congestion
• Thyroid disorders
• Digestion aide

Precautions and/or adverse effects:
Individuals with preexisting medical conditions should consult with their physician particularly if they are taking prescription or over-the-counter-medications or supplements. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding and children should also consult with there physician prior to taking any new supplements.

There are no special precautions associated with taking Saw palmetto, even in high doses. However, individuals taking testosterone or other anabolic steroids should inform their physician prior to taking the herb. There have been a few rare cases where individuals have had an allergic reaction. Symptoms included constricting of the throat, difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of the tongue, lip, or face. Individuals experiencing any of these symptoms should discontinue Saw palmetto and seek immediate medical attention.

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A berry-like fruit of the family Schizandraceae, it grows on a thorny creeping bush that is native to Northern China. The Schizandra plant reaches a height of up to 25 ft (7.5 m) and has pink flowers. Schizandra fruit is fully ripened in the fall and appears as numerous spikes of tiny, bright red berries. The berries have sweet, sour, hot, salty, and bitter tastes hence the Chinese name for Schisandra, "Wu Wei Zi" (five-flavored herb).

Traditional uses:
In ancient China, Schizandra was used as a staple food for hunting and gathering tribes. In Beng Cao Cang Mu, a great book on pharmacy written by Li Schizheng in the 16th century, Schisandra is listed in the highest ranks. Schizandra is said to increase energy, replenish and nourish the viscera (internal abdominal organs), improve vision, boost muscular activity and sooth both coughs and digestive problems, rejuvenates skin, and improve sexual endurance. The herb is also used as a tonic for the treatment of chronic fatigue.

Schizandra seems to have been made into a famous tonic consumed by Chinese royalty and by Daoist masters. The herb is said to contain the "three treasures"

1) Sexual enhancer – helps to produce increased sexual fluids and sexual endurance and overall strength.

2) Beauty enhancement – the herb has been used for centuries a youth preserver making skin supple, moist and radiant.

3) Memory improvement – used in China for centuries as a memory enhancement and promoting a generalized feeling of well being.

Physiology:

Schizandra is known for its ability to increase levels of nitric oxide which is an important component of erection physiology. In a cascade of events that starts with erotic thoughts and/or physical sensations  nitric oxide is release from nerve endings in the penis. Nitric oxide act as a relaxant that allows blood vessels to dilate, supplying increased blood flow and swelling of the tissues. This increase in the flow of blood also creates an increased tension on the blood vessel wall which activates the release of more nitric oxide. The increase release of nitric oxide further allows the blood within the penis to dilate, increasing both the length and girth of the penis.

Clinical Studies:
Research has indicated that the supplemental use of Schizandra increases the nitric oxide in the circulation. In a recent study published in Phytomedicine 1999 Mar;6(1):17-26, standardized extracts from Schizandra and Bryonia alba roots were applied to several groups of athletes in a placebo controlled double blind study.  The study revealed that those individuals treated with Schizandra chinensis and Bryonia alba extracts increased the concentration of nitric oxide and cortisol in blood plasma and saliva. As mentioned above nitric oxide is an important chemical in erection physiology.

Modern day uses:
Today, Schizandra is prescribed by physicians and herbal specialist for the following:

• Impotence – secondary to Schisandras ability to dilate blood vessels men report improve erections.
• Anti-hepatotoxic –Schisandra contains lignans that are known to have liver protective qualities including liver regeneration properties. Lignans also interfere with a compound known as platelet activating factor that is responsible for some properties of inflammation.
• Antioxidant – the herb also has some other antioxidant properties other than just Vitamin E.
• Adaptogenic properties – helps the body adapt to changes associated with stress from physical, mental, chemical and environmental sources.
• Cardiovascular system - the herb is also responsible for dilating the blood vessels, hence, improving circulation, lowering blood pressure and improving heart function.
• Respiratory system – the herb acts as an expectorant (promoting the clearing of lung mucus), and cough-suppressant.

Precautions and/or adverse effects:
Individuals with preexisting medical conditions should consult with their physician particularly if they are taking prescription or over-the-counter-medications or supplements. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding and children should also consult with there physician prior to taking any new supplements. Schisandra is very safe for long-term use, there have been very few side effects reported at the time of this writing. The few uncommon side effects include decreased appetite, upset stomach, heartburn, and possibly a skin rash.

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Guarana grows as a large climbing woody-shrub whose name is translated as "secret eyes" because the ripened fruit resembles a human eye. The genus name comes from C. F. Paullini, a German medical botanist who died in 1712.

Traditional uses:
The first record of the use of Guarana dates all the way back to 1669. This was this year that a Jesuit missionary named J. Felipe Betendorf visited an area deep in the Amazon Basin where the Maue Indians were using Guarana as a daily tonic and stimulant. These Maue Indians used the tonic in order to prevent headaches, relieve stomach cramps and as an aphrodisiac. The Indians also believed that the herb prevented malaria and dysentery.

Physiology:
Guarana contains tetra methylxanthine a compound almost identical to caffeine, and two other stimulates closely related to caffeine theobromine and theophylline. Chocoholics will recognize both theobromine and theophylline as the stimulant and euphoriant agent they crave in their chocolate. Combine these factors with the caffeine effect and you can see why Guarana is so desired. In addition the herb contains tannic acid that is astringent and probably accounts for its use as a digestive tonic.

Clinical studies:
In a recent study published in the June 2001 issue of the Journal of Human Nutrition Diet, Guarana extract resulted in weight loss in overweight patients taking a mixed herbal preparation including guarana, yerbe mate, and damiana. Individuals taking the herbal preparation lost an average of 11.2 lbs. as compared to the control group on the placebo which lost only 1 lb.

In a study presented in the Brazilian Journal of Medicine Biological Research 1991;24(4):421-4. Guarana extract has also been shown to decreased platelet aggregation up to 37% of control values and platelet thromboxane formation from arachidonic acid up to 78% of control values. Arterial blood clots can develop resulting in a myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke when platelets hyper-aggregate and/or when the formation of excess thromboxane occurs.

Modern day uses:
Today Guarana is prescribed by physicians and herbal specialist for the following:

• Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
• Aphrodisiac properties
• Weight control as an appetite suppressant
• Circulation improvement(decreases platelet aggregation, preventing strokes and heart attacks)
• Central nervous system stimulant that affect to increase alertness and decrease fatigue
• Relief of mild anxiety stress and nervous tension

Precautions and/or adverse effects:
Individuals with preexisting medical conditions should consult with their physician particularly if they are taking prescription or over-the-counter-medications or supplements. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding and children should also consult with there physician prior to taking any new supplements. The side effects of Guarana are mainly attributed to its caffeine like properties, therefore, excessive use may result in restlessness, irritability, sleeplessness, palpitation, vertigo, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache.

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Traditional uses:
Tribulus Terrestris has been used in past centuries for traditional medicine for the treatment of the following conditions:

• Diseases of genito urinary tract including dysuria chronic cystitis, phosphaturia, incontinence, etc.
• Spermatorrhoea (Involuntary discharge of semen without orgasm)
• Uterine disorders after parturition
• Upper and lower respiratory infections
• Liver disorders
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Immune system deficiencies

Physiology:
Tribulus terrestris increases muscle mass and improves erections by increasing testosterone levels in unique fashion. Unlike, DHEA or Androstenedione, which simply act as testosterone precursors. Tribulus terrestris increases testosterone levels by increasing the levels of Lutenizing Hormone (LH). LH is responsible for signaling the leydig cells in the testes to release testosterone. Studies have shown an increase in excess of 50% testosterone levels when taking the Tribulus terrestris herb. The increase in testosterone levels will promote protein synthesis, positive nitrogen balance as well as a quicker recovery from muscular stress. The plant has also been shown to increase in sperm production and motility.

Clinical studies:
Clinical studies have shown that the supplemental use of Phosphatidylserine produces significant improvement in memory, concentration, motivation, anxiety and overall cognitive functioning. Individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disease noted improvement on the Blessed Dementia Scale (measure of information processing, activities of daily living, memory). Phosphatidylserine also has a positive effect on individuals who suffer from depression. Supplemental use of Phosphatidylserine resulted in an improvement in depressive symptoms in as little as thirty days of treatment.

Phosphatidylserine also appears to protect against the stress response to reduce anxiety. Phosphatidylserine is especially effective when combined with lifestyle revision, a healthy diet and proper exercise.

Modern day uses:
Today, Tribulus terestris is used for much of the same conditions as mentioned in the above paragraphs. However, the herb is primarily prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (impotence) and for increasing testosterone levels specifically amongst the weight lifting community.

Precautions and/or adverse effects:
Individuals with preexisting medical conditions should consult with their physician particularly if they are taking prescription or over-the-counter-medications or supplements. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding and children should also consult with there physician prior to taking any new supplements. Very few side effects have been reported with the use of Tribulus terrestris except for periodic cases of an upset stomach at the time of this writing. This situation can usually be avoided if individuals take the herb on a full stomach.

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