Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Current Sexual Health Reports 3/2019

01-09-2019 | Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy | Preclinical and Psychophysiology (F Guarraci and L Marson, Section Editors)

Plant-Derived Supplements for Sexual Health and Problems: Part 1—Trends over the Past Decade

Authors: David L. Rowland, Sean M. McNabney, Allyse M. Donarski

Published in: Current Sexual Health Reports | Issue 3/2019

Login to get access

Abstract

Purpose of Review

In this update on plant-derived supplements, we provide a general introduction regarding the status and interest in phytochemicals for sexual health, indicating both progress and problems with past and current research.

Recent Findings

We summarize the development and current status of two well-known plant-derived supplements, using them as case studies for understanding some of the problems associated with the study of such supplements on sexual health.

Summary

We interpret the current situation regarding plant-derived supplements, identify common sources/journals for information about medicinal herbs for sexual health, identify supplements that are garnering increasing attention within the research community, and discuss the larger potential and pitfalls associated with this domain of research.
Footnotes
1
One of us (DLR) has made it a point during travels to African nations, China, Central Asia, the Asian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia to inquire about local traditional remedies for sexual performance. While many plant-derived concoctions and remedies were named, the English name equivalents and/or species names were typically unknown and the plants themselves were often very specific to the region.
 
Literature
1.
go back to reference Laumann EO, Gagnon JH, Michael RT, Michaels S. The social organization of sexuality: sexual practices in the United States. Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago Press; 1994. Laumann EO, Gagnon JH, Michael RT, Michaels S. The social organization of sexuality: sexual practices in the United States. Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago Press; 1994.
5.
go back to reference • Rowland DL, Burek M, Macias L. Plant-derivatives and herbs used for the promotion of sexual health and the treatment of sexual problems. Annual Review of Sex Research. 2007;18(1):225–57. https://doi.org/10.1080/10532528.2007.10559852. Although dated, this review provides a comprehensive perspective of the state of plant-derived supplements slightly over a decade ago, providing a good perspective for the “then” and “now” analysis. CrossRef • Rowland DL, Burek M, Macias L. Plant-derivatives and herbs used for the promotion of sexual health and the treatment of sexual problems. Annual Review of Sex Research. 2007;18(1):225–57. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1080/​10532528.​2007.​10559852. Although dated, this review provides a comprehensive perspective of the state of plant-derived supplements slightly over a decade ago, providing a good perspective for the “then” and “now” analysis. CrossRef
8.
go back to reference McKay D. Nutrients and botanicals for erectile dysfunction: examining the evidence. Altern Med Rev. 2004;9(1):4–16.PubMed McKay D. Nutrients and botanicals for erectile dysfunction: examining the evidence. Altern Med Rev. 2004;9(1):4–16.PubMed
9.
go back to reference Rowland DL, Kallan K, Slob AK. Yohimbine, erectile capacity, and sexual response in men. Arch Sex Behav. 1997;26(1):49–62.CrossRefPubMed Rowland DL, Kallan K, Slob AK. Yohimbine, erectile capacity, and sexual response in men. Arch Sex Behav. 1997;26(1):49–62.CrossRefPubMed
11.
go back to reference •• Hao YF, Jiang JG. Origin and evolution of China pharmacopoeia and its implication for traditional medicines. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2015;15(7):595–603. An interesting description and discussion of the modern China pharmacopoeia, which often makes reference to traditional and natural drugs, with such compounds often challenged in terms of authenticity and by lack of understanding of mechanisms of action and adverse reactions. CrossRefPubMed •• Hao YF, Jiang JG. Origin and evolution of China pharmacopoeia and its implication for traditional medicines. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2015;15(7):595–603. An interesting description and discussion of the modern China pharmacopoeia, which often makes reference to traditional and natural drugs, with such compounds often challenged in terms of authenticity and by lack of understanding of mechanisms of action and adverse reactions. CrossRefPubMed
14.
go back to reference •• West E, Krychman M. Natural aphrodisiacs-a review of selected sexual enhancers. Sexual medicine reviews. 2015;3(4):279–88. https://doi.org/10.1002/smrj.62. A substantive review of animal and plant-derived supplements for sexual response in both men and women, covering a range of compounds, including commercial products. Provides a good orientation to some of the issues and products in this field. CrossRefPubMed •• West E, Krychman M. Natural aphrodisiacs-a review of selected sexual enhancers. Sexual medicine reviews. 2015;3(4):279–88. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1002/​smrj.​62. A substantive review of animal and plant-derived supplements for sexual response in both men and women, covering a range of compounds, including commercial products. Provides a good orientation to some of the issues and products in this field. CrossRefPubMed
19.
go back to reference Ghusn HF, Shao TC, Klima M, Cunningham GR. 4-MAPC, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, reduces rat ventral prostate weight, DNA, and prostatein concentrations. J Androl. 1991;12(5):315–22.PubMed Ghusn HF, Shao TC, Klima M, Cunningham GR. 4-MAPC, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, reduces rat ventral prostate weight, DNA, and prostatein concentrations. J Androl. 1991;12(5):315–22.PubMed
20.
go back to reference Niu Y, Xu Y, Zhang J, Bai J, Yang H, Ma T. Proliferation and differentiation of prostatic stromal cells. BJU international. 2001;87(4):386–93.CrossRefPubMed Niu Y, Xu Y, Zhang J, Bai J, Yang H, Ma T. Proliferation and differentiation of prostatic stromal cells. BJU international. 2001;87(4):386–93.CrossRefPubMed
26.
go back to reference Espinosa-Juarez JV, Colado-Velazquez JI, Mailloux-Salinas P, Medina-Contreras J, Correa-Lopez PV, Gomez-Viquez NL, et al. Beneficial effects of lipidic extracts of saladette tomato pomace and Serenoa repens on prostate and bladder health in obese male Wistar rats. J Sci Food Agric. 2017;97(13):4451–8. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.8308.CrossRefPubMed Espinosa-Juarez JV, Colado-Velazquez JI, Mailloux-Salinas P, Medina-Contreras J, Correa-Lopez PV, Gomez-Viquez NL, et al. Beneficial effects of lipidic extracts of saladette tomato pomace and Serenoa repens on prostate and bladder health in obese male Wistar rats. J Sci Food Agric. 2017;97(13):4451–8. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1002/​jsfa.​8308.CrossRefPubMed
31.
go back to reference Morgia G, Russo GI, Voce S, Palmieri F, Gentile M, Giannantoni A, et al. Serenoa repens, lycopene and selenium versus tamsulosin for the treatment of LUTS/BPH. An Italian multicenter double-blinded randomized study between single or combination therapy (PROCOMB trial). The Prostate. 2014;74(15):1471–80. https://doi.org/10.1002/pros.22866.CrossRefPubMed Morgia G, Russo GI, Voce S, Palmieri F, Gentile M, Giannantoni A, et al. Serenoa repens, lycopene and selenium versus tamsulosin for the treatment of LUTS/BPH. An Italian multicenter double-blinded randomized study between single or combination therapy (PROCOMB trial). The Prostate. 2014;74(15):1471–80. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1002/​pros.​22866.CrossRefPubMed
33.
go back to reference Asher GN, Corbett AH, Hawke RL. Common herbal dietary supplement-drug interactions. Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(2):101–7.PubMed Asher GN, Corbett AH, Hawke RL. Common herbal dietary supplement-drug interactions. Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(2):101–7.PubMed
35.
38.
go back to reference Saenz de Tejada I, Kim NN, Goldstein I, Traish AM. Regulation of pre-synaptic alpha adrenergic activity in the corpus cavernosum. Int J Impot Res. 2000;12(Suppl 1):S20–5.CrossRefPubMed Saenz de Tejada I, Kim NN, Goldstein I, Traish AM. Regulation of pre-synaptic alpha adrenergic activity in the corpus cavernosum. Int J Impot Res. 2000;12(Suppl 1):S20–5.CrossRefPubMed
46.
go back to reference Clark JT, Smith ER, Davidson JM. Enhancement of sexual motivation in male rats by yohimbine. Science. 1984;225(4664):847–9.CrossRefPubMed Clark JT, Smith ER, Davidson JM. Enhancement of sexual motivation in male rats by yohimbine. Science. 1984;225(4664):847–9.CrossRefPubMed
47.
go back to reference Ernst E, Pittler MH. Yohimbine for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. J Urol. 1998;159(2):433–6.CrossRefPubMed Ernst E, Pittler MH. Yohimbine for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. J Urol. 1998;159(2):433–6.CrossRefPubMed
48.
go back to reference Morales A, Condra M, Owen JA, Surridge DH, Fenemore J, Harris C. Is yohimbine effective in the treatment of organic impotence? Results of a controlled trial. J Urol. 1987;137(6):1168–72.CrossRefPubMed Morales A, Condra M, Owen JA, Surridge DH, Fenemore J, Harris C. Is yohimbine effective in the treatment of organic impotence? Results of a controlled trial. J Urol. 1987;137(6):1168–72.CrossRefPubMed
49.
go back to reference Smith ER, Lee RL, Schnur SL, Davidson JM. Alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists and male sexual behavior: I. Mating behavior. Physiol Behav. 1987;41(1):7–14.CrossRefPubMed Smith ER, Lee RL, Schnur SL, Davidson JM. Alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists and male sexual behavior: I. Mating behavior. Physiol Behav. 1987;41(1):7–14.CrossRefPubMed
53.
go back to reference Carro-Juareza M, Rodriguez-Manzo G. Yohimbine reverses the exhaustion of the coital reflex in spinal male rats. Behav Brain Res. 2003;141(1):43–50.CrossRefPubMed Carro-Juareza M, Rodriguez-Manzo G. Yohimbine reverses the exhaustion of the coital reflex in spinal male rats. Behav Brain Res. 2003;141(1):43–50.CrossRefPubMed
56.
go back to reference Meston CM, Worcel M. The effects of yohimbine plus L-arginine glutamate on sexual arousal in postmenopausal women with sexual arousal disorder. Arch Sex Behav. 2002;31(4):323–32.CrossRefPubMed Meston CM, Worcel M. The effects of yohimbine plus L-arginine glutamate on sexual arousal in postmenopausal women with sexual arousal disorder. Arch Sex Behav. 2002;31(4):323–32.CrossRefPubMed
57.
go back to reference Michelson D, Kociban K, Tamura R, Morrison MF. Mirtazapine, yohimbine or olanzapine augmentation therapy for serotonin reuptake-associated female sexual dysfunction: a randomized, placebo controlled trial. J Psychiatr Res. 2002;36(3):147–52.CrossRefPubMed Michelson D, Kociban K, Tamura R, Morrison MF. Mirtazapine, yohimbine or olanzapine augmentation therapy for serotonin reuptake-associated female sexual dysfunction: a randomized, placebo controlled trial. J Psychiatr Res. 2002;36(3):147–52.CrossRefPubMed
58.
go back to reference Abebe W. Herbal medication: potential for adverse interactions with analgesic drugs. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2002;27(6):391–401.CrossRefPubMed Abebe W. Herbal medication: potential for adverse interactions with analgesic drugs. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2002;27(6):391–401.CrossRefPubMed
59.
go back to reference Bressler R. Herb-drug interactions. Interactions between saw palmetto and prescription medications. Geriatrics. 2005;60(11):32 4.PubMed Bressler R. Herb-drug interactions. Interactions between saw palmetto and prescription medications. Geriatrics. 2005;60(11):32 4.PubMed
60.
go back to reference Ciocon JO, Ciocon DG, Galindo DJ. Dietary supplements in primary care. Botanicals can affect surgical outcomes and follow-up. Geriatrics. 2004;59(9):20–4.PubMed Ciocon JO, Ciocon DG, Galindo DJ. Dietary supplements in primary care. Botanicals can affect surgical outcomes and follow-up. Geriatrics. 2004;59(9):20–4.PubMed
62.
go back to reference Rowland D, Motofei I, Popa F, Constantin V, Vasilache A. The postfinasteride syndrome: an overview. J Mind Med Sci. 2016;3(2):99–107. Rowland D, Motofei I, Popa F, Constantin V, Vasilache A. The postfinasteride syndrome: an overview. J Mind Med Sci. 2016;3(2):99–107.
63.
go back to reference Rowland D. Culture and the Practice of Sexual Medicine. In: Rowland DL, EA J, editors. Cultural differences and the practice of sexual medicine. Switzerland: Springer Nature; In Press. Rowland D. Culture and the Practice of Sexual Medicine. In: Rowland DL, EA J, editors. Cultural differences and the practice of sexual medicine. Switzerland: Springer Nature; In Press.
Metadata
Title
Plant-Derived Supplements for Sexual Health and Problems: Part 1—Trends over the Past Decade
Authors
David L. Rowland
Sean M. McNabney
Allyse M. Donarski
Publication date
01-09-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Sexual Health Reports / Issue 3/2019
Print ISSN: 1548-3584
Electronic ISSN: 1548-3592
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-019-00203-0

Other articles of this Issue 3/2019

Current Sexual Health Reports 3/2019 Go to the issue

Preclinical and Psychophysiology (F Guarraci and L Marson, Section Editors)

Plant-Derived Supplements for Sexual Health and Problems, Part 2: Further Evidence for Specific Herbal Effects

Preclinical and Psychophysiology (F Guarraci and L Marson, Section Editors)

Exploration of Ion Channels in the Clitoris: a Review

Male and Female Surgical Interventions (C Carson and M Khera, Section Editors)

Preventing Infections in Prosthetic Surgery

Preclinical and Psychophysiology (F Guarraci and L Marson, Section Editors)

Antidepressants and Sexual Dysfunctions: a Translational Perspective

Male and Female Surgical Interventions (C Carson and M Khera, Section Editors)

Penile Prosthesis Salvage: Review of Past and Current Practices