Walk into any pharmacy or health food store, and you’ll find plenty of supplement products promising to heat up your sex life. Most of these supplements have side effects, and many lack complete ingredient information on the packaging, such as how much of a particular herb or substance is in one capsule, gummy, or tincture. They also often fail to include where the herb or substance has been sourced from. This makes it even harder to evaluate them for quality and purity.
Among the many products claiming to correct sexual dysfunction, here are some of the most popular ones — and some of their purported benefits. However, keep in mind that research in this area is lacking and limited, and it’s best to discuss your concerns with your doctor first.
L-Arginine
Doses of 2.5 to 5 grams of L-arginine by mouth daily may “possibly” improve sexual function in people with ED. The supplement might work best when taken along with a proven medication such as Viagra, where it may enhance the effects. However, be sure to speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement, as it may interact with certain medications.
However, this study “had a small sample size and focused on postmenopausal women, which limits generalizability,” says Angela Downey, MD, a family physician in private practice in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Overall, “the research is promising in some areas but generally sparse,” she adds. “Many studies are small, short-term, or not done on women. There’s a big need for more diverse, high-quality trials before we can confidently say what works.”
Possible risks and side effects of L-arginine include:
- Gastrointestinal upset (stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea)
- Gout
- Headache
- Allergic response
- Airway inflammation or worsening of asthma symptoms
People who have had a heart attack or kidney disease shouldn’t take this supplement. Pregnant or lactating women, and anyone who is planning to have surgery, should speak with a healthcare provider about what their possible risks are.
Yohimbe
This herb comes from an evergreen tree native to parts of Africa. A compound in the bark, called yohimbine, has traditionally been used to enhance sexuality in men, Khan says. According to one review, yohimbe appears to have some benefit on male erectile function when combined with L-arginine or ginseng. No evidence exists to determine whether it benefits female sexual function.
However, “this study is a broad scientific review, not a clinical trial, so it’s more about mechanisms than real-world outcomes,” says Dr. Downey. “Also, lots of the research it cites is animal-based or outdated.”
A number of serious risks have been associated with yohimbe, including:
- Heart attacks
- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Stomach problems
- Rapid heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before starting a yohimbe supplement, to make sure you are not at risk of any of these conditions or concerns, says Downey.
Ginkgo Biloba
One systematic review of five randomized controlled trials out of Iran found that the herb may have positive effects on sexual function in postmenopausal women, possibly by increasing blood flow to the genitals, but there is no evidence it helps anyone else.
In another systematic review, researchers found no consistent benefit of ginkgo biloba in three randomized controlled trials, compared with a placebo.
That said, “these recent studies are mostly preclinical or theoretical,” says Downey. “Some small human trials suggest benefits, but results are mixed. Doses, durations, and populations studied differ a lot.”
Ginkgo leaf extracts are relatively safe when taken in moderate amounts. Most studies on the herb use 120 to 240 milligrams, taken daily in divided doses.
Still, there are potential side effects when taking ginkgo, including:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach and constipation
- Heart palpitations
- Bleeding in those with a known bleeding risk
Downey also notes that ginkgo can interact with medications like blood thinners, so it’s important to talk to your doctor before you try this supplement to make sure it’s safe for you.
Ginseng
The root of the ginseng plant has been used for thousands of years and may help boost energy levels.
Khan’s aforementioned narrative review cites some positive results from several small studies evaluating the herb’s effects on the fatigue and sexuality of women in menopause. For example, in one randomized controlled trial conducted in Iran, 62 women received either 500 milligrams of ginseng or a placebo, and after a month, those taking ginseng reported enhanced sexual function and fewer bothersome menopausal symptoms.
However, in another systematic review, researchers looked at 15 randomized-controlled trials and included a meta-analysis of three separate studies, which found that ginseng didn’t produce a positive effect on women’s sexual function. Notably, the review flagged risks of bias such as incomplete outcome data and a significant number of dropouts, raising questions about the reliability of the findings.
While research is limited and unclear about the potential benefits of ginseng for sexual dysfunction, taking the herb does come with possible risks and side effects including:
- Insomnia
- Skin rash, irritation, or burning
- Liver damage
- Low blood sugar
- Allergic reaction
Kava
Kava is a plant native to the South Pacific. In several Pacific Island cultures, including those in Micronesia, Polynesia, and Melanesia, kava root has been prepared as a medicinal drink to relieve pain, promote relaxation, and ease insomnia. Similarly, kava is used in herbal supplement form to ease symptoms of anxiety.
It has also been associated with better sex, possibly due to its potential effect on anxiety. In one small, past study, when researchers gave kava supplements or a placebo to people with generalized anxiety disorder, they found that women who took it had increased sex drive. They also observed that people whose anxiety decreased also reported the greatest improvement in sexual function and performance.
On the other hand, kava has been associated with rare and sometimes fatal liver damage. These incidents have been linked to kava products made with water, acetone, or alcohol, or from consuming certain varieties of the kava plant, the incorrect plant parts, or mixing it with alcohol. Contamination or genetic variables may also play a role.
Other side effects of kava include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Digestive upset
- Headache
- Dry, flaky skin
Fenugreek
This clover-like herb is native to parts of Europe and Asia. Its phytoestrogen-rich seeds, which have similar benefits as estrogen, are used as an ingredient in spice blends. (The seeds’ extract is also available in capsules and powders.)
One small past study of 80 women ages 20 to 49 found increased sexual desire and arousal in participants who took 600 milligrams of fenugreek per day over two menstrual cycles, compared with a control group who received a placebo.
But a systematic review conducted in Iran showed mixed results with fenugreek in menopausal women who experienced sexual dysfunction. As Khan’s narrative review notes, much more evidence is needed before fenugreek can be considered an effective aphrodisiac.
Overall, the evidence is mixed, highlighting the need for larger and more diverse clinical studies, Downey notes.
Side effects of fenugreek include:
- Diarrhea and nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drop in blood sugar (when taken in large doses)
- Allergic reactions, such as hives anywhere on the body, or a tingling or itchy feeling in the mouth
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