Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Supplements studied for erectile dysfunction (ED).
Overview
Panax Ginseng (WA 68; medium effect size, very high evidence, medium trust; 11 studies) may improve erection quality, desire, and satisfaction over weeks to months, with best effects often after at least 12 weeks. L-Citrulline (WA 60; medium effect size, evidence, and trust) improved erection hardness in about half of men with mild ED at 1.5 g daily in one small trial.
Yohimbe (WA 56; low effect size, very high evidence, medium trust; 18 studies) may outperform placebo in small short trials but has side effects and limited guideline support. L-Carnitine and Maca have insufficient evidence. The heatmap and evidence reviews below detail all 17 supplements.
Effect graph
Relevant supplements
Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.
| Panax Ginseng | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| L-Citrulline | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Yohimbe | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Tongkat Ali | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Maca | ★★★★★ | Low |
| L-Carnitine | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Garlic | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Cocoa | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Alpha-Lipoic Acid | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Kratom | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Inositol | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Guarana | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Ginger | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Vitamin D | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Horny Goat Weed | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
Studies
Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.
17 supplements for , and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
Panax GinsengView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking Panax ginseng may help improve erectile dysfunction.
- Studies have found that different types and doses of Panax ginseng used for several weeks to months can improve erection quality, sexual desire, and satisfaction for many men.
- It may take at least 12 weeks to see the best effects.
- Some products combine ginseng with other ingredients and have also reported benefits, but it’s unclear which ingredient is most effective.
- Panax ginseng is generally safe to use with few side effects.
Browse 11 studies·2 meta-analyses
RCTEffect of Carob and Ginseng Supplements on Semen Analysis Parameters, Sexual Function, and Sex Hormones in Infertile Men: Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial Study2024n=30
In 90 infertile men, ginseng 1.5 g/day for 12 weeks improved semen volume and viscosity versus placebo; carob also improved semen volume and sperm morphology.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 1.5 g/day
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 30
RCTSafety and Efficacy Assessment of Red Ginseng Oil (RXGIN) in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial2024n=88
A 12-week RCT in 88 men with lower urinary tract symptoms found red ginseng oil improved IPSS scores and related outcomes versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 88
- Ages
- 40–75
MetaDietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: Analysis of Marketed Products, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Rational Use2023
A systematic review of dietary supplements for erectile dysfunction found insufficient evidence to recommend any product, including ginseng combinations, as first-line therapy.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Men
RCTEffects of Korean ginseng berry extract on sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction: a multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study2013n=119
In 119 men with mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction, Korean ginseng berry extract 1400 mg/day for 8 weeks improved IIEF-15 and erectile function scores versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 1400 mg/day
- Population
- Men with erectile dysfunction
- Participants
- 119
RCTEffects of tissue-cultured mountain ginseng (Panax ginseng CA Meyer) extract on male patients with erectile dysfunction2009n=143
In 143 men with erectile dysfunction, tissue-cultured mountain ginseng extract 2000 mg/day for 8 weeks improved erectile function and overall satisfaction versus placebo (P<0.05).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 2000 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with erectile dysfunction
- Participants
- 143
MetaRed ginseng for treating erectile dysfunction: a systematic review2008n=349
A systematic review meta-analysis of 7 RCTs (n=349) found red ginseng significantly improved erectile dysfunction versus placebo (risk ratio 2.40, p<0.00001).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Participants
- 349
RCTStudy of the efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in the treatment of erectile dysfunction2007n=60
In 60 men with mild-to-moderate ED, Korean red ginseng 3000 mg/day improved IIEF-5 scores (16.4 to 21.0) and 66.6% reported better erections versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 3000 mg/day
- Population
- Men with erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Participants
- 60
RCTA double-blind crossover study evaluating the efficacy of korean red ginseng in patients with erectile dysfunction: a preliminary report2002n=45
A crossover study of 45 ED patients found Korean red ginseng 2700 mg/day significantly raised IIEF scores and penile rigidity versus placebo; 60% reported improved erections.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 2700 mg/day
- Population
- Men with erectile dysfunction compared with placebo
- Participants
- 45
RCTDifferential, dose dependent changes in cognitive performance following acute administration of a Ginkgo biloba/Panax ginseng combination to healthy young volunteers2001
In 20 healthy young adults, acute Ginkgo/ginseng combinations (320–960 mg) produced dose-related cognitive improvements on some computerized tests, with 320 mg superior to placebo on day 90.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 320–960 mg/day
- Population
- Young adults
RCTThe cognitive, subjective, and physical effects of a ginkgo biloba/panax ginseng combination in healthy volunteers with neurasthenic complaints1997
In 64 neurasthenia patients (ages 40–65), Ginkgo/ginseng 320 mg twice daily for 90 days improved cognitive test scores versus placebo at the morning dose on day 90.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 640 mg/day
- Population
- Healthy adults
- Ages
- 40–65
RCTClinical efficacy of Korean red ginseng for erectile dysfunction1995n=90
In 90 ED patients, ginseng showed 60% overall efficacy versus 30% for placebo or trazodone on erectile parameters (p<0.05), though no complete remissions occurred.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Men with erectile dysfunction
- Participants
- 90
L-CitrullineView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is unclear whether taking L-citrulline by itself helps with erectile dysfunction (ED).
- One small study found that 1.5 grams daily for a month helped improve erection hardness in half of the men with mild ED, compared to only 8% in those taking placebo.
- L-citrulline has also been studied together with other ingredients in supplements.
- One product combining L-citrulline with herbs like muira puama and ginger improved erectile function and satisfaction after 3 months, but did not improve desire or orgasm, and half of the participants stopped the study to use prescription ED drugs.
- Another small study gave men an L-citrulline drink mixed with fenugreek, resveratrol, and caffeine for two weeks and saw some improvements, but these men also used prescription ED drugs as needed, so it's unclear which ingredients helped.
Browse 3 studies
RCTOral Testofen, L-Citrulline, Resveratrol, and Caffeine Supplement Drink Improves Sexual Function in Men with Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors: Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Pilot Study2021n=20
In 20 men with PDE5i-treated erectile dysfunction, a 14-day supplement drink with testofen, L-citrulline, resveratrol, and caffeine improved sexual function versus baseline.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 14 days
- Dose
- 600 mg/day
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 20
- Ages
- 7–30
Safety and efficacy of daily Revactin® in men with erectile dysfunction: a 3-month pilot study2018n=11
In men with erectile dysfunction, Revactin (containing ginger among ingredients) 500 mg/day for 2 months improved erectile function measures versus baseline in a pilot study.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 2 months
- Dose
- 500 mg/day
- Population
- Men with erectile dysfunction
- Participants
- 11
- Ages
- 33–77
Clinical trialOral L-citrulline supplementation improves erection hardness in men with mild erectile dysfunction2011n=24
In 24 men with mild erectile dysfunction, 1.5 g/day L-citrulline for 1 month improved erection hardness in 50% versus 8% on placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 1 month
- Dose
- 1.5 g/day
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 24
- Avg age
- ~56
YohimbeView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Yohimbine, found in yohimbe bark, may help improve erectile dysfunction.
- Small studies show that taking yohimbine by mouth for a few weeks can improve erections better than a placebo.
- Yohimbine works better when combined with other supplements like L-arginine or medications like trazodone.
- Side effects can happen, such as increased heart rate or dizziness, and not everyone tolerates it well.
- Because of limited strong evidence, some medical guidelines do not officially recommend yohimbine as a standard treatment for erectile problems.
Browse 18 studies·7 meta-analyses
MetaNutraceutical interventions for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and network meta-analysis2024n=1,000
A network meta-analysis of 15 RCTs in 1,000 men with erectile dysfunction found most nutraceuticals lacked significant efficacy; L-arginine and propionyl/acetyl L-carnitine showed some benefit mainly when combined with PDE5 inhibitors in organic ED.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 1,000
MetaDietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: Analysis of Marketed Products, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Rational Use2023
A systematic review of dietary supplements for erectile dysfunction found insufficient evidence to recommend any product, including ginseng combinations, as first-line therapy.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Men
RCTYohimbine as a treatment for erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis2021
A meta-analysis of eight RCTs found yohimbine alone (OR 2.08) and combined regimens (OR 6.35) increased the odds of erectile function improvement versus placebo in men with erectile dysfunction.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Men
Clinical trialYohimbine treatment of organic erectile dysfunction in a dose-escalation trial2002n=18
In 18 nonsmoking men with organic erectile dysfunction, dose-escalation yohimbine allowed nine (50%) to complete intercourse in more than 75% of attempts, with better responses in less severe cases.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 18
Clinical trialTherapeutic effects of high dose yohimbine hydrochloride on organic erectile dysfunction1998n=22
In 22 men with organic erectile dysfunction (mean age 58 years), daily 100 mg oral yohimbine for 30 days did not significantly improve erections versus placebo despite partial responses in 54.5% of treated patients.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 30 days
- Dose
- 100 mg yohimbine/day
- Population
- Anxiety patients
- Participants
- 22
- Avg age
- ~58
Yohimbine for erectile dysfunction1998
A review article summarizing evidence on yohimbine for erectile dysfunction, noting modest efficacy and substantial individual variability in treatment response.
MetaYohimbine for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials1998
A meta-analysis of seven placebo-controlled yohimbine trials found yohimbine superior to placebo for erectile dysfunction (OR 3.85), with infrequent reversible adverse reactions.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Men
RCTDouble-blind, placebo-controlled safety and efficacy trial with yohimbine hydrochloride in the treatment of nonorganic erectile dysfunction1997n=86
In 86 men with nonorganic erectile dysfunction, 30 mg/day yohimbine hydrochloride for 8 weeks yielded a 71% response rate versus 45% on placebo and was well tolerated.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 30 mg/day
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 86
RCTIs high-dose yohimbine hydrochloride effective in the treatment of mixed-type impotence? A prospective, randomized, controlled double-blind crossover study1997n=29
In 29 men with mixed-type impotence, 36 mg/day yohimbine for 25 days produced complete or partial responses in 44% versus 48% on placebo, with no significant between-group difference.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 25 days
- Dose
- 36 mg/day
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 29
Controlled trialYohimbine, erectile capacity, and sexual response in men1997n=11
A crossover study in men with erectile dysfunction found yohimbine up to 30 mg/day had mixed effects: 3 of 11 men reported strong benefit, with increased sexual activity and genital response to visual stimulation but no consistent objective erectile gains.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 30 mg/day
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 11
MetaClinical guidelines panel on erectile dysfunction: summary report on the treatment of organic erectile dysfunction. The American Urological Association1996
An American Urological Association guideline meta-analysis concluded yohimbine has only marginal efficacy for organic erectile dysfunction and should not be recommended for standard patients.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Men
MetaEffectiveness of yohimbine in the treatment of erectile disorder: four meta-analytic integrations1996
In a meta-analysis, we also identify methodological and reporting difficulties that characterize much of the literature.
- Population
- Men
RCTEffects of yohimbine on sexual experiences and nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity in erectile dysfunction1996n=31
In 31 men with erectile dysfunction treated for 7 weeks, 15 mg/day yohimbine improved global erectile ratings in nonorganic but not organic patients; nocturnal penile tumescence measures did not change.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 7 weeks
- Dose
- 15 mg/day
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 31
RCTEffect of yohimbine-trazodone on psychogenic impotence: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study1994n=55
In an RCT of 55 participants, 15 mg/day, for 8 weeks, these results were significantly better than those obtained with placebo (p < 0.01).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 15 mg/day
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 55
Yohimbine in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction1994
A clinical evaluation of yohimbine for male erectile dysfunction reported modest improvements in erectile function in treated men.
- Population
- Men
MetaEffectiveness of yohimbine in the treatment of erectile disorder: four meta-analytic integrations1993
In a meta-analysis, we also identify methodological and reporting difficulties that characterize much of the literature.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Men
Controlled trialEffect of yohimbine hydrochloride on erectile impotence: a double-blind study1989n=82
In 82 impotent men treated up to 42 mg/day yohimbine hydrochloride for 1 month, 14% regained sustained erections, 20% had partial response, and 65% reported no improvement.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 1 month
- Dose
- 42 mg/day
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 82
RCTDouble-blind trial of yohimbine in treatment of psychogenic impotence1987n=48
In 48 men with psychogenic impotence, 18 mg/day yohimbine for 10 weeks improved sexual function in 62% versus 16% on placebo; overall 46% of all yohimbine-treated men responded.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 10 weeks
- Dose
- 18 mg/day
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 48
L-CarnitineView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- There is not enough evidence to determine if L-carnitine has any benefit for erectile dysfunction.
Browse 3 studies
Propionyl-L-carnitine, L-arginine and niacin in sexual medicine: a nutraceutical approach to erectile dysfunction2011n=54
A review of propionyl-L-carnitine, L-arginine, and niacin combinations summarizes potential nutraceutical benefits for erectile dysfunction, though robust RCT evidence remains limited.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Population
- Men with erectile dysfunction
- Participants
- 54
- Ages
- 35–75
Clinical trialAcetyl-L-carnitine plus propionyl-L-carnitine improve efficacy of sildenafil in treatment of erectile dysfunction after bilateral nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy2005n=96
In 96 post-prostatectomy men, propionyl-L-carnitine plus acetyl-L-carnitine with sildenafil improved erectile function scores versus sildenafil alone.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 2 g/day
- Population
- Men with erectile dysfunction
- Participants
- 96
RCTPreliminary observations on the use of propionyl-L-carnitine in combination with sildenafil in patients with erectile dysfunction and diabetes2004n=20
In 20 diabetic men with ED unresponsive to sildenafil, adding propionyl-L-carnitine 2 g/day improved IIEF scores and intercourse success versus sildenafil alone over 24 weeks.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 24 weeks
- Dose
- 2 g/day
- Population
- Diabetic patients
- Participants
- 20
MacaView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- There is not enough evidence to determine if maca has any benefit for erectile dysfunction.
Browse 3 studies
RCTDoes Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improve seminal quality?2020n=35
A 12-week double-blind RCT of 69 subfertile men found 2 g/day maca significantly increased sperm concentration (15.0 vs 10.2 million/mL) vs placebo, without significant motility or morphology changes.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 2 g/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 35
Efficacy and Safety of Common Ingredients in Aphrodisiacs Used for Erectile Dysfunction: A Review2020
A review of common aphrodisiac ingredients for erectile dysfunction concluded evidence remains limited and poorly studied for most supplements.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Men with erectile dysfunction
RCTSubjective effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) extract on well-being and sexual performances in patients with mild erectile dysfunction: a randomised, double-blind clinical trial2009n=50
A 12-week double-blind RCT of 50 men with mild erectile dysfunction found 2,400 mg/day maca produced greater IIEF-5 improvement (1.6 vs 0.5 points) and physical/social well-being gains vs placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 400 mg/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 50
Tongkat AliView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not clear if taking Eurycoma longifolia by mouth helps with erectile dysfunction (ED).
- One analysis found no overall benefit on a common ED test.
- However, one small study in men with ED showed that a combination of Eurycoma longifolia and another herb, Persicaria minor, might slightly improve erections after 12 weeks, but it is not known if this was due to one herb or both.
Browse 2 studies·1 meta-analysis
MetaEfficacy of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) on erectile function improvement: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2015n=139
A meta-analysis of 2 RCTs (139 participants) found Tongkat Ali may improve erectile function, with greater benefit in men with lower baseline IIEF-5 scores.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Participants
- 139
RCTEffects of a Proprietary Freeze-Dried Water Extract of Eurycoma longifolia (Physta) and Polygonum minus on Sexual Performance and Well-Being in Men: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study2014n=12
An RCT of men aged 40–65 found that 12 weeks of Physta Eurycoma longifolia plus Polygonum minus significantly improved sexual performance and well-being versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 200 mg/day
- Population
- Healthy adults
- Participants
- 12
- Ages
- 40–65
Alpha-Lipoic AcidView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is unclear if taking alpha-lipoic acid helps with erectile dysfunction.
- In men with diabetes, a combination of alpha-lipoic acid (given by IV) and another drug, alprostadil, improved erections in most patients after two weeks, more than a common ED pill called tadalafil.
- Another small study found that a product containing alpha-lipoic acid and other ingredients improved erectile function, but the study was very small and had no comparison group.
Browse 2 studies
Positive effects of dietary supplementation with nutraceuticals on male subclinical hypogonadism: a pilot study2023
In 15 overweight men with subclinical hypogonadism, a nutraceutical containing myoinositol, alpha-lipoic acid, and folic acid added to lifestyle changes for 3 months improved BMI, insulin sensitivity, and testosterone versus baseline.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Population
- Patients with obesity
- Avg age
- 39.5±14.5
RCTStudy on the clinical value of alprostadil combined with α-lipoic acid in treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with erectile dysfunction2016
In 76 type 2 diabetes men with erectile dysfunction, 2 weeks of IV alprostadil plus alpha-lipoic acid 600 mg/day improved IIEF-5, erection hardness, and brachial flow-mediated dilation more than tadalafil 5 mg nightly (95% vs 81% effective).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 2 weeks
- Dose
- 600 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with type 2 diabetes
- Avg age
- ~47
CocoaView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- No summary is available.
Browse 1 study
RCTA Combination of Punica granatum Fruit Rind and Theobroma cacao Seed Extracts Enhances Sexual Function in Aging Males in a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study2025n=120
In 120 aging men aged 40–70 over 84 days, a pomegranate rind and cocoa seed extract combination improved erectile function and libido versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 400 mg/day LN18178 (cacao-containing combination extract)
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 120
- Ages
- 40–70
GarlicView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- A small study found that men with erectile dysfunction who didn’t respond well to the medication tadalafil had better results when they added fresh garlic juice twice daily for 4 weeks.
- The combination helped improve their erections, especially in men with moderate ED.
- More research is needed to confirm these findings.
Browse 1 study
RCTProspective, randomized, placebo-controlled, two-arm study to evaluate the efficacy of coadministration of garlic as a hydrogen sulfide donor and tadalafil in patients with erectile dysfunction not responding to tadalafil alone - A pilot study2024n=16
In 16 men with erectile dysfunction poorly responsive to tadalafil, garlic 5 g twice daily for 4 weeks added to tadalafil improved erectile function scores versus placebo plus tadalafil.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Dose
- 5 g 2×/day
- Population
- Men with erectile dysfunction
- Participants
- 16
- Avg age
- ~38
GingerView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- In one study, men took a supplement with ginger plus other herbs and nutrients (Revactin) twice a day for 3 months.
- They reported better erections and satisfaction, but no change in sexual desire or orgasm.
- The study had many flaws, almost half the men quit to restart standard ED medicine, so it’s unclear whether ginger itself made any difference.
Browse 1 study
Safety and efficacy of daily Revactin® in men with erectile dysfunction: a 3‑month pilot study2018n=11
In men with erectile dysfunction, Revactin (containing ginger among ingredients) 500 mg/day for 2 months improved erectile function measures versus baseline in a pilot study.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 2 months
- Dose
- 500 mg/day
- Population
- Men with erectile dysfunction
- Participants
- 11
- Ages
- 33–77
GuaranaView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Early research shows that men with erectile dysfunction who took two capsules of a supplement called Revactin twice daily for three months improved their ability to have erections and satisfaction with intercourse.
- However, it did not improve sexual desire or orgasm.
- Revactin contains guarana, muira puama, ginger root, and L-citrulline, so it is not known if guarana alone is responsible for these effects.
Browse 1 study
Safety and efficacy of daily Revactin® in men with erectile dysfunction: a 3-month pilot study2018n=11
In men with erectile dysfunction, Revactin (containing ginger among ingredients) 500 mg/day for 2 months improved erectile function measures versus baseline in a pilot study.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 2 months
- Dose
- 500 mg/day
- Population
- Men with erectile dysfunction
- Participants
- 11
- Ages
- 33–77
InositolView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- In a small study, overweight men with mild erectile dysfunction took a supplement combining myo-inositol, alpha-lipoic acid, folic acid, and apple extract, and experienced some improvement in their symptoms.
- Since the study was small and had no comparison group, it's unclear which ingredients helped or how much.
- More research is needed to be sure about the benefits.
Browse 1 study
Positive effects of dietary supplementation with nutraceuticals on male subclinical hypogonadism: a pilot study2023
In 15 overweight men with subclinical hypogonadism, a nutraceutical containing myoinositol, alpha-lipoic acid, and folic acid added to lifestyle changes for 3 months improved BMI, insulin sensitivity, and testosterone versus baseline.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Population
- Patients with obesity
- Avg age
- 39.5±14.5
KratomView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not clear if kratom helps with erectile dysfunction (ED).
- A small study in healthy men found that taking kratom every day for 4 weeks reduced sexual desire, ability to orgasm, and erectile function, with no improvement in satisfaction during sex.
- However, kratom might help prevent premature ejaculation in some people.
Browse 1 study
ObservationalInvestigating the Impact of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Use Upon Male Sexual Health2023n=165
An observational study of 165 kratom-using men found kratom use was associated with altered sexual health parameters, highlighting potential endocrine and opioid-receptor mediated effects.
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 165
- Ages
- 18–40
Vitamin B9 (Folate)View supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Folic acid has mostly been studied along with other supplements for erectile dysfunction.
- A small study showed a combination with folic acid helped improve ED, but it’s unclear if folic acid alone caused the benefit.
- Other research found folic acid by itself or with ED medicines can improve erectile function and lower harmful molecules linked to blood vessel problems.
Browse 1 study
Positive effects of dietary supplementation with nutraceuticals on male subclinical hypogonadism: a pilot study2023
In 15 overweight men with subclinical hypogonadism, a nutraceutical containing myoinositol, alpha-lipoic acid, and folic acid added to lifestyle changes for 3 months improved BMI, insulin sensitivity, and testosterone versus baseline.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Population
- Patients with obesity
- Avg age
- 39.5±14.5
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)View supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not clear if niacin helps men with erectile dysfunction and high cholesterol.
- One study showed that taking extended-release niacin at 1.5 grams every night for 12 weeks improved how often men were able to have sex and maintain erections compared to before treatment, but the study did not compare this to a placebo or other treatments.
Browse 1 study
RCTEffect of niacin on erectile function in men suffering erectile dysfunction and dyslipidemia2011
A randomized trial in patients with ed and dyslipidemia found that up to 1,500 mg niacin/day for 12 weeks there was no significant improvement in erectile function for patients with mild and mild-to-moderate ED for both groups.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- up to 1,500 mg niacin/day
- Population
- Patients With Ed And Dyslipidemia
Vitamin DView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not clear if vitamin D helps with erectile dysfunction (ED).
- Some research shows that low vitamin D levels are linked to ED, but a study giving men aged 60 to 84 vitamin D once a month for up to 5 years found it did not prevent or improve ED compared to a placebo.
Browse 1 study
RCTThe effect of three years of vitamin D supplementation on erectile dysfunction: Results from the randomized placebo-controlled D-Health Trial2024n=3,943
In the D-Health Trial of 8,920 men aged 60–84, 60,000 IU/month vitamin D3 for 3 years did not reduce erectile dysfunction prevalence (59.0% vs 58.8%; PR 1.00, 95% CI 0.97–1.03).
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 60000 IU/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 3,943
- Ages
- 60–84
Horny Goat WeedView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- There is not enough good research to know whether horny goat weed helps with erectile dysfunction.
- The available source notes that sexual-health supplements are generally poorly studied and that more research is needed.
Browse 1 study
Efficacy and Safety of Common Ingredients in Aphrodisiacs Used for Erectile Dysfunction: A Review2020
A review of common aphrodisiac ingredients for erectile dysfunction concluded evidence remains limited and poorly studied for most supplements.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Men with erectile dysfunction
Evidence visualised
Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.
| Supplement | DEX | Studies | Meta-analyses | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yohimbe | ★★★★★56% | 18 | 7 | 35% |
| Panax Ginseng | ★★★★★68% | 11 | 2 | 21% |
| L-Carnitine | ★★★★★48% | 3 | 0 | 6% |
| L-Citrulline | ★★★★★60% | 3 | 0 | 6% |
| Maca | ★★★★★48% | 3 | 0 | 6% |
| Alpha-Lipoic Acid | ★★★★★44% | 2 | 0 | 4% |
| Tongkat Ali | ★★★★★48% | 2 | 1 | 4% |
| Cocoa | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Garlic | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Ginger | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Guarana | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Horny Goat Weed | ★★★★★28% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Inositol | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Kratom | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | ★★★★★32% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Vitamin D | ★★★★★32% | 1 | 0 | 2% |