Cnidium Monnieri , also called She Chuang Zi in China where it originates, though it can also be found in Oregon. Cnidium Monnieri Extract is an oriental Chinese supplement used for skin problems and a natural libido enhancer. It’s extracted from the plant Cnidium Monnieri with its seeds being used for various applications in traditional Chinese medicine. The compounds found in it include cumarins osthol also known as Osthole, xanthoxol, imperatorin, bergapten, monoterpene polyols, glucides and hepatoprotective sesquiterpenes. Osthole is very beneficial as an anti tumor and also strengthens bones. The extract helps calm down the corpus cavernosa of the penis thus increasing blood flow to boost erections and the Chinese also use it for skin problems as well as a sex booster.

Eurycoma Longifolia is also known as tongkat ali or pasak bumi. It is a plant in the family Simaroubaceae and genus Eurycoma, native to Indonesia and Malaysia. It was used in folk medicine for its antimalarial, antipyretic, antiulcer, cytotoxic and aphrodisiac properties. Eurycoma longifolia is used in supplements for bodybuilders because research claims that it can increase testosterone level but most of the research was conducted on rats and further scientific evidence is needed to confirm its effect on testosterone levels in humans. Some studies also show that it induces apoptosis in breast-cancer cells and is cytotoxic to lung-cancer cells.

GABA or gamma-aminobutyric acid happens to be an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain that is crucial for our well being since it helps induce relaxation and sleep. As such, it performs the role of a balancer for the brain by balancing excitation of the brain with inhibition. There is more to GABA than its balancing effects. GABA has a major impact on muscle building and fat prevention due to its effect on HGH levels. GABA stimulates the anterior pituitary thereby increasing Human Growth Hormone (HGH) levels. HGH has anabolic and lipotropic properties and GABA thus indirectly causes these two positive effects in the body. However, people taking GABA supplementation may experience certain side effects that may range from tingling sensations around the face and neck area to mild change in breathing patterns or heart rate. Thankfully, these side effects are not harmful and subside quickly.

Horny Goat Weed is actually belonging to the genus Epimedum, where about sixty species are in the family of Berberidaceae, all of them flowering herbaceous plants. Many of the species have the tag of being aphrodisiacs, but Horny Goat Weed seems to be the most potent one. It is found naturally in south of China, then toward Europe all over Asia, whereby only the furthest outposts of Europe seems to grow these perennials. Japanese cultivars have imported Epimedum for centuries already, using it as garden plants. The legend states that a goat keeper observed the mating habits of the goats after they consumed the Horny Goat Weed and thus recognized the properties of the plant. Chinese herbal medicine used this icariin containing plant for treatment of erectile dysfunctions. It seems to mimic testosterone effects, is a PDE5 inhibitor, just like Viagra, antioxidant, antidepressant and has nootropic properties as well.

Jujube

L-Arginine HCL is a non-essential fatty acid that is a precursor of nitric oxide. It has potent antioxidant properties. It aids in maintaining a healthy supple skin, prevents premature aging, and reduces the risks of acquiring illness caused by free radicals such as cancer and heart diseases. It helps diminish the accumulation of ammonia and lactate in muscles, thus, increasing the endurance and improves the formation of lean muscles. L-Arginine HCL also helps improve fertility in men and increase libido. It also stimulates the release of human growth hormones that promotes anabolic metabolism that results in increased growth and development of muscles. L-Arginine HCL also speeds up the healing of wounds.

Pine Bark is known for its various nutritional properties. It is commonly used as a supplement for its preventive and healing purposes. It contains bioflavonoids, procyanidins and various vitamins. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic effects that are beneficial to those with acute and chronic haemorrhoids. It also helps reduce joint pains and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis. Pine Bark helps other vitamins and minerals become more effective in the body. It also contains antioxidants that help in repairing and protecting the cells in the body. They fight against the damages that free radicals cause the body and cells; this helps in fighting against heart disease and cancer.

Pycnogenol acts as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents, as it inhibited the expression of proinflammatory cytokine IL-1 through regulating factors causing redox-sensitive transcription. It has been found to scavenge free radicals. Pycnogenol helps prevent vascular endothelial cells from injury caused by organic oxidant t-butyl hydroperoxide and control macrophage oxidative burst, plasmid DNA damage caused by hydroxyl radical, and plasma low density lipoprotein oxidation. As pycnogenol performs anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, it can treat asthma, which is considered a chronic inflammatory process. In a study, pycnogenol inhibited NF-kappa B activation, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression, which shows that it can be vital to halting or preventing atherogenic process. It can treat chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that involves leg swelling, pain, itching, varicose veins, and other skin changes. It reduces the cholesterol levels.

Vitamin B3 is also known as Niacin or nicotinic acid. It helps in the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose that serves as fuel for energy. It also helps the body in metabolizing fats and proteins. Niacin also helps in the production of hormones necessary for the body to function properly. It is also effective in improving the circulation in the body. It lowers cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar level. It also helps in the treatment of coronary artery disease. It also helps in regulating the blood sugar level. Niacin also helps prevent the Pellagra disease, which causes digestive problems, diarrhea, dermatitis, hyper-pigmentation, amnesia, dementia, delirium, and even death. Niacin also helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and is also effective in treating acne.

Yohimbe- Basically a tree bark, Yohimbe is rich in pharmacologically active chemicals. It is commonly found in products developed for body building and enhancing male performance. The use of Yohimbe causes serious side effects too that include renal failure, seizures and in very rare cases, even death. Individuals suffering from low blood pressure, heart disease, liver or kidney disease, and diabetes should refrain from using any kind of Yohimbe supplements. Taking larger doses of Yohimbe can cause weakness, stomach disorders, fatigue, and nervous stimulation followed by paralysis. It is therefore important to avoid self-medication. Sometimes, side effects may arise even if small amounts of this supplement are taken, especially for prolonged periods. If you are already taking drugs for treating some health condition, it is best to avoid this supplement.