Epimedium Complex

Description

Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. In the past ED was dismissed as a psychological condition, but it is now known as a treatable disorder. Major risk factors for ED are diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, smoking and chronic medical illnesses, all of which are established markers for atherosclerosis (blocking of the arteries), making ED an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease as well.

An erection occurs when the muscle cells of the arteries in the penis relax, allowing an increased, rapid flow of blood into the penis. At the same time, blood returning from the penis is restricted, trapping blood in the organ, resulting in engorgement and erection.
The whole process is initiated during sexual stimulation when the brain sends nerve signals to the penis, resulting in the release of nitric oxide (NO). At the same time, arginine circulating in the blood is converted to NO by endothelial cells in the blood vessels, leading to an overall increase in the amount of NO.

Nitric oxide in turn is converted to cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a small molecule present in the muscle cells of the penis. It is the cGMP that induces relaxation of the muscles leading to the increased blood flow. The cGMP is eventually broken down by an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5), which allows the blood flow to return to normal and the erection subsides.
Treatment is aimed at increasing the amount of arginine, and hence NO, in the blood and to prevent the breakdown of cGMP by the PDE-5 enzyme.

In the formula the combination of arginine, ornithine and citrulline effectively results in an overall increase in arginine concentration, which leads to higher NO levels and ultimately increases the concentration of cGMP; epimedium (horney goat weed) extract inhibits functioning of the PDE-5 enzyme, thereby ensuring that the higher concentration of cGMP are maintained and resulting in a prolongation of its effects. Other ingredients play a supportive role.

Viagra, [Cialis®, and Levitra® (vardenafil)] the well known allopathic medicine used for ED works as a strong inhibitor of the PDE-5 enzyme but has a number of associated side effects and risks, such as headaches, nasal congestion, flushing, lowering blood pressure, temporarily affecting colour vision and even blindness. Moreover, PDE-5 inhibitors are not always successful, with as many as 50% of men that discontinue treatment. For such individuals, alternative therapy is required.

A possible cause for the high failure rate may be an underlying testosterone deficiency as testosterone is essential for normal cell structure of the penis, but atherosclerosis (blocking of the arteries) may be a factor as well. Testosterone is essential for maintenance of normal cell structure, especially the ratio of elastic vs collagen fibers.

ED thus requires a multifaceted approach

Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 capsule
Servings Per Container: 90

This product contains no egg, sugar, salt, yeast, wheat or dairy products. Free from preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colorants or flavorants

Directions
Take 1 capsule per day or as directed by a healthcare practitioner

Warnings
Keep out of reach of children
Keep tightly closed
Store in a cool, dark location
Keep away from heat and moisture