Dangerous Ingredients Found in Male Enhancement Supplements

The newest fad in male enhancement supplements is using "all-natural" herbs, extracts or powders, which they claim are safer - and more effective - than prescription drugs, such as Viagra. Unfortunately, they also neglect to tell consumers all-natural ingredients can still have dangerous side effects, including an increase in panic attacks, blood pressure or chest pain.

According to Medscape.com, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also warns consumers not to purchase supplements that claim to cure erectile dysfunction naturally. It's always false advertising - there are no supplements currently recognized as cures for erectile dysfunction.

Some dangerous ingredients found in male enhancement supplements include:

Yohimbine

Other names: yohimbe bark, yohimbe bark extract, yohimbine HCI

Yohimbine is a common ingredient found in all-natural male enhancement supplements, reported to have strong aphrodisiac qualities. It's also a common ingredient in bodybuilding supplements.

Why this ingredient is dangerous: Consumption of yohimbine is associated with an increase in panic attacks, hallucinations, dizziness and insomnia. It can also cause dangerous complications for people with kidney disease, heart or blood pressure problems, or a psychological disorder, such as schizophrenia.

Tribulus Terrestris

Other names: caltrop, yellow vine, goathead, cathead

Anecdotal evidence suggests tribulus terrestris increases testosterone levels, improving libido. The scientific evidence? Not as supportive-many point out it's a fad ingredient with no proven sexual benefits.

Why this ingredient is dangerous: Although technically not dangerous, it can cause an embarrassing condition called gynecomastia, or male breast tissue growth.

Androstenedione

Other names: 4-androstenedione, Andro

Most male enhancement supplements call androstenedione a natural hormone booster, although this is scientifically inaccurate. It was banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004 because it was considered to have steroid-like properties. Although its sale in the United States is still illegal, male supplement companies get around this by stationing their offices overseas.

Why this ingredient is dangerous: It is considered a steroid hormone; side effects include testicular atrophy, gynecomastia (male breast tissue growth) and dangerous mood swings, better known as "roid rage".

Panax Ginseng

Other names: ginseng, ginseng root, Asian ginseng

Panax ginseng is a popular ingredient in many male enhancement supplements because evidence suggests it improves erectile function, making it a suitable alternative treatment for erectile dysfunction. It is also used to increase the libido.

What this ingredient is dangerous: It can cause mania in the clinically depressed, affecting their judgment. Other people report experiencing rapid changes in blood pressure, chest pain and insomnia.

Xanthoparmelia Scabrosa

Other names: Xanthoparmelia

Some male enhancement supplements claim it increases penis length due to anecdotal evidence from Chinese herbalists. There are currently no reliable studies available about the sexual potency of this herb.

Why this ingredient is dangerous: This herb is highly toxic and can cause severe, life-threatening complications. Numerous health organizations warn people to avoid any male enhancement supplements containing xanthoparmelia scabrosa.

Dangerous Ingredients Found in Male Enhancement Supplements: Safety is Key

If there's a lesson to be learned here, it's this: 'all-natural' doesn't always mean it's safe, even if so-called natural health companies claim it is. You're better off staying supplement-free or using supplements recommended by a doctor, who is more likely to have your best interests in mind.

Sources:
W. Steven Pray, Ph.D, "Dangers of Sexual Enhancement Supplements" (Medscape.com; accessed 3/7/10)