Common Ingredients in Sexual Wellness Supplements
Many sexual wellness supplements use plant-based ingredients traditionally linked with circulation, energy, and libido support.
Overview
This page explains the most common ingredients found in sexual wellness supplements for men and women, what they are typically used for, what published research suggests, and what risks to consider. For how supplements are commonly positioned and used, see How Supplements Work. For practical usage and risk-reduction, see Usage Guidelines. For quick answers, see Sexual Wellness FAQs.
On this page
Ingredient summary (quick reference)
| Ingredient | Main use | Evidence level | Key cautions |
|---|---|---|---|
| L-Arginine | Blood flow support | Moderate (human trials) | Blood pressure, nitrates |
| Panax Ginseng | Energy, libido | Moderate (systematic reviews) | Insomnia, anticoagulants |
| Maca Root | Sexual desire | Low–moderate (small RCTs) | Variable outcomes |
| Tribulus Terrestris | Libido | Low | Inconsistent results |
| Damiana | Mood, desire | Very low | Limited clinical data |
| Ginkgo Biloba | Circulation | Low–moderate | Bleeding risk |
Ingredients, evidence, and risk considerations
L-Arginine
L-Arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide, a molecule involved in vascular dilation. Some clinical trials suggest modest benefits for circulation-related sexual function, though results are inconsistent.
- Potential benefit: blood flow support
- Risks: hypotension; avoid with nitrates or unstable cardiovascular disease
- Evidence: human trials and systematic review literature (see references table below)
Panax Ginseng
Panax ginseng has been studied for fatigue, stress, and sexual function. Systematic reviews suggest possible benefit for erectile dysfunction and libido, but effect sizes are modest.
- Potential benefit: energy and libido support
- Risks: insomnia, anxiety, interaction with anticoagulants
- Evidence: systematic reviews and controlled trials (see references table)
Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii)
Maca has been studied for sexual desire in both men and women. Several small randomized trials show increased libido without hormonal changes.
- Potential benefit: sexual desire
- Risks: generally well tolerated
- Evidence: small human RCTs and reviews (see references table)
Tribulus Terrestris
Despite frequent marketing claims, human studies do not support significant testosterone increases. Some studies report subjective libido effects.
- Potential benefit: perceived libido improvement
- Risks: digestive upset, inconsistent results
- Evidence: weak for hormonal claims (see references table)
Damiana (Turnera diffusa)
Damiana is traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, but modern clinical evidence is sparse and largely observational.
- Potential benefit: mood and desire support
- Risks: lack of robust safety data
- Evidence: limited modern human research
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo has vascular effects and has been studied for circulation and cognitive health. Evidence for sexual function is limited and mixed.
- Potential benefit: circulation support
- Risks: increased bleeding risk
- Evidence: mixed human studies (see references table)
How to verify ingredient claims
Most supplement marketing fails on two points: unclear dosing and overstated outcomes. Use this checklist before trusting any claim.
- Look for a clear dose: avoid “proprietary blends” that hide amounts.
- Prefer human evidence: systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials over anecdotes.
- Check interactions: especially if you use blood pressure meds, antidepressants, nitrates, or anticoagulants.
- Be skeptical of “instant cure” language: it’s a quality signal in the wrong direction.
For real-world safety guidance, see Usage Guidelines.
Scientific references and further reading
These links go to independent, authoritative sources so you can verify claims and explore the research yourself.
| Ingredient | Best evidence (systematic review / RCT) | Safety overview (NIH / NCCIH) | More research (PubMed search) |
|---|---|---|---|
| L-Arginine | PubMed: L-arginine and erectile dysfunction reviews | NIH ODS: Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know | PubMed search: safety and interactions |
| Panax Ginseng |
Systematic review: Red ginseng for erectile dysfunction (PubMed) Cochrane review: Ginseng for erectile dysfunction (PubMed) |
NCCIH: Asian ginseng (usefulness and safety) | PubMed search: trials and outcomes |
| Maca (Lepidium meyenii) |
RCT: Maca and sexual desire (PubMed) Systematic review: Maca and sexual function (PubMed) |
NIH ODS: Botanical resources | PubMed search: libido studies |
| Tribulus terrestris | Systematic review: Tribulus and testosterone claims (PubMed) | NCCIH: Tribulus (safety and what’s known) | PubMed search: testosterone and libido trials |
| Ginkgo biloba | PubMed: ginkgo and sexual function reviews | NCCIH: Ginkgo (usefulness and safety) | PubMed search: bleeding risk and interactions |
Two helpful starting points
Want the practical version? See Sexual Wellness FAQs and How Supplements Work.
Key takeaway
Scientific evidence for sexual wellness ingredients ranges from moderate to very limited. No ingredient works universally, and exaggerated claims should be treated with caution. Transparent labeling and realistic expectations matter more than branding.
Important disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you take medication, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a medical condition, consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any supplement.
