Why We Reviewed VigRX Plus
VigRX Plus is one of the longest-running male enhancement supplements (sold since 2007), made by Leading Edge Health. Daily two-tablet routine, targeting libido, erection quality, and sexual stamina.
It is one of the few products in this category with a published placebo-controlled clinical trial and a fully disclosed 10-ingredient formula. That puts it in the small minority worth taking seriously.
VigRX Plus Ingredients and Doses
VigRX Plus contains 10 herbal actives plus Bioperine, each published at its dose per two-tablet serving. There is no proprietary blend, no yohimbe, and no DHEA.
| Ingredient | Dose | What it targets | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asian Red Ginseng | 200 mg | Libido and sexual function | Adaptogen with some clinical evidence in men |
| Saw Palmetto | 200 mg | Prostate and urinary support | Studied for prostate health, not for erectile function |
| Hawthorn Berry | 200 mg | Circulation and cardiovascular support | Cardiovascular research; no direct sexual-function trials |
| Ginkgo Biloba | 200 mg | Circulation | Per the NCCIH, interacts with blood-thinning medication |
| Damiana | 200 mg | Desire | Traditional aphrodisiac; limited but suggestive research |
| Tribulus Terrestris | 150 mg | Marketed for testosterone | Weak in healthy men; the testosterone claim does not hold up |
| Muira Puama | 100 mg | Desire and energy | Small studies only; dose sits below research levels |
| Catuaba Bark | 100 mg | Desire | Limited modern evidence |
| Cuscuta Seed | 50 mg | Reproductive support | Traditional Chinese medicine; little clinical data |
| Epimedium Leaf | 30 mg | Erection quality, via icariin | PDE5-inhibiting activity in lab settings; dose far below research levels |
| Bioperine | 10 mg | Absorption of the other actives | Patented black pepper extract; bioavailability shown by Shoba et al. 1998 |
What stands out. The formula combines circulation (Hawthorn, Ginkgo) with traditional aphrodisiacs (Damiana, Muira Puama, Catuaba) and adaptogens (Ginseng), rather than betting on one mechanism. Bioperine is a sensible addition.
What to be skeptical of. Doses for several botanicals sit below what the cited studies use. The formula is broad rather than deep, and the evidence behind most individual ingredients is thinner than the marketing suggests.
VigRX Plus Clinical Evidence
The trial. Shah et al. 2012 in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine: 78 men aged 25 to 50 with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction, randomized double-blind placebo-controlled, 12 weeks.
Findings. Statistically significant improvement on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), covering erectile function, intercourse satisfaction, orgasmic function, and overall satisfaction. Well-tolerated, no significant change in testosterone or sperm parameters.
Caveats. The trial dose was 4 capsules daily; the consumer dose is 2 capsules daily, and the lower-dose outcome has not been published. Single-site, 78 men, conducted by Vedic Lifesciences in India for the manufacturer; independent replication has not occurred. Severe ED and ED from underlying medical conditions were excluded.
A published placebo-controlled trial puts VigRX Plus ahead of most products in the category. Treat the evidence as suggestive rather than settled. See our review methodology.
Decided to try VigRX Plus? The manufacturer lists a 67-day money-back guarantee on direct purchases, honored by Leading Edge Health rather than by Machismo Plus. Terms apply.
Who VigRX Plus Is For
VigRX Plus fits men with mild to moderate erectile concerns, typically aged 30 to 50, who want a daily non-prescription option.
- Want a fully disclosed formula over hidden proprietary blends
- Comfortable with 8 to 12 weeks of consistent daily use before judging
- Wary of prescription PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis)
- Evaluating brands with at least some clinical research over newer entrants
For on-demand support over daily routine, see topical vs oral sexual wellness supplements.
Who VigRX Plus Is NOT For
Men needing on-demand support. Daily-use product, not a take-before-sex pill.
Men with ED from underlying medical conditions. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, low testosterone, prostate issues need medical investigation, not a supplement.
Men on blood-thinning medication (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel). Ginkgo Biloba interacts with anticoagulants.
Men on prescription ED medication (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra). Combining herbal vasodilators with PDE5 inhibitors has not been studied for safety.
Men on blood pressure, depression, or anxiety medication. Several ingredients can interact. Speak with a pharmacist or prescriber first.
Men expecting fast results or anatomy changes. The trial measured at 12 weeks, and the formula is for performance and libido, not anatomy.
If any of the above apply: review our Medical Disclaimer and consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Realistic Timeline Expectations
The trial measured at 12 weeks. The manufacturer states that effects build over 30 to 60 days.
- Weeks 1-2. No noticeable change for most men. Bioavailability is still building.
- Weeks 3-4. Some men report early changes in libido or morning erections.
- Weeks 5-8. Realistic window for assessing whether it is working. The trial measured improvement at this stage.
- Weeks 9-12. Full effects per the trial protocol. No meaningful change by week 12 means it is not working for you.
Take both tablets daily, every day; skipping resets the bioavailability build. Do not change other variables during the trial period. See also why results vary and supplement timelines.
VigRX Plus vs Alternatives
vs Erectin. Similar herbal approach, newer formulation. VigRX Plus has the stronger published trial.
vs Extenze. Both are non-prescription daily male enhancement formulas. VigRX Plus has a published trial, fully discloses doses, and contains no yohimbe or DHEA. Cleaner evidence and safety profile.
vs Testosil. Different goal: testosterone support, not erection quality. Better fit if low energy and drive are part of the picture.
vs Semenax. Different goal: ejaculate volume, not erection quality.
vs topicals and on-demand formats. Topicals work in minutes for arousal; VigRX Plus works over weeks for daily libido and performance. Different formats, different uses.
vs prescription PDE5 inhibitors. Viagra and Cialis have decades of large-scale trials and produce reliable on-demand effects. VigRX Plus is not a substitute, it is a non-prescription option for daily support, accepting weaker evidence and more modest effects.
vs proprietary-blend supplements. Most cheaper supplements use undisclosed blends. VigRX Plus discloses every dose, the single biggest formulation advantage.
Ready to start a VigRX Plus trial? Direct purchases go through Leading Edge Health, which lists bulk pricing on three- and six-month packages.
How to Use VigRX Plus
Two tablets daily with water and food, same time each day, for at least 12 weeks before judging.
- The 2012 trial used 4 tablets daily; the consumer dose is half that, and outcomes at the lower dose are unpublished
- Take with food to reduce stomach sensitivity
- Store cool and dry, away from direct sunlight
- Do not exceed the recommended daily intake
For broader guidance see usage guidelines for sexual wellness supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ingredients in VigRX Plus?
Ten herbal actives plus Bioperine, all at disclosed doses per two-tablet serving: Asian Red Ginseng, Saw Palmetto, Hawthorn Berry, Ginkgo Biloba and Damiana at 200 mg each, Tribulus Terrestris at 150 mg, Muira Puama and Catuaba Bark at 100 mg each, Cuscuta Seed at 50 mg, Epimedium Leaf at 30 mg, and Bioperine at 10 mg. There is no proprietary blend, no yohimbe, and no DHEA.
How long does VigRX Plus take to work?
The trial measured at 12 weeks, and manufacturer guidance is 30 to 60 days. Plan for 8 to 12 weeks of consistent daily use.
Is VigRX Plus FDA approved?
No, but the FDA does not approve dietary supplements the way it approves drugs. The manufacturer states that VigRX Plus is produced in a facility following FDA cGMP regulations.
Can I take VigRX Plus with Viagra or Cialis?
The combination has not been studied for safety. Combining herbal vasodilators with PDE5 inhibitors could compound blood-pressure effects. Consult a clinician.
How does VigRX Plus compare to Extenze?
Both are non-prescription daily male enhancement formulas. VigRX Plus has a published placebo-controlled trial, fully discloses doses for all 10 ingredients, and contains no yohimbe or DHEA. Extenze uses a proprietary blend that does not disclose individual doses, and includes yohimbe (cardiovascular risk per the NCCIH) and DHEA (banned in competitive sport). VigRX Plus has the cleaner evidence and safety profile.
Are there side effects?
Reported well-tolerated in the Shah 2012 trial. Main interaction risks are with blood-thinning medication (Ginkgo) and antihypertensives. Stop and consult a clinician for persistent headaches, dizziness, or digestive upset.
What if it does not work?
Leading Edge Health states it offers a 67-day money-back guarantee on direct purchases. If 12 weeks of consistent use produces no meaningful change, the formula is not for you.
Comparing formulas on disclosed doses? VigRX Plus publishes every milligram, which is the exception in this category rather than the rule.
Last reviewed: 5 August 2026.
Compare With Reviewed Alternatives
VigRX Plus targets erection quality and libido. Two other products covered by Machismo Plus sit in the same category, each with a different format and trade-off:
Erectin Gummies
Chewable nitric oxide gummies, taken daily or 30 minutes before sex. For men who prefer not to swallow capsules.
Read Erectin Gummies Review → Different GoalSemenax
Daily capsule formula targeting ejaculate volume rather than erection quality. Different category, different use case, also from Leading Edge Health.
Read Semenax Review →For the full range of supplements Machismo Plus has reviewed, see all male products.