Men, since antiquity, have been looking for ways to boost their fecundity and sexual virility. And since ancient times, traditional forms of medicine such as Ayurveda already had solutions for men who were suffering from sexual problems.

Ayurvedic treatments can’t be simply shrugged off as something that’s only full of folklore. There’s actually a growing body of scientific literature that validates and provides scientific backing to the traditional use of many Ayurvedic herbal medicines.

Take a look at these 3 science-backed Ayurvedic aphrodisiacs and see how they can boost your sexuality.

Tribulus Terrestris

An annual plant that’s found growing in many parts of the world, Tribulus terrestris is also called billy goat weed, bull’s head, puncture vine, da hua ji li, devil’s weed, caltrop, bindii, and gokshur. Various traditional forms of medicine have been using Tribulus terrestris as an herbal medicine for centuries now.

In traditional Chinese medicine, for example, Tribulus terrestris is used as an aphrodisiac, male fertility enhancer, as well as a treatment for impotence. In Kashmiri traditional medicine, Tribulus terrestris is often used as a diuretic.

In Unani or Perso-Arabic traditional medicine, the use and administration of Tribulus terrestris is similar to that of Ayurvedic medicine. The aerial parts of the plants are used to formulate medicines that promote physical and sexual strength.

Tribulus terrestris is also used for kidney, urogenital, and bladder conditions. For treating male sexual health issues, the roots of the plant are often used. Because of these traditional uses of Tribulus terrestris, the plant has gained worldwide recognition as an effective libido and virility enhancer.

There has been a lot of scientific studies that focused on discovering the pro-sexual properties of Tribulus terrestris. In various animal studies, Tribulus terrestris has been shown to help improve sexual function. Mice that were treated with Tribulus terrestris showed increased sexual activities and improved erectile function.

In human trials, Tribulus terrestris has also been shown to help treat erectile dysfunction. Tribulus terrestris has been found to contain saponins such as protodioscin and protogracillin, which are believed to be the main active components responsible for the aphrodisiac effects of Tribulus terrestris.

Withania Somnifera

Withania somnifera, also referred to as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, is more popularly called by its Ayurvedic name, ashwagandha. The most typical use of ashwagandha in Ayurveda is for the treatment of stress and anxiety. However, this herb is also widely recognized for its pro-sexual properties.

Traditional Ayurvedic aphrodisiac formulations often include ashwagandha. Withania somnifera is actually an excellent adaptogen, which means that it’s really effective in relieving stress, anxiety, and reducing symptoms of depression. Because of its adaptogenic properties, ashwagandha is really beneficial for men suffering from psychogenic sexual dysfunction.

In both human trials and animal models, ashwagandha has been shown to help increase testosterone levels. In particular, infertile men who are also suffering from stress may benefit more from the testosterone-boosting effects of ashwagandha.

Numerous studies on the pro-fertility effects of ashwagandha have also been conducted. This Ayurvedic herb has been shown to help increase overall sperm quality in infertile men. Ashwagandha supplementation can help improve sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm count, and semen volume.

Research indicates that ashwagandha helps protect the reproductive system and promote fertility through both oxidative as well as non-oxidative mechanisms. Because ashwagandha also contains antioxidants, it helps increase antioxidant activities in the body.

The anti-stress activities of ashwagandha on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenaline axis, coupled with the direct actions of ashwagandha on testicular cells, result in better hormonal balance and improved fertility.

Mucuna Pruriens

Velvet bean or Mucuna pruriens has become widely recognized due to its levodopa content and aphrodisiac actions. Levodopa is the precursor of dopamine, an important neurotransmitter that regulates pleasure and motivation, movements, and emotional responses.

Research indicates that the libido and testosterone-boosting effects of Mucuna pruriens are due to the actions of levodopa. When you take Mucuna pruriens supplements, your body converts levodopa to dopamine, resulting in an increase in your serum dopamine levels.

When your serum dopamine levels are high, it has an inhibitory effect on the activities of prolactin. High prolactin levels can lead to suppressed libido since prolactin has an inhibitory effect on your testosterone production and libido. Hence, by blocking the activities of prolactin, Mucuna pruriens enhances your libido and increases your testosterone levels.

Comparing Tribulus Terrestris, Withania Somnifera, and Mucuna Pruriens

A recent study compared the aphrodisiac effects of these three popular Ayurvedic herbs on animal models. The results showed that Tribulus terrestris, Withania somnifera, and Mucuna pruriens were all significantly effective in improving antioxidant capacity and sexual functioning.

However, the researchers noted that Tribulus terrestris was the most effective among the three. In addition, the results also indicated that treatment with Tribulus terrestris resulted in the highest improvement in sperm motility as well as sperm count.

Among the three herbs, Tribulus terrestris also showed the highest increase in serum testosterone levels. Moreover, the rats that were treated with Tribulus terrestris showed the greatest reduction in oxidative markers, indicating that Tribulus terrestris is more effective in improving antioxidant capacity as compared to ashwagandha or Mucuna pruriens.

Tribulus Terrestris Supplements

Tribulus terrestris is widely available in supplement form. In fact, you’ll find Tribulus terrestris in the of the most in-demand herbal supplements for enhancing male sexual performance.

Aside from Tribulus terrestris, this also contains other herbal ingredients such as maca, horny goat weed, and Tongkat Ali. Maca is another herbal medicine that’s also popular as an aphrodisiac and sexual virility enhancer.

Horny goat weed is another herbal medicine that’s known for its pro-erectile properties. In fact, studies show that horny goat weed promotes erections in the same way that medications for erectile dysfunction do. Icariin, the main bioactive component of horny goat weed, acts as a PDE5 inhibitor and helps increase the flow of blood to the penis.

While Tribulus terrestris, maca, and horny goat weed promote erections through various mechanisms, Tongkat Ali works by preventing penile detumescence. In short, these amazing herbal ingredients contained in natural male enhancement supplement work in synergy with each other to enable you to achieve stronger erections that last longer.