A pharmacological treatment that was originally developed to improve sexual function in men, has resulted in a variety of other beneficial effects for patients who take it. For those who are looking for an alternative to Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate), there are a number of choices available to them. However, since everyone’s body chemistry is different, not all of these drugs will work for everyone. That is why it is so important to consult with your doctor or pharmacologist about what alternatives might be available for you.
Adrenal Glycosides
Also known as “Chinese herbs”, these natural compounds are derived from plants such as the dogwood tree, gardenia, and cornflower. They are associated with increased blood circulation throughout the body, relaxation of the muscles, and dilation of the blood vessels. Due to their vasodilatory effects, adrenal glycosides have been used for centuries to treat arterial hypertension, angina pectoris, and heart failure. However, in the last few years, evidence has started to pile up suggesting that these compounds might also have some pretty significant effects on sexual function. In particular, animal studies have shown that adrenal glycosides can increase the production of nitric oxide (NO) by the neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) in the spinal cord. This, in turn, leads to an improvement in erectile function and, in some cases, even increases in vaginal and clitoral blood circulation. These effects have been found to be more prominent in older animals than in younger ones. However, since nitric oxide is known to relax the muscles in the walls of blood vessels, especially those of the coronary arteries, care should be taken when using this substance recreationally or for non-medical purposes. In fact, some people have reported that they became nauseous and developed headaches while experimenting with this compound.
In light of this information, it is quite possible that adrenal glycosides will continue to gain in popularity as more people become aware of their potential. Not surprisingly, there are already a number of products on the market that combine this active ingredient with yohimbine, magnolia, and lujia herbs. While these herbs have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve blood circulation and sexual function, the addition of the adrenal glycosides makes them considerably more effective. In the case of the above products, the manufacturers claim that combining these compounds with other herbs can lead to better outcomes for sexual dysfunction. For example, yohimbine has been shown to improve erectile function by increasing the bioavailability of nitric oxide in the body. Similarly, magnolia extracts are known to create dilation in the blood vessels, particularly in the capillaries and small arteries. This, in turn, helps to increase blood circulation throughout the entire body. Finally, lujia extracts are said to be able to relax the muscles in the walls of blood vessels, thus increasing the flow of blood in all parts of the body. When used in combination with yohimbine and magnolia, these compounds may prove to be more effective than either of them used individually in the treatment of sexual dysfunction.
Dihydroergotamine (DHEA)
DHEA is an important hormone that is produced naturally by the adrenal glands as well as by the brain. It is now widely accepted as a “neurohormone” because of its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and, in doing so, modulate brain function. This includes affecting the way the body’s natural sleep hormones act within the brain. For this reason, DHEA has been shown to be effective in the treatment of insomnia and related conditions as well. Unfortunately, while its ability to promote healthy sleep is well established, DHEA also has other effects that are less desirable. For instance, it is known to cause blood vessels to become more permeable. This means that it is likely to have some effects on the blood pressure of patients taking it. While the exact mechanism behind this has not yet been determined, it has been conjectured that the hormone might decrease the production of endothelial relaxing factors (i.e., prostacyclin and nitric oxide) by the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels. As a result, DHEA is likely to increase systemic blood pressure and decrease the amount of blood that can flow to the genitals, including the penis. In other words, if you are already taking DHEA for other conditions, you should discuss with your doctor whether or not you should also be using it for sexual purposes. In cases where blood vessels are already weak (e.g., due to aging or atherosclerosis), DHEA might not be the solution that you are looking for – at least not without the help of a physician.
DHEA is available as a prescription medication and has been shown to be quite effective in cases of severe depression. However, because it can cause adverse side effects, as noted above, it is important to consult with your doctor about whether or not it is the right choice for you.
Melatonin
As noted above, the hormone DHEA can affect brain function in a variety of ways. One of these ways is by modulating the body’s natural sleep hormone, melatonin. This, in turn, has a significant impact on the way the body’s sexual functions work. For this reason, if you are already taking melatonin for other conditions, you might want to consider discussing with your doctor whether or not it is appropriate to use during times of the day when sexual function is at its peak (i.e., in the early morning hours). Furthermore, since melatonin is known to improve sleep quality and duration in a variety of ways, it is quite possible that it will also help to improve sexual function in patients who are already using this substance for this purpose. However, as in the case of DHEA, melatonin also has other effects on the body that are less desirable. For example, it is a vasoconstrictor. This has been known to cause blood pressure to rise. Since melatonin has been shown to be more effective in older than in young adults, it might not be the most suitable choice for use in younger patients who are already at risk of developing hypertension. Furthermore, since this hormone constricts the blood vessels, it is possible that it will also have a dampening effect on the genital area, including the penis.
As with DHEA, melatonin is available in a prescription form and has been shown to be quite effective at treating severe depression. However, like DHEA, it also has side effects that are not desirable. For instance, in patients who are already taking the hormone for depression, it has been observed that its use leads to a greater likelihood of suicide. For this reason, it is important to consult with your doctor about whether or not you should be using melatonin for other purposes, especially if you are already at risk of becoming suicidal.
Melatonin is the most popular option among those who are seeking an alternative to Viagra. It is a natural substance produced by the pineal gland that helps to regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle. For this reason, it has been shown to increase the quality and duration of sleep in those who take it. Because of its connection with sleep and mood, it is quite possible that melatonin will also prove to be an effective treatment for sexual dysfunction. In the case of poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue, which significantly impact a person’s sex life, melatonin may be a valuable compound to have in one’s arsenal.