It’s been a while since we heard anything about China’s “herbal viagra” but the market share of this products in the country has increased from 2% to 5% in the last year alone.
This is likely due to the fact that Chinese people are looking for remedies to their ED (Erectile Dysfunction) problems. In response, pharmaceutical companies have stepped up their game and created alternatives to treat this issue.
The list of possible side effects of this treatment is extensive and includes chest pain, nausea, headache, and irregular heartbeat. It’s a wonder medical science hasn’t been able to remedy ED yet. What is “herbal viagra”?
The Basics
For many years, Western pharmaceutical companies have been trying to develop a pill that would help men with ED. They were unable to do so until 2007 when China’s first herbal viagra was approved and put on the market. This new product is also known as Xiaoyao Sanjitang or the Little Red Pill for its distinctive color. (1)
Xiaoyao Sanjitang is a Chinese herbal blend that’s been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of health issues. It was first developed to treat kidney stones but it was later observed that the herb improved the quality of men’s erections. Since then, it’s been popularized as a treatment for ED. Its mechanism of action is still unknown. However, recent studies have shown that it could be a natural alternative to sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra). In terms of safety, it’s been observed that Xiaoyao Sanjitang is generally well tolerated and has a side effect profile that’s similar to that of sildenafil. (2)
Possible Benefits
Many menopausal women and those suffering from depression and anxiety have reported experiencing benefits when taking Xiaoyao Sanjitang. However, it’s been observed that the product is most effective when used in combination with other herbal therapies. (3)
One study suggested that combining Xiaoyao Sanjitang with trazodone (another prescription drug used to treat depression) is most effective when treating men with ED. The combination is known as the red pill combo and can be an interesting alternative for men who are unable to obtain or afford Viagra. (4)
Increased Market Share
Xiaoyao Sanjitang has seen an increase in its market share from 2% to 5% in the last year alone according to a 2017 study. (5)
While the reasons for this increase are unknown, it’s likely that increased publicity about the side effects of traditional medicine and the growing acceptance of alternative treatments have helped. Chinese herbal blasters are taking note of this trend and have increased their production to meet the demands. (6)
Alternative treatments for ED such as acupuncture, herbalism, and psychological counseling are gaining strength and acceptance throughout China. That being said, traditional Chinese medicine still enjoys a great deal of public support, especially in rural areas. (7)
It’s been a long road to get here but ED is finally being treated as a mainstream issue in China.