There are a number of ingredients that make penis enhancement pills effective. Some of the more important of these ingredients are listed here, along with their historical medical uses. A focus is placed on Ginseng, as it is one of the most prominent ingredients, but others are also listed.

Asian Ginseng Root (Panax)

Herb used for at least 2000 years to improve libido, counter impotence, relieve stress, improve stamina, regulate blood pressure, and enhance immunity. Other uses are listed here (not a complete list, as there are other things it is effective in treating).

Erections and libido

Ginseng extracts have been medically proven to improve sperm production in men and are now thought useful in treating impotence. The active compounds, known as ginsenosides, are believed by the medical community to increase libido by depressing prolactin levels in the blood.

In a study done in Korea (1995), 90 men with erection problems of some kind were given one of three treatments - an anti-depressant, a placebo, or ginseng. The placebo and anti-depressant groups actually showed 30% improvement, but the group taking ginseng improved about 60 % on average.

Cardiovascular health

Asian ginseng may decrease problems with the endothelial cells – the cells that line the inside of all blood vessels. When these cells are irritated, called ‘cell dysfunction’, they can cause a blockage in blood flow in several ways. This dysfunction can in some cases even lead to heart attack and / or stroke. Ginsengs potential to settle disturbed blood vessels may in the future prove useful against heart and other types of cardiovascular disease. Although so far unproven, ginseng may also raise levels of HDL (good cholesterol), while also reducing overall cholesterol levels in the body.

Depression

A goon number of herbalists consider ginseng a useful part of a treatment for depression, as because it aids the body in resisting and reducing the effects of stress.

Diabetes

Although American ginseng is said to be better researched for this purpose, both the other types Panax ginseng have been shown to lower blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 (adult onset) diabetes.

Immune system enhancement

Ginseng has long been attributed with the property of immune system enhancement, which could theoretically assist the body in fighting infection and disease. At least one study showed that people who took ginseng before receiving a flu-vaccine actually did boost their immune response to the vaccine when compared to others who only received a placebo.

Mental performance / Mood enhancement

Individuals who regularly use ginseng frequently describe feeling more alert during the day. Preliminary medical studies suggest that this feeling has scientific merit. Early research indicates that ginseng may help improve performance in areas such as mental arithmetic, focussed concentration, and memory. Further research in this area is likely to continue.

Physical endurance

A number of studies have been made on the effects of ginseng on human athletic performance. Results have been inconsistent, as some studies show increased strength or endurance (or both) while others showing improved agility (reaction times). Then there are those studies which show no effect at all. Regardless, athletes frequently take ginseng for increasing both strength and endurance.

Saw palmetto Berry

Saw palmetto berries have traditionally been used to treat frequent urination during the night, as well as impotence, decreased libido, and prostate problems. Today, saw palmetto berries are widely used to treat BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), a condition in which the prostate gland becomes enlarged, causing symptoms like pain and frequent urination.

The active ingredients in saw palmetto berries are phytosterols from a variety of fatty acids. Phytosterols prevent conversion of testosterone to DHT, which is thought to be responsible for causing the prostate to become inflamed. These substances also prevent DHT from binding to prostate cells, further reducing the risk of prostate enlargement.

Saw palmetto berries also have anti-estrogenic and anti-androgenic properties that keep inflammation in check. The herb has been widely studied as a remedy for BPH in both the United States and Europe with consistently favourable results.

Hawthorn Berry - Fructus Crataegi

The phytochemical found in these berries has exceptional preventive capacities, and comes from the Hawthorn tree, a low, scrubby tree found across Europe and in North America.

Hawthorn is rich in bioflavonoids, which relax and dilate the arteries. These compounds are powerful antioxidants that help increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. This reduces the work required by the heart to circulate blood, and in- turn this reduces blood pressure and stress to the heart muscle. The bioflavonoid substances in Hawthorn give strength to the walls of blood vessels and improve blood flow to other areas of the body. Components in Hawthorn have also been shown to lower cholesterol, and the amount of plaque in arteries. Officially approved for pharmaceutical use in Germany, government studies show the Hawthorn plant to be completely free of any side effects. European studies have shown that the Hawthorn botanical increases blood flow to the heart and brain, protects the heart from irregular beats, enhances the strength of the heart's contractions, and mildly lowers blood pressure.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo has the unique position of having been prescribed in Chinese herbal medicine for over 5000 years. Over the past 30 years, over 300 medical studies have provided clinical evidence that Ginkgo biloba can prevent many problems throughout the body, especially those connected with circulation problems. Ginkgo is gaining recognition every year as a brain tonic (and for memory improvement) due to its positive effects on the human vascular system, especially in the brain. Ginkgo is known to improve peripheral circulation (flow to body extremities), oxygen flow, and to increase blood flow to the genitals, improving sexual function and the power of the erection.

A recent scientific study showed that 78% of men with non-medically caused impotence problems (impotence not caused by prescription drugs) reported significant improvement, and totally without negative side effects.

Ginkgo has shown to be valuable as nutritional support for mental alertness as well as enhanced general vitality, circulatory health, and health of the blood vessels. Note that its high antioxidant activity is also valuable as a means to fight age-related conditions. It is possible that Ginkgo may counteract some of the effects of aging, especially mental fatigue and reduced energy levels.

Muira Pauma

Muira Pauma has a great reputation in its native South America, but is actually a simple nettle root with remarkable sexual balancing properties. It is a powerful anti-estrogen, typically dosed at about 1 to 2.5 grams per day. It likely also has some libido boosting properties as it affects the nitrogen uptake process, but its primary mode of action is still as an anti-estrogen.

Male Andropause and hormonal prostatitis is often misinterpreted by surrounding people as a case of mid-life crises. Men in their mid 40's often undergo a hormone related change in their personality. It is believed the hormone substance called prolactin is key in setting off a process that causes the prostate to start swelling later in life and causing other painful side effects.A study conducted in France concluded that, out of 262 male patients experiencing low libido and erection problems, more than half of the men reported that the of Muira Puama extract "had a dynamic effect" and was beneficial to their condition.

Catuaba Bark

Catuaba Bark has a long history with the Tupi Indians of Brazil, used as an herbal aphrodisiac. Its historic traditional use has made it nearly legendary in South America. Many claim it to be the best known and famous of any Brazilian aphrodisiacs.

Catuaba is used in the following capacities: an aphrodisiac, for treating impotence, for tonifying the male urinary tract, as a CNS stimulant, relieving fatigue, relieving insomnia due to hypertension, for correcting disturbed sleep, helps with failing memory, and treats nervousness or agitation (stress).

Cuscuta Seed

This Chinese herb has been widely used to improve vision, for nourishing the sperm, and for strengthening bones and ligaments, it also improves sexual function, and has been used to great extent to treat sexual impotence.

Cuscuta Seed has been used as a long-term tonic for supporting strengthening the urinary and sexual functions of the male genitalia. Cuscuta seed has been used for relief of premature ejaculation, for treating frequent urination and sypmptoms of leukorrhea as well as for an aching lower back (connected to kidney problems – associated with weak sexual function).

In all traditional Chinese pharmacopoeias the Cuscuta seed extract referred to as aphrodisiac traditionallyassociated with better sexual performance. Cuscuta is connected to stronger sexual performance and increased libido (for both men and women), more powerful ejaculations, and support for better fertility.

Epimedium Leaf Extract

The Chinese medical texts regard Epimedium as a top libido booster for men. This plant is also reported to have an affect on testosterone levels, to stimulate the sensory nerves and to have a restorative effect on sexual desire.

Centuries of use in China eventually led to modern testing and research, and top medical doctors now report that Epimedium can indeed be used to support higher libido, increase erectile functioning, and restore lost sexual power as well as help to increase physical sensation. Epimedium operates by affecting testosterone levels, freeing up locked-up testosterone, which naturally results in increased sex drive and sexual endurance.

Oat straw

Oatstraw is a wonderful nourishing herb that is one of the better natural remedies known for treatment of stress, emotional challenges, fatigue, and exhaustion, and is also used to treat impotence. It is excellent for rejuvenation of the nervous system, especially after long-term burn out. As such, it is also used to improve brain function and the nervous system stress. It is very useful for aiding your body in correcting sexual debility. Overall oastraw play a vital role in your sexual health.

Cayenne

Is used to ward off disease and equalize blood circulation. This makes it an important addition to any treatment for erection problems that are circulation related. It may also prevent strokes and heart attacks by increasing the heart action without elevating the blood pressure. It has the ability to rebuild tissue and also helps combat fatigue.

Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus terrestris is a tropical vine common in sandy soil throughout India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The herb has been used since ancient times in India as a powerful treatment for both male and female sexual problems, and is highly popular for its potent role in supporting reproductive function. Tribulus has been widely tested for its efficacy in enhancing sperm quality and mobility, and for increasing libido and sexual
performance. It ahs also been the subject of clinical attention, and is widely used to aid in muscle performance and recovery in body building.

Tribulus works by increasing the levels of Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, in some studies by as much as by 72%, and free testosterone levels by 41%. It is a well known fact that increased testosterone is one key factor in increasing libido and heightening sexual response – and erection strength – in human males. Recent clinical studies show that tribulus has been proven to improve sexual desire and enhance erections. Tribulus terrestris can, however, be used by both men and women.

Astragalus

While Astragalus is normally found in northern China and usually at higher elevations in the provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan, there are actually over 2000 types of it worldwide. It has been used extensively in Chinese medicine, and thus most of the clinical information available has come out of Chinese studies.

The root is typically collected in the string, dried and then stored for between four and seven years. It is reported to stimulate sperm motility, potentially increasing male fertility, although more clinical research is needed.

Smilax

The root of this bramble-like, woody vine can grow over 100 feet in height, often high into the rainforest canopy. Smilax root has been used by the indigenous peoples of Central and South America for centuries as a treatment for sexual impotence, for various skin ailments, and as a tonic to combat general physical weakness.

Mexican varieties of the root were introduced into European medicine in the early 1500’s, and soon developed into a popular cure for syphilis and rheumatism, likely due to it’s strong blood-cleansing and liver strengthening properties. Smilax has continued as a treatment for syphilis and various other sexually-transmitted diseases elsewhere in the world. It entered the US Pharmacopoeia as a syphilis treatment in 1820. Clinical research in China have shown that Smilax may be effective in 90% of acute cases of syphilis, and up to 50% in chronic cases. There is little doubt this herb is helpful to sexual health.