Review of asian herbs from the Indian Journal of Urology

[hailtotheking]

Traditional Asian folklore medicines in sexual health Chye PH - Indian J Urol

Not a great review by any means, but some useful nuggets of info, and some of the referenced research is quite interesting.

For example:

Discussing Tribulus:

Quote

There are three groups of active phytochemicals in Tribulus terrestris i.e., 1) dioscin- responsible for sexual energy by increasing the free testosterone level for men and modulates pregnenolone, progesterone, estrogen, etc. 2) sterols- this group protects the prostate from swelling and in combination with the X steroidal saponins and 3) steroidal saponins- influence the immune system and also possess antimicrobial properties (against herpes).

Makes me think that taking (proto)dioscin alone is not a good idea, as the other sterols in tribulus offset the risk to the prostate.

Also,

Quote

Epimedium extract (Horny Goat Weed): The Chinese refer to this herb as 'yin yang huo', a 'lichentious goat plant'; hence, its common name is well known as 'horny goat weed' in many western cultures. Scientifically, studies have shown that epimedium may restore low levels of both testosterone and thyroid hormone, which is reversal of hormones to their normal levels, which may account for some of its benefits in improving sexual libido.[12]

[Indiscreet]

Do we know what effects, if any, these herbs would have on women? Trib is usually recommended for men, but I'm wondering if it would be at all beneficial to older women approaching menopause.

[hailtotheking]

Well, some women that are pre-menopausal have very low testosterone levels, and do need to bolster their testosterone levels to normalise their overal hormonal environment. Its not something you should do without knowing your current hormonal environment. I would have a salivary hormone profile done through either ZRT Labs or BioHealth Diagnostilcs lab in the US. With the good exchange rate at the moment it wouldnt be too expensive.

[Indiscreet]

I don't think I have a problem with testosterone at the moment - just planning ahead, really.
It was more a case that I was wondering if trib would work at all in women (of any age).

[hailtotheking]

I dont see why it wouldnt work in women, but i just wanted to reiterate that it would be worth having some tests done before considering it.