When any company offers a herbal Viagra it usually means that a company sells natural herbal supplements that are used in erectile dysfunction. The name of herbal Viagra is derived from the brand name Viagra manufactured by Pfizer and contains a synthetic active ingredient Sildenafil citrate. The high effectiveness of branded Viagra made the medication so popular that is name became an appellative. However, like other synthetic preparation Viagra possesses a range of contraindications such as cardiovascular diseases, concomitant use of nitrates, liver failure and others.  Also Herbal Viagra may cause different side effects, especially for patients with hypersensitivity.

Currently there are many herbal products that are natural alternatives to Viagra. These herbal Viagra supplements usually contain one or a complex of medicinal herbs that improve an erection and increase libido. These herbs include: Horny Goat Weed, Maca, Ginseng, Ginkgo Biloba,  Yohimbe Extract, Tribulus terrestris(puncture vein).

Lets try to clear up how these herbs work  and what therapeutic effect they possesses.

The extract of Horny Goat Weed contains a complex of biologically active compounds. Among these compounds the scientists found a chemical called icariin. Its considered that Icariin works by blocking the same enzyme as Viagra called phosphodiesterase type 5. Icariin helps to relax the blood  vessels in the cavernous tissue and improve blood flow to the penis. Clinical trials showed that icariin also contributes the production of the male  sex hormone resulting in increased libido.

Ginseng is well known plant that possesses adaptogenic, metabolic and biostimulating effects. Ginseng stimulates the activity of the central nevous system, enhance heart work by activating the adrenal glands.

Ginkgo Biloba is a a plant  that improves circulation inside the veins and arteries. Ginkgo biloba works by improving blood flow to the lower extremities including and male genitals.

Another plant is maca that contain glucosinolates and iodine that are important for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. There is a presumption that thyroid gland regulates the libido and sexual drive.

Tribulus Terrestris is a plant that acts on the human brain and activates the synthesis of luteinizing hormone.  Luteinizing hormone is responsible for the production of the male sex hormone called testosterone. This hormone  is responsible for the erection and increases libido as well.

Action mechanism is associated with direct effect on the human brain due to activation the synthesis of luteinizing hormone. This hormone is essential in production of sex hormones.

Yohimbe Extract increases male sexual performance, sexual drive and libido.

The main advantage of all of these herbals that they are well tolerated, do not cause any side effects and have no significant contraindications. However, it usually take times for the patients to feel the full benefits of these herbals. It often requires nearly 4 weeks to improve an erection while viagra works in an hours after taking the tablet.