Salacious for Her

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:

• Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) - listed as dietary ingredient
• Saffron (Crocus sativus)
• Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa or Cimicifuga racemosa)

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

• In FDA known dietary ingredients? Yes
• Listed In the Natural Health Products Ingredients Database as cognitive function product

• Aphrodisiac / Increases libido
• (1st study) A comparative study on aphrodisiac activity of some ayurvedic herbs in male albino rats. Thakur M, Chauhan NS, Bhargava S, Dixit VK. Arch Sex Behav. 2009 Dec; 38(6):1009-15. PubMed]
• (2nd study) Sharma K, Bhatnagar M. Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): A versatile female tonic. Int J Pharm Biol Arch. 2011;2(3):855–863.
• Antidepressant
• Antidepressant activity of Asparagus racemosus in rodent models. Singh GK, Garabadu D, Muruganandam AV, Joshi VK, Krishnamurthy S. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2009 Jan; 91(3):283-90. [PubMed]
• Soothes nerves; good for anxiety; eases stress
• (1st study) Effects of Chlorophytum arundinaceum, Asparagus adscendens and Asparagus racemosus on pro-inflammatory cytokine and corticosterone levels produced by stress. Kanwar AS, Bhutani KK. Phytother Res. 2010 Oct; 24(10):1562-6. [PubMed]
• (2nd study) Antistress activity of ethanolic extract of Asparagus racemosus Willd roots in mice. Joshi T, Sah SP, Singh A. Indian J Exp Biol. 2012 Jun; 50(6):419-24. [PubMed]
• Increases fertility

• Sharma K, Bhatnagar M. Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): A versatile female tonic. Int J Pharm Biol Arch. 2011;2(3):855–863.
• Vaginal lubrication
• Sharma K, Bhatnagar M. Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): A versatile female tonic. Int J Pharm Biol Arch. 2011;2(3):855–863.
• Balances reproductive system
• Sharma K, Bhatnagar M. Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): A versatile female tonic. Int J Pharm Biol Arch. 2011;2(3):855–863.
• Soothes cramps
• (1st study) Jetmalani MH, Sabins PB, Gaitonde BB. A study on the pharmacology of various extracts of Shatavari-Asparagus racemosus (Willd) J Res Indian Med. 1967;2:1–10.
• (2nd study) Physiology 2012 (Edinburgh) (2012) Proc Physiol Soc 27, PC365; http://www.physoc.org/proceedings/abstract/Proc%20Physiol%20Soc%2027PC365
• Eases bloating / Diuretic
• (1st study) Roy RN, Bhagwager S, Chavan SR, Dutta NK. Preliminary pharmacological studies on extracts of root of Asparagus racemosus (Satavari), Willd, Lilliaceae. J Res Indian Med. 1971;6:132–138.
• (2nd study) Acute toxicity and diuretic studies of the roots of Asparagus racemosus Willd in rats.Kumar MC, Udupa AL, Sammodavardhana K, Rathnakar UP, Shvetha U, Kodancha GP. West Indian Med J. 2010 Jan; 59(1):3-6. [PubMed]
• Tones reproductive system
• Sharma K, Bhatnagar M. Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): A versatile female tonic. Int J Pharm Biol Arch. 2011;2(3):855–863.
• Regulates cycle
• Sharma K, Bhatnagar M. Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): A versatile female tonic. Int J Pharm Biol Arch. 2011;2(3):855–863.
• Eases symptoms of menopause
• Sharma K, Bhatnagar M. Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): A versatile female tonic. Int J Pharm Biol Arch. 2011;2(3):855–863.
• Alternative to HRT
• An assessment of Manasika Bhavas in menopausal syndrome and its management. Ayu. 2010 Jul-Sep; 31(3): 311–318. doi:  10.4103/0974-8520.77156

Secondary studies:

• Eases dryness in the body  or “increases fertility” or “nourishes and cleanses reproductive organs”.
• (Increasing milk production) Galactogogue effect of Asparagus racemosus. Preliminary communication. Joglekar GV, Ahuja RH, Balwani JH Indian Med J. 1967 Jul; 61(7):165.
• Can support “eases dryness”, “vaginal lubrication” possibly.
• (Strengthens mucosa) Gastroduodenal ulcer protective activity of Asparagus racemosus: an experimental, biochemical and histological study. Sairam K, Priyambada S, Aryya NC, Goel RK. J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 May; 86(1):1-10.. [PubMed]

Saffron (Crocus sativus)

• In Materia Medica? Yes
• In FDA known dietary ingredients? Yes
• Listed in the Natural Health Products Ingredients Database as homeopathic substance

• Aphrodisiac
• Saffron improves sexual dysfunction. Kashani L, Raisi F, Saroukhani S, et al. Saffron for treatment of fluoxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in women: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Hum Psychopharmacol Clin Exp. 2012;28(1):54-60.
• The effect of saffron, Crocus sativus stigma, extract and its constituents, safranal and crocin on sexual behaviors in normal male rats. Hosseinzadeh H, Ziaee T, Sadeghi A. Phytomedicine. 2008 Jun; 15(6-7):491-5. [PubMed]
• Antidepressant
• (1st study) Saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression: a systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2014 Nov;29(6):517-27. doi: 10.1002/hup.2434. Epub 2014 Sep 22.
• Herbal medicines, other than St. John's Wort, in the treatment of depression: a systematic review. Saffron stigma was found to be significantly more effective than placebo and equally as efficacious as fluoxetine and imipramine. Dwyer AV1, Whitten DL, Hawrelak JA. Altern Med Rev. 2011 Mar;16(1):40-9.
• Increases brain dopamine: Ettehadi Hosseinali, Seyedeh Nargesolsadat Mojabi, Mina Ranjbaran, Jamal Shams, Hedayat Sahraei, Mahdi Hedayati, Farzad A. Aqueous Extract of Saffron (Crocus sativus) Increases Brain Dopamine and Glutamate Concentrations in Rats. J Behav Brain Sci. 2013;3:315–319.
• Saffron improves sexual dysfunction. Kashani L, Raisi F, Saroukhani S, et al. Saffron for treatment of fluoxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in women: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Hum Psychopharmacol Clin Exp. 2012;28(1):54-60.
• Improve sexual stamina - study for enhanced desire, satisfaction, lubrication, and orgasm
• Saffron improves sexual dysfunction. Kashani L, Raisi F, Saroukhani S, et al. Saffron for treatment of fluoxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in women: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Hum Psychopharmacol Clin Exp. 2012;28(1):54-60.
• Enhances sensitivity - study for enhanced desire, satisfaction, lubrication, and orgasm
• Saffron improves sexual dysfunction. Kashani L, Raisi F, Saroukhani S, et al. Saffron for treatment of fluoxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in women: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Hum Psychopharmacol Clin Exp. 2012;28(1):54-60.
• Reduces PMS / Balance menstruation
• Crocus sativus L. (saffron) in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled trial. BJOG. 2008 Mar;115(4):515-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2007.01652.x.
• Balances menstruation and hormones
• Psychological and neuroendocrinological effects of odor of saffron (Crocus sativus).Phytomedicine. 2011 Jun 15;18(8-9):726-30. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2010.11.013. Epub 2011 Jan 15.
• Enhances skin
• Anti-itch and complexion promoting. Clinical Applications of Saffron (Crocus sativus) and its Constituents: A Review. Drug Res (Stuttg). 2015 Jun;65(6):287-95. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1375681. Epub 2014 May 21.

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa or Cimicifuga racemosa)

• In Materia Medica? Yes
• In FDA known dietary ingredients? Yes
• Listed in the Natural Health Products Ingredients Database as homeopathic substance

• Increases lubrication
• Foster S. Black cohosh: a literature review. HerbalGram 1999;45:35-50.
• PMS / Cramps / period regulation
• Herbal medicine for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism; a review of the laboratory evidence for effects with corroborative clinical findings. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014 Dec 18;14:511. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-511.
• Menopause / HRT
• Foster S. Black cohosh: a literature review. HerbalGram 1999;45:35-50.
• Efficacy and safety evaluation of Cimicifuga foetida extract in menopausal women. Climacteric. 2017 Dec 4:1-6. doi: 10.1080/13697137.2017.1406913.
• A cycloartane glycoside derived from Actaea racemosa L. modulates GABAA receptors and induces pronounced sedation in mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2014 Nov;351(2):234-42. doi: 10.1124/jpet.114.218024. Epub 2014 Aug 26.
• PCOS
• Herbal medicine for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism; a review of the laboratory evidence for effects with corroborative clinical findings. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014 Dec 18;14:511. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-511.
• Post-surgery hysterectomy/ovaries
• Foster S. Black cohosh: a literature review. HerbalGram 1999;45:35-50.
• Sedative / Anxiety
• Foster S. Black cohosh: a literature review. HerbalGram 1999;45:35-50.
• A cycloartane glycoside derived from Actaea racemosa L. modulates GABAA receptors and induces pronounced sedation in mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2014 Nov;351(2):234-42. doi: 10.1124/jpet.114.218024. Epub 2014 Aug 26.
• Fibroids
• Black Cohosh Reduces the Size of Uterine Fibroids in Menopausal Women. Date: 09-30-2014 HC# 041453-505.  

Hard Roots for Him

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:

• Saffron (Crocus sativus)
• Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Saffron (Crocus sativus)

• In Materia Medica? Yes
• In FDA known dietary ingredients? Yes
• Listed in the Natural Health Products Ingredients Database as homeopathic substance

• Increase libido
• Journal of Medicinal Plants Research Vol. 5(11), pp. 2131-2135, 4 June, 2011 Available online at http://www.academicjournals.org/JMPR ISSN 1996-0875 ©2011 Academic Journals
• Longer-lasting erections / improves erectile dysfunction
• Evaluation of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) on male erectile dysfunction: A pilot study. Phytomedicine. Volume 16, Issue 8, August 2009, Pages 690-693
• Boosts sexual function of people on antidepressants
• Effect of saffron on fluoxetine-induced sexual impairment in men: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Modabbernia, A., Sohrabi, H., Nasehi, AA. et al. Psychopharmacology (2012) 223: 381. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-012-2729-6
• Boosts fertility / sperm quality & mobility
• Effect of saffron on semen parameters of infertile men.. Urol J. 2008 Fall;5(4):255-9. Erratum in
  Urol J. 2009 Winter;6(1):71. Vahhabi, Sepideh [added].
• Increases vitality
• Journal of Medicinal Plants Research Vol. 5(11), pp. 2131-2135, 4 June, 2011 Available online at http://www.academicjournals.org/JMPR ISSN 1996-0875 ©2011 Academic Journals
• Reduces stress
• Halataei, B.-a.-S., Khosravi, M., Arbabian, S., Sahraei, H., Golmanesh, L., Zardooz, H., Jalili, C. and Ghoshooni, H. (2011), Saffron (Crocus sativus) Aqueous Extract and its Constituent Crocin Reduces Stress-induced Anorexia in Mice. Phytother. Res., 25: 1833–1838. doi:10.1002/ptr.3495
• Natural antidepressant (also see above notes for women)
• (1st study) Saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression: a systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2014 Nov;29(6):517-27. doi: 10.1002/hup.2434. Epub 2014 Sep 22.
• Saffron improves sexual dysfunction. Kashani L, Raisi F, Saroukhani S, et al. Saffron for treatment of fluoxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in women: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Hum Psychopharmacol Clin Exp. 2012;28(1):54-60.

Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

• In Materia Medica? Yes
• In FDA known dietary ingredients? Yes
• Listed in the Natural Health Products Ingredients Database as homeopathic substance

• Increases testosterone
• Effects of Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer saponins on male fertility. Panminerva Med. 1996 Dec;38(4):249-54. Salvati G1, Genovesi G, Marcellini L, Paolini P, De Nuccio I, Pepe M, Re M.
• Aphrodisiac
• (Note this study was on women) Effects of Korean red ginseng on sexual arousal in menopausal women: placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover clinical study. J Sex Med. 2010 Apr;7(4 Pt 1):1469-77. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01700.x. Epub 2010 Feb 5. Oh KJ1, Chae MJ, Lee HS, Hong HD, Park K. Asian J Androl.
• Fertility / sperm count / motility
• Effects of Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer saponins on male fertility. Panminerva Med. 1996 Dec;38(4):249-54. Salvati G1, Genovesi G, Marcellini L, Paolini P, De Nuccio I, Pepe M, Re M.
• Premature ejaculation
• Clinical efficacy of Korean red ginseng for erectile dysfunction. Int J Impot Res. 1995 Sep;7(3):181-6. Choi HK1, Seong DH, Rha KH.
• Erectile dysfunction
• (1st study) A Double-Blind Crossover Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in Patients With Erectile Dysfunction: A Preliminary Report. HONG, BUMSIK et al. The Journal of Urology , Volume 168 , Issue 5 , 2070 - 2073
• (2nd study) Study of the efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Asian J Androl. 2007 Mar;9(2):241-4. Epub 2006 Jul 11. de Andrade E1, de Mesquita AA, Claro Jde A, de Andrade PM, Ortiz V, Paranhos M, Srougi M.
• (3rd study on Panax ginseng) Effects of tissue-cultured mountain ginseng (Panax ginseng CA Meyer) extract on male patients with erectile dysfunction. Asian J Androl. 2009 May;11(3):356-61. doi: 10.1038/aja.2008.32. Epub 2009 Feb 23. Kim TH1, Jeon SH, Hahn EJ, Paek KY, Park JK, Youn NY, Lee HL.
• Mental alertness / energy / performance
• (1st study) Panax ginseng (G115) improves aspects of working memory performance and subjective ratings of calmness in healthy young adults. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2010 Aug;25(6):462-71. doi: 10.1002/hup.1138. Reay JL1, Scholey AB, Kennedy DO.
• (2nd study) Effects of Panax ginseng on quality of life.Ann Pharmacother. 2002 Mar;36(3):375-9. Ellis JM1, Reddy P.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

• In FDA known dietary ingredients? Yes
• Listed in the Natural Health Products Ingredients Database as homeopathic substance
  

• Enhances virility (enhances sperm quality and fertility)
• Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Volume 2013 (2013), Article ID 571420, 6 pages. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/571420
• Moods / confidence
• THERAPEUTIC USES OF WITHANIA SOMNIFERA (ASHWAGANDHA) WITH A NOTE ON
  WITHANOLIDES AND ITS PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research Vol. 4, Suppl 1, 2011 ISSN - 0974-2441. SITANSU KUMAR VERMA AND AJAY KUMAR. Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Education and Research, Mangalayatan University, Aligarh, UP, India.
• Aphrodisiac
• Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Volume 2013 (2013), Article ID 571420, 6 pages. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/571420
• (study on women) BioMed Research International. Volume 2015 (2015), Article ID 284154, 9 pages http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/284154
• Stamina
• Alam, N., Hossain, M., Khalil, M.I. et al. Phytochem Rev (2012) 11: 97. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-011-9221-5
• Raut AA, Rege NN, Tadvi FM, et al. Exploratory study to evaluate tolerability, safety, and activity of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in healthy volunteers. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. 2012;3(3):111-114. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.100168.
• Prostate health
• Singh N, Bhalla M, de Jager P, Gilca M. An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicines. 2011;8(5 Suppl):208-213. doi:10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.9.
• Erectile response
• Low Wah-Yun and Tan Hui-Meng. The Journal of Men's Health and Gender. August 2007, 4(3): 245-250.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmhg.2007.05.010
• Balances hormones
• Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Volume 2013 (2013), Article ID 571420, 6 pages. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/571420
• Fertility
• Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Volume 2013 (2013), Article ID 571420, 6 pages. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/571420

Happy Endings

ACTIVE INGREDIENT:

• Happiness Bark (Albizia Julibrissin)

Happiness Bark (Albizia Julibrissin)

• In FDA known dietary ingredients? Yes
• Listed in the Natural Health Products Ingredients Database as Natural Health Product

• Sedative
• Kang, T.H. et al. Sedative activity of two flavonol glycosides isolated from the flowers of Albiza julibrissin Durazz, Journal of Ethnopharmacology 71 92000) 321-323.
• Antidepressants
• Herbal Medicine for Anxiety, Depression and Insomnia. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2015 Jul; 13(4): 481–493. Published online 2015 Jul. doi:  10.2174/1570159X1304150831122734
• Anti-inflammatory
• Jung, M.E. et al. Antioxidant activity from the stem bark of Albizia julibrissin, Arch Pharm Res Vol 26, No. 6, 458-462, 2003