Erectin By Leading Edge Health Overview & Drug Interactions

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a plant native to the southeastern United States and a member of the Arecaceae family. It is a small, palm-like tree with fan-shaped leaves that produces small, white flowers. The fruit of the plant is a small, dark purple berry, which is what is used in dietary supplements. In traditional medicine, saw palmetto has been used to treat a variety of health conditions, including prostate problems (such as BPH [benign prostatic hyperplasia]) and urinary tract disorders. It is also claimed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and to improve hair growth.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a tree native to Asia and is known for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves. The extract of the ginkgo leaf is commonly used in traditional medicine and is one of the most popular dietary supplements consumed worldwide. Its most common use is to help improve memory and cognitive function.

Hawthorn is a shrub native to Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a member of the rose family and is known for its thorny branches and small, white or pink flowers, which bloom in the spring. The fruit, called a haw, is a small red berry that is edible and often used in traditional medicine. Hawthorn has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including gastrointestinal discomfort, heart disease, high blood pressure, and chest pain. For its purported blood pressure-lowering abilities, it is thought to work by dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow to the heart. Hawthorn dietary supplements are typically standardized extracts of the berry, leaf and flower of the plant.

Tribulus is a plant that belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family. It is native to a variety of warm and tropical regions of the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia. The plant is known for its spiky, star-shaped flowers and hairy fruit, which contains small, hard seeds. Tribulus is often utilized as an ingredient in dietary supplements and is one of the most commonly used natural medicines in the world. Its most well-known use is as an aphrodisiac, with a purported ability to improve libido and sexual function. It has also been used to boost athletic performance, and reduce inflammation. Most often, it is the leaf, fruit, and root of Tribulus that are used as natural medicine. They contain a number of compounds, including protodioscin, which may influence certain hormones, such as testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone.

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a small, aromatic shrub native to Central and South America, known for its historical use in traditional medicine and as an aphrodisiac. The plant produces small, yellow flowers and has a long history of traditional use among indigenous peoples. Damiana leaves are commonly dried and brewed as an herbal tea, believed to have mild stimulant and relaxant properties.

Dodder is a parasitic plant that grows on other plants, taking water and nutrients from its host. It does not have leaves or roots of its own and appears as thin, yellow-orange, tangled vines. It can affect a wide range of plants including crops, vegetables, and ornamental plants. Dodder seeds are used in traditional medicine as a supplement. They are believed to have various health benefits, including boosting energy levels, improving blood circulation, and reducing inflammation. They are also used to treat conditions like weakness, fatigue, and impotence.

Black pepper is a spice made from the dried, unripe fruit of the Piper nigrum plant, which is native to the southwestern coast of India. It is one of the most widely used spices in the world, and it is often utilized to add flavor and heat to a wide variety of dishes. In traditional medicine, black pepper is purported to have a number of health benefits. It is a good source of antioxidants and is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it useful in reducing inflammation and swelling in the body. Black pepper is also used as a natural remedy for digestive problems, such as indigestion and bloating, and to boost the immune system. Black pepper is widely used in dietary supplements, specifically, an extract from black pepper known as piperine. Piperine can affect the absorption of many drugs, which is why it has a large number of reported interactions. Oftentimes, these 'interactions' are purposeful, such as when piperine is used with turmeric, to increase its absorption.