Natural supplements have gained attention for their potential to enhance female libido and improve sexual function. This article delves into nine key supplements, examining their effects, mechanisms, and supporting clinical studies.
1. Affron Saffron Extract (Crocus sativus L.)
- Effect on Libido: Affron has shown efficacy in improving mood, reducing anxiety, and enhancing sleep, all of which contribute to improved sexual function. It is also effective in countering sexual dysfunction induced by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
- Mechanisms: Affron inhibits the reuptake of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, boosting mood. It also increases endogenous melatonin production and has significant antioxidant properties.
- Clinical Studies: Clinical trials involving over 740 participants have demonstrated that Affron effectively alleviates symptoms of depression and anxiety, improves sleep quality, supports cognitive health, and reduces SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction (Gencor Pacific) (MDPI).
2. Liboost Damiana Extract (Turnera diffusa)
- Effect on Libido: Damiana extract is recognized for increasing sexual desire and function, particularly in women.
- Mechanisms: Contains flavonoids that support nitric oxide production and inhibit aromatase. Key compounds include luteolin-7-o-glucoside, apigenin-7-o-glucoside, and acacetin, which act as PDE5 inhibitors and aromatase inhibitors.
- Clinical Studies: Damiana extract has been shown to improve scores on the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and it acts as an adaptogen, increasing stress resilience (Gaia Herbs) (Gaia Herbs).
3. Panax Notoginseng (San Qi)
- Effect on Libido: Known for its aphrodisiac properties, Panax notoginseng is used to enhance sexual function.
- Mechanisms: Higher ginsenoside content compared to Panax ginseng, regulates the HPA axis, and offers neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Clinical Studies: Studies indicate that it ameliorates cell phone radiation-induced pituitary-ovarian dysfunction and is sourced from the Wenshan mountains in Yunnan province, China (Gencor Pacific).
4. Potassium Nitrate and Nitric Oxide
- Effect on Libido: Potassium nitrate, a precursor for nitric oxide (NO), plays a critical role in female sexual response by enhancing blood flow and reducing anxiety.
- Mechanisms: NO is a potent vasodilator, relaxing smooth muscles in clitoral, labial, and vaginal tissues, modulating vaginal lubrication, oxytocin release, and orgasm.
- Clinical Studies: Research indicates that NO can counter SSRI-induced inhibition of NO synthase, improving sexual function (Gencor Pacific).
5. Theacrine (TeaCrine®)
- Effect on Libido: Enhances energy and mental clarity, which can indirectly support libido by improving overall well-being.
- Mechanisms: Activates dopamine signaling to improve motivation and mood, has anti-inflammatory effects.
- Clinical Studies: Patented and clinically studied, Theacrine has shown to provide energy without habituation or side effects (Gencor Pacific).
6. Ergothioneine
- Effect on Libido: While not directly linked to libido, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties support overall health, which can enhance sexual function.
- Mechanisms: Concentrated in mitochondria, Ergothioneine supports neurogenesis and protects against oxidative stress.
- Clinical Studies: Known as a “longevity vitamin,” Ergothioneine has unique properties beneficial for cellular health (Gencor Pacific).
7. Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
- Effect on Libido: Maca is traditionally used to boost libido and sexual function in both men and women.
- Mechanisms: As an adaptogen, Maca helps balance hormones and improve stress responses. It contains nutrients like zinc and iodine essential for hormonal health.
- Clinical Studies: Studies show that Maca can improve sexual desire in postmenopausal women and reduce sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressants (Gaia Herbs) (Gaia Herbs) (BioMed Central).
8. Muira Puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides)
- Effect on Libido: Known as “potency wood,” it enhances sexual desire and function, especially in women.
- Mechanisms: Believed to work by enhancing blood flow and increasing sensitivity of sexual organs, with adaptogenic effects to manage stress.
- Clinical Studies: Traditional use supported by emerging research indicates its efficacy in improving libido and sexual health (Gencor Pacific).
9. Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris)
- Effect on Libido: Tribulus is used to enhance sexual function and libido, particularly in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
- Mechanisms: Increases androgen receptor density in the brain, enhancing effects of hormones like testosterone. Also supports overall hormonal health.
- Clinical Studies: Clinical trials have shown Tribulus to significantly improve sexual desire and arousal in women, although further research is needed (Gencor Pacific).
Summary Table
| Supplement | Effect on Libido | Mechanisms | Clinical Studies |
| Affron Saffron Extract | Improves mood, reduces anxiety, enhances sleep, counters SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction | Inhibits reuptake of neurotransmitters, boosts melatonin, antioxidant properties | Effective in alleviating depression, anxiety, sleep issues, and SSRI-induced dysfunction |
| Liboost Damiana Extract | Increases sexual desire and function | Supports nitric oxide production, inhibits aromatase | Improves scores on FSFI and IIEF, acts as an adaptogen |
| Panax Notoginseng | Enhances sexual function | High ginsenoside content, regulates HPA axis, neuroprotective | Ameliorates pituitary-ovarian dysfunction |
| Potassium Nitrate and Nitric Oxide | Enhances blood flow, reduces anxiety | Nitric oxide as a vasodilator, modulates lubrication and orgasm | Counters SSRI-induced inhibition of NO synthase |
| Theacrine (TeaCrine®) | Improves energy and mental clarity | Activates dopamine signaling, anti-inflammatory | Clinically studied for energy without habituation |
| Ergothioneine | Supports overall health | Antioxidant supports neurogenesis | Known as a ‘longevity vitamin’, beneficial for cellular health |
| Maca (Lepidium meyenii) | Boosts libido and sexual function | Balances hormones, improves stress responses | Improves sexual desire in postmenopausal women |
| Muira Puama | Enhances sexual desire and function | Enhances blood flow, increases sensitivity | Traditional use, emerging research support efficacy |
| Tribulus | Enhances sexual function and libido | Increases androgen receptor density, supports hormone health | Improves sexual desire and arousal in women |
Conclusion
These nine supplements offer natural and potentially effective solutions for enhancing female libido. Each supplement works through different mechanisms, such as balancing hormones, reducing stress, and improving blood flow, contributing to overall sexual health. When considering these supplements, it is essential to choose high-quality products and consult with a healthcare provider.
References
- Affron Saffron Extract
- Molecules | Antianhedonic and Antidepressant Effects of Affron®
- Gaia Herbs | Does Maca Root Work For Libido?
- BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function
Explore More on Natural Supplements for Enhancing Female Libido
For those seeking to expand their knowledge and application of natural supplements for improving sexual function, this comprehensive guide delves into nine key supplements, highlighting their effects, mechanisms, and the research backing their efficacy. From the mood-enhancing properties of Affron Saffron Extract to the libido-boosting capabilities of Tribulus, each supplement offers unique benefits for enhancing female sexual health.
Interested in incorporating these supplements into your practice? Schedule a 1:1 strategy call here or download our detailed dosing guide here.
If this topic has piqued your interest, here are three more articles you might find valuable:
- How to Assess and Treat Hormonal Imbalance in Women
- Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy: Treatments for Top Symptoms
- Customizing Women’s Healthcare with Compounded Medications: Part 1
Dive deeper and enrich your practice with the latest insights and evidence-based approaches to enhancing sexual health.
