Enzyte® is a very popular herbal supplement claimed to provide "natural male enhancement." However, does it really work? What, exactly, is natural male enhancement? This article will attempt to answer these questions about the effectiveness of Enzyte.
Enzyte and Clinical Studies
Enzyte has never been evaluated in any clinical studies, so there is no real evidence that it is effective for any use. Based on the supposed content of the tablets, it is possible that Enzyte may provide some benefit for improving
impotence (
erectile dysfunction) or for increasing sexual desire.
One study has suggested that
ginseng (one of the active ingredients in Enzyte) might be helpful for treating impotence.
Studies with high doses of
L-arginine (5 grams per day, much more than is contained in Enzyte) suggested that it may be effective for impotence that is caused by physical problems. Other studies seem to suggest that lower doses may not be effective and that L-arginine may not work for impotence caused by psychological problems.
Enzyte also contains maca root (and numerous other active ingredients). One study demonstrated that maca supplementation improved sexual desire in healthy men, compared to a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredients). This study also looked at
depression,
anxiety, and blood levels of testosterone and estrogen.
Maca did not seem to have any effect on these factors. More research is needed to confirm the results of this single study.
