Enzyte
® is a highly advertised (and therefore very popular) herbal supplement that is claimed to provide "natural male enhancement." The manufacturer of Enzyte cannot directly claim that the supplement helps treat or prevent
impotence (also known as
erectile dysfunction, or
ED) or any other disease, since it is not an FDA-approved medication. However, the advertisements for this product imply that Enzyte is intended as an
impotence treatment or penis enlargement product.
Even though Enzyte looks and even sounds like a prescription medication, it is a
dietary supplement and has not been approved by the FDA for any use.
(Click Enzyte Uses for more information on what the supplement is used for.)
This product is made by Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals. Recently, four executives at Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals were convicted of fraud and conspiracy for various offenses related to Enzyte promotion and sales, including mail fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, and misbranding (labeling products in false or misleading ways).
Active Ingredients in Enzyte
Enzyte tablets supposedly contain the following active ingredients:
- Niacin (30 mg)
- Zinc (30 mg)
- Copper (4 mg)
- A "proprietary blend" of the following ingredients:
The exact strengths of the individual ingredients of the proprietary blend have not been published.
No studies have been done to see if the supplement really works. Most of the ingredients in Enzyte have little scientific evidence to suggest that they have any effect on sexual function. However, ginseng and L-arginine might help improve
erectile dysfunction, and maca might help stimulate sexual desire, although much more research is necessary to confirm these claims
(see Does Enzyte Work? for more information).
It is not known how ginseng might work for erectile dysfunction. It is thought that L-arginine may help improve blood flow to the penis, since it is used in the body to make nitric oxide, an important substance that causes blood vessels to relax. It is not clear how maca might work to stimulate sexual desire in men. It has been shown that maca does not seem to affect testosterone, estrogen, or other similar hormones, at least in healthy men.
It is not known how (or even if) the other ingredients in Enzyte might help with sexual function in men.
The manufacturer recommends taking one tablet each day, like you would take a multivitamin. This product is not intended for use just before sexual activity (like most prescription
erectile dysfunction medications).
Since Enzyte has not been evaluated in clinical studies, very little is known about its possible side effects. Based on the reported side effects of the individual active ingredients, some of the possible side effects include, but are not limited to:
(Click Enzyte Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
It is not clear if Enzyte is safe, since it has not been adequately studied. Some people may be more likely to experience problems due to drugs and supplements. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this supplement if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click Is Enzyte Safe? for more information, including any available warnings and precautions.)
What If I Take an Overdose?
It is not known exactly what to expect from an overdose of Enzyte. If you think you or someone else may have taken too much Enzyte, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
Storage Methods for Enzyte
The manufacturer suggests storing Enzyte at room temperature, out of reach of children.
