7 Foods That Work Like Viagra

Sexuality is an important aspect of life. It happens, however, that for various reasons it may be disturbed then you are looking for ways to increase your sex drive. While some pharmaceutical drugs, such as Viagra, can help, many people prefer natural alternatives that are readily available, unobtrusive, and may have fewer side effects. Interestingly, studies have shown that several foods and supplements can help boost libido and treat erectile dysfunction.

Here are 7 foods and supplements that can work like Viagra and increase libido in both women and men.

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1. Tribulus

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Tribulus terrestris is a small deciduous plant whose roots and fruits are popular in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine ( 1 ).

It is also widely available as a sports supplement and widely marketed to increase testosterone levels and improve sex drive.

Although human studies have not found that it can raise testosterone levels, it does appear to increase sex drive in both men and women.

In a 90-day study with women reporting low sexual pleasure, daily intake of 750 mg of Tribulus terrestris increased sexual satisfaction in 88% of participants ( 2 ).

Moreover, a two-month study with men showed that daily intake of 750–1,500 mg of Tribulus terrestris increased sexual desire in 79% of them ( 3 ).

However, studies in men with erectile dysfunction show mixed results.

One study found that taking 800 mg of this supplement daily for 30 days did not cure erectile dysfunction. Conversely, in another study, taking 1,500 mg per day for 90 days improved erection as well as sexual desire ( 4 , 5 ).

Hence, more research is needed on Tribulus terrestris and erectile dysfunction.

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2. Mac

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Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root vegetable traditionally used to increase fertility and sex drive. You can buy supplements in a variety of forms: powder, capsules, or liquid.

A 12-week study showed that 42% of men who took 1,500–3,000 mg of maca per day experienced an increased sex drive ( 6 ).

Moreover, in a review of 4 studies involving 131 people, taking maca regularly for at least 6 weeks improved sexual desire. It also helped treat mild erectile dysfunction in men ( 7 ).

Some evidence suggests that maca may help combat the loss of libido caused by taking certain antidepressants ( 8 ).

Most studies have shown that taking 1.5–3.5 grams a day for at least 2–12 weeks was enough to increase libido ( 6 , 7 ).

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3. Red ginseng

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Ginseng - and red ginseng in particular - can support low libido and improve sexual function.

A 20-week study in 32 menopausal women found that taking 3 grams of red ginseng daily significantly improved sexual desire and function compared to placebo ( 9 ).

In addition, red ginseng can increase the production of nitric oxide, a compound that promotes blood circulation and helps relax the muscles of the penis. In fact, studies found that this herb was at least twice as effective as placebo at improving erectile function ( 10 ,  11 , 12 ).

However, other studies have found no effect of red ginseng on libido or sexual function, and some experts question the strength of these studies ( 13 , 14 , 15 ).

Therefore, more research is needed.

Red ginseng is generally well tolerated, but can cause side effects such as headaches and stomach upset. It can also interact with medications such as blood thinners, so people who take them should consult their doctor before using it ( 10  ).

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4. Fenugreek

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Fenugreek is a popular herb in alternative medicine that can help increase libido and improve sexual function.

It contains compounds that the body can use to produce sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone ( 16 , 17 ).

A 6-week study in 30 men found that supplementing with 600 mg of fenugreek extract daily increases strength and improves sexual function ( 18 ).

Similarly, an 8-week study in 80 women with low libido showed that taking 600 mg of fenugreek daily significantly improved sexual arousal and desire compared to the placebo group ( 19 ).

Unfortunately, there is not a lot of human research on the effects of fenugreek on libido, so more research is needed.

In addition, this herb interacts with blood thinners, e.g. warfarin. If you are taking medications designed to thin the blood, consult your doctor before using fenugreek ( 20 ).

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5. Saffron

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Saffron is a delicious spice derived from the Crocus sativus flower.

It has many traditional uses, from reducing stress to acting as an aphrodisiac, especially for people taking antidepressants.

A four-week study in 38 women with low libido taking antidepressants found that daily intake of 30 mg of saffron significantly improved several sexual problems, such as decreased agitation and hydration, compared to placebo ( 21 ).

Similarly, in a 4-week study involving 36 men who were taking antidepressants and struggling with problems related to sexual desire and arousal. Taking 30 mg of saffron daily significantly improved erection compared to taking a placebo ( 22 ).

Moreover, a review of 5 studies involving 173 people found that saffron significantly improved various aspects of sexual pleasure, desire, and excitement in both men and women ( 23 ).

However, in people who are not depressed or taking antidepressants, the results are mixed ( 24 )

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6. Gingko biloba

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Ginkgo biloba is a popular herb in traditional Chinese medicine.

Its properties help heal various problems including sexual dysfunction such as erectile dysfunction and low libido. Gingko biloba  can raise nitric oxide levels in the blood, which aids blood flow, and helps dilate blood vessels ( 25 , 26 ).

That said, human studies reveal mixed results.

One 4-week study in 63 people found that taking an average dose of 209 mg of ginkgo biloba per day helped treat sexual dysfunction caused by the use of antidepressants - low levels of desire, excitement and / or pleasure - in 84% of participants ( 27 ).

However, several other studies found that ginkgo biloba had little or no effect on libido or other aspects of sexual dysfunction ( 28 , 29 , 30 ).

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7. L-citrulline

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L-citrulline is an amino acid naturally produced by the body.

Your body then converts it into L-arginine, which helps improve blood flow by producing nitric oxide, which dilates the blood vessels. This, in turn, can treat erectile dysfunction ( 31 ).

For example, a small, monthly study of 24 men with mild erectile dysfunction found that taking 1.5 grams of L-citrulline daily significantly improved symptoms in 50% of participants ( 32 ).

In another 30-day study involving men, taking a daily combination of 800 mg of L-citrulline and 300 mg of trans-resveratrol improved erection and hardness compared to placebo treatment ( 33 ).

Trans-resveratrol, commonly known as resveratrol, is a plant compound that acts as an antioxidant and is associated with numerous health benefits.

L-citrulline is available as a dietary supplement in capsule or powder form, but is naturally present in foods such as watermelon, dark chocolate, and nuts .

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