Best for Sexual Health
Compounds that support sexual function and libido
138 compounds studied for this goal
Ashwagandha
SupplementAshwagandha demonstrates consistent, clinically meaningful improvements in male sexual function, semen parameters, and sexual satisfaction across multiple human RCTs. Evidence is strong but sample sizes remain modest and long-term safety data is limited.
PT-141
PeptidePT-141 (bremelanotide) demonstrates consistent, clinically meaningful improvements in sexual desire and arousal in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder across multiple well-designed human RCTs. Efficacy is proven in premenopausal women, though effect sizes are modest and adverse events (nausea, flushing) are common.
CoQ10
SupplementCoQ10 demonstrates strong, consistent efficacy for sexual health outcomes in humans, with robust evidence from multiple meta-analyses and RCTs showing significant improvements in sperm quality, female fertility markers, and pregnancy rates. Results are replicated across independent studies with clinically meaningful effect sizes.
Fenugreek
SupplementFenugreek extract demonstrates clinically meaningful improvements in sexual function and testosterone levels across multiple human RCTs, with consistent positive effects on libido, sexual arousal, and hormone profiles in both men and women.
Pycnogenol
SupplementPycnogenol, typically combined with L-arginine, demonstrates consistent efficacy for erectile dysfunction and sexual dysfunction in multiple well-designed human RCTs. Evidence is strong for ED treatment and antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction, with effect sizes that are clinically meaningful.
Thymosin Alpha-1
PeptideThymosin alpha-1 demonstrates probable efficacy for male sexual/reproductive health, with one human RCT showing meaningful improvements in sperm fertilizing capacity in infertile men. Evidence is limited to male infertility and lacks replication by independent research groups.
Kisspeptin
PeptideKisspeptin has demonstrated efficacy in stimulating reproductive hormones in humans through a novel intranasal route, with one positive RCT showing rapid gonadotropin release. However, evidence remains limited to a single human RCT with modest sample sizes; broader clinical validation and long-term efficacy data are needed.
Melanotan 2
PeptideMelanotan II demonstrates probable efficacy for erectile dysfunction and sexual desire in humans based on 3 small RCTs showing consistent positive results, but evidence is limited by small sample sizes (n=10-20), short duration, and lack of independent replication. Serious adverse events including priapism and systemic toxicity have been documented.
Gonadorelin
PeptideGonadorelin (GnRH agonist) demonstrates probable efficacy for fertility-related sexual health outcomes, particularly in assisted reproductive technology protocols and cryptorchidism treatment. However, evidence is limited by mixed results across different clinical scenarios and lack of large, independent RCTs focused specifically on sexual function.
Prostatilen
PeptideProstatilen shows probable efficacy for sexual health and spermatogenesis in humans based on multiple observational studies and 2 RCTs, but evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short treatment durations, and lack of independent replication.
Omega-3
SupplementOmega-3 fatty acids show probable benefits for female fertility and semen quality in humans, with consistent positive associations in observational studies and some RCT support, but evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and lack of large-scale randomized trials.
NAC
SupplementNAC shows probable efficacy for male infertility and PCOS-related female infertility based on multiple human RCTs, but evidence is limited by small sample sizes, inconsistent results in some populations, and lack of independent replication in several key studies.
Vitamin D3
SupplementVitamin D3 shows probable efficacy for sexual health, particularly in women with deficiency, with improvements in sexual function scores and fertility markers demonstrated in multiple human studies. However, evidence is limited by small sample sizes, inconsistent results in male fertility, and mixed outcomes in some populations.
Zinc
SupplementZinc supplementation shows modest benefits for male sexual/reproductive health in subfertile men and postmenopausal women in RCTs, but large-scale trials found no improvement in live birth rates or major semen parameters. Evidence is mixed and limited by inconsistent findings across studies.
Berberine
SupplementBerberine shows probable efficacy for PCOS-related sexual/reproductive health in humans, with two RCTs demonstrating improvements in menstrual regularity and ovarian morphology. However, evidence is limited to PCOS populations and lacks replication by independent research groups.
Probiotics
SupplementProbiotics show probable benefit for sexual health outcomes, particularly for male infertility and female sexual function, supported by multiple human RCTs with positive but modest effect sizes. Evidence is moderate quality with meaningful results in smaller studies that require independent replication.
Melatonin
SupplementMelatonin shows probable but not conclusive efficacy for sexual health outcomes in humans. Multiple small-to-moderate RCTs demonstrate improvements in erectile function and sexual parameters, but larger replicated trials with consistent methodologies are lacking.
Tongkat Ali
SupplementTongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) shows probable efficacy for improving erectile function and testosterone levels in humans, supported by multiple RCTs and meta-analyses, but effect sizes are modest and evidence is limited by small sample sizes and inconsistent results across studies.
Rhodiola Rosea
SupplementRhodiola rosea shows probable efficacy for sexual health based on two human studies (one RCT showing improved premature ejaculation, one observational on libido), supported by multiple animal and mechanistic studies. However, evidence is limited by small human sample sizes, lack of independent replication, and absence of placebo-controlled trials for most sexual outcomes.
Maca Root
SupplementMaca shows probable efficacy for sexual health in humans, with multiple small RCTs demonstrating improvements in erectile function, sexual desire, and sexual satisfaction. However, evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and inconsistent results across populations.
Black Seed Oil
SupplementBlack seed oil (Nigella sativa) shows probable benefits for male sexual health and fertility based on multiple human RCTs, but evidence is mixed for female sexual function. Most positive findings involve sperm parameters and male hormones rather than direct sexual function improvement.
Green Tea Extract
SupplementGreen tea extract (EGCG) shows probable efficacy for female reproductive health, particularly for uterine fibroids and HPV-related cervical lesions, based on multiple human studies with consistent positive results. However, evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, lack of large-scale RCTs, and absence of data for male sexual function.
Saw Palmetto
SupplementSaw palmetto (Serenoa repens) shows modest improvements in sexual function in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia and related lower urinary tract symptoms, particularly when combined with other agents. However, evidence for direct sexual health benefits independent of urinary symptom improvement is limited and inconsistent.
Vitamin C
SupplementVitamin C shows probable benefit for sexual health, primarily through improving fertility parameters and reducing sexual dysfunction symptoms in specific populations. However, evidence comes largely from small human studies and animal models; no large-scale RCTs definitively establish efficacy for general sexual health.
Vitamin B Complex
SupplementVitamin B Complex shows probable benefit for male fertility and sexual function through improvements in sperm DNA integrity and parameters, with consistent findings across multiple human studies. However, evidence quality is limited by small sample sizes, lack of large-scale RCTs, and mixed results on erectile function outcomes.
Selenium
SupplementSelenium shows probable benefit for sexual health and fertility, particularly in male spermatogenesis and female reproductive parameters, but human evidence remains limited with mixed results on sperm motility and inconsistent dosing protocols across studies.
Iodine
SupplementIodine supplementation shows probable efficacy for improving female fertility markers, particularly time to pregnancy and fecundability, supported by multiple observational human studies and one RCT. However, evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, lack of replication across large RCTs, and mixed findings regarding pregnancy outcomes and male fertility.
Mucuna Pruriens
SupplementMucuna pruriens demonstrates probable efficacy for improving male sexual function and fertility based on multiple human studies, though evidence is limited by small sample sizes and lacks large-scale RCT validation. Human studies consistently show improvements in sperm parameters and sexual function, but the body of evidence remains modest in scale.
Tribulus
SupplementTribulus terrestris shows probable efficacy for sexual health in humans based on multiple RCTs and meta-analyses, with consistent improvements in erectile function and female sexual desire/arousal. However, evidence quality is limited by small sample sizes, short treatment durations, and inconsistent effects on testosterone levels.
Kava
SupplementKava shows modest evidence for improving sexual function, particularly female sexual drive, based on one human RCT. However, evidence is limited to a single small trial, and findings are inconsistent across sexes and outcomes.
Lemon Balm
SupplementLemon balm shows probable efficacy for female sexual dysfunction, with one human RCT demonstrating significant improvements across multiple sexual function domains compared to placebo. However, evidence is limited to a single small human trial with incomplete data reporting and lack of independent replication.
Astragalus
SupplementAstragalus shows probable efficacy for sexual health through multiple human and animal studies, with demonstrated improvements in erectile function, sperm parameters, and sexual hormones. However, evidence is limited to 2 human RCTs with modest sample sizes and lacks independent replication.
Ginkgo Biloba
NootropicGinkgo biloba shows modest efficacy for sexual health in humans, with positive results primarily in antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction and female sexual desire, but efficacy is inconsistent across studies and effect sizes are often small.
Panax Ginseng
NootropicPanax ginseng shows probable efficacy for erectile dysfunction based on multiple human RCTs and meta-analyses, with consistent positive effects on sexual function domains. However, evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, modest effect sizes, and inconsistent results across sexual function measures.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Amino AcidAcetyl-L-carnitine demonstrates probable efficacy for male sexual health and infertility, supported by multiple human RCTs and observational studies showing improvements in sperm parameters and erectile function. However, evidence remains limited by modest sample sizes, inconsistent effect sizes across studies, and lack of independent replication for most outcomes.
L-Citrulline
Amino AcidL-Citrulline shows probable efficacy for erectile dysfunction in humans, with multiple small-to-moderate RCTs and observational studies demonstrating improvements in erection hardness and sexual function scores. However, evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and lack of independent replication by multiple research groups.
Arginine
Amino AcidL-arginine shows probable efficacy for sexual health in humans, with multiple RCTs demonstrating improvements in erectile function and sexual satisfaction. However, evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short treatment durations, and inconsistent effect sizes across studies.
Creatine Monohydrate
SupplementCreatine monohydrate shows biologically plausible mechanisms for supporting male sexual health through maintenance of testicular tight junctions and energy metabolism, with one small human pilot RCT suggesting potential improvements in sperm concentration. However, efficacy in humans remains unproven due to limited human evidence with small sample sizes and non-significant primary results.
TB-500
PeptideTB-500 (thymosin β4) shows potential reproductive benefits in animal studies, particularly for male fertility, but lacks human clinical trials demonstrating efficacy for sexual health.
MOTS-c
PeptideMOTS-c shows promise for protecting male reproductive function in animal models of chemotherapy-induced damage and in aged stem cells, but human efficacy remains unproven. No randomized controlled trials in humans exist for this application.
LL-37
PeptideLL-37 has demonstrated spermicidal and antimicrobial activity against sexually transmitted pathogens in laboratory and animal studies, but human efficacy for sexual health remains unproven. Current evidence is limited to mechanistic studies, small animal trials, and in-vitro work.
GHRP-6
PeptideGHRP-6 shows mixed effects on sexual health in animal models, with ghrelin signaling playing a complex, site-dependent role in sexual motivation and behavior. No human RCTs exist demonstrating efficacy for sexual health outcomes.
Hexarelin
PeptideHexarelin analogues consistently induce penile erection in male rats through activation of central oxytocinergic neurons and nitric oxide pathways. However, no human clinical trials exist for this compound, limiting evidence to animal models only.
Melanotan 1
PeptideMelanocortin receptors are implicated in sexual function through FDA-approved melanocortin agonists like bremelanotide for hypoactive sexual desire disorder, but the available abstracts are reviews discussing mechanism rather than primary efficacy data. Direct human trial results for Melanotan 1 specifically are not presented in these abstracts.
Humanin
PeptideHumanin shows promise for sexual/reproductive health based on consistent animal studies and one human observational study, but efficacy in humans remains unproven. All positive findings come from rodent models or non-human animals; the single human study was observational, not a controlled trial.
GDF-11
PeptideGDF-11 shows plausible benefits for reproductive/sexual health in animal models, with one mouse study demonstrating improved gonadal function and fertility markers. However, no human trials exist, limiting confidence in clinical efficacy.
FOXO4-DRI
PeptideFOXO4-DRI shows promise for improving spermatogenesis in aged mice through reduction of senescent Leydig cell dysfunction, but efficacy remains unproven in humans. Only one animal study exists for this compound-goal pairing.
VIP
PeptideVIP shows plausible mechanisms for sexual health through vasodilation and neuropeptide signaling, but human efficacy remains unproven. Only 3 human observational studies exist with no RCTs, and clinical evidence is limited to case reports and combination therapy data rather than VIP monotherapy trials.
GLP-1
PeptideGLP-1 receptor agonists show mixed effects on sexual health in humans, with some evidence of improved testosterone and fertility outcomes in obese men, but concerning signals of erectile dysfunction risk in non-diabetic populations that contradict mechanistic expectations.
Magnesium
SupplementMagnesium shows plausible biological mechanisms relevant to sexual health (testosterone regulation, fertility support), with consistent positive findings in animal studies and preliminary human evidence in PCOS populations, but lacks robust human RCT evidence demonstrating direct efficacy for sexual dysfunction or performance.
Curcumin
SupplementCurcumin shows consistent protective effects on sperm quality and male reproductive function in animal and in-vitro models, but no human RCTs exist demonstrating clinical efficacy for sexual health. One human observational case report raises caution about potential negative effects on endometrial lining during fertility treatment.
Quercetin
SupplementQuercetin shows consistent benefits for sperm quality and fertility in animal models through antioxidant mechanisms, but evidence in humans is limited to a single small RCT on sperm cryopreservation. Efficacy for sexual health in humans remains plausible but unproven.
Resveratrol
SupplementResveratrol shows plausible benefits for male sexual/reproductive health in animal models, with improvements in sperm quality, testosterone levels, and erectile function demonstrated in rodents. However, no rigorous human RCTs exist; the only human data come from small in-vitro studies on sperm cryopreservation with mixed results.
NMN
SupplementNMN shows consistent mechanistic promise for improving oocyte and ovarian function in animal models, but lacks human randomized controlled trials demonstrating efficacy. Human evidence is limited to observational studies and in vitro work, making efficacy plausible but not proven.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
SupplementAlpha-lipoic acid shows plausible mechanisms for improving sperm and oocyte quality through antioxidant effects, but efficacy in humans remains largely unproven. Only one small human RCT exists (n=37), showing improvements in sperm DNA damage and oxidative markers but without clear clinical outcomes like pregnancy rates.
Collagen Peptides
SupplementCollagen peptides show emerging promise for sexual health, specifically genitourinary syndrome of menopause, based on one small pilot human study. Efficacy is plausible but not yet proven, as the single human trial lacked a placebo control and had very small sample size (n=20).
Boron
SupplementBoron shows potential to enhance male reproductive function in animal models, particularly regarding testosterone levels and sperm quality, but evidence is limited to farm animals and rodents with no human trials demonstrating efficacy for sexual health.
Milk Thistle
SupplementMilk thistle (silymarin) shows plausible benefits for sexual/reproductive health through antioxidant mechanisms, supported by one small animal RCT in rabbits and several mechanistic studies in vitro and in animal models. However, no human RCTs exist to prove efficacy in humans for sexual health outcomes.
Elderberry
SupplementElderberry shows plausible mechanisms for supporting male sexual/reproductive health based on animal studies demonstrating improved sperm parameters and testicular function, but no human RCTs or observational studies have directly tested efficacy in humans for sexual health outcomes.
Aged Garlic Extract
SupplementOne small open-label human RCT shows aged garlic extract (in a 6-ingredient formula) may improve erectile function and aging symptoms in males, but animal studies provide only mechanistic support. Human efficacy is plausible but not yet proven.
Spirulina
SupplementSpirulina shows promising effects on sexual/reproductive health in animal models through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, but human evidence is minimal—only one small RCT showing improvement in sexual function as a secondary outcome in MS patients. Efficacy in humans is not yet proven.
Vitamin B12
SupplementVitamin B12 shows plausible benefits for sexual and reproductive health through mechanistic studies and limited human data, but proven efficacy in humans remains unestablished. Most evidence comes from animal models, in vitro work, and small observational studies without rigorous RCT validation.
Vitamin E
SupplementVitamin E shows plausible mechanisms for supporting sexual health through antioxidant effects on sperm and reproductive tissues, but human evidence is limited and mixed. Only 6 human RCTs exist, with inconsistent results on fertility and sexual function outcomes.
Iron
SupplementIron deficiency is associated with sexual dysfunction in women, and iron supplementation may improve sexual function in those with iron deficiency anemia, but evidence is limited to observational studies and expert review with no rigorous RCTs directly testing iron supplementation on sexual health outcomes.
Copper
SupplementCopper appears essential for male fertility based on consistent animal studies showing that copper deficiency impairs semen quality and that supplementation can restore reproductive function. However, no human clinical trials exist to prove efficacy in humans.
Chromium
SupplementChromium's effects on sexual health are mechanistically plausible but lack proven efficacy in humans. Animal studies show improvements in semen quality and sperm parameters, but human evidence is limited to small RCTs and observational data in PCOS populations with indirect relevance to sexual function.
Biotin
SupplementBiotin supplementation shows mixed and inconsistent effects on sexual/reproductive health, with some positive results in poultry models but concerning negative findings in rodent testicular function. No human studies exist to establish efficacy.
Fisetin
SupplementFisetin shows promise for sexual/reproductive health in animal models, particularly for testicular protection and sperm recovery, but evidence is limited to rodent studies with no human efficacy data. Mechanistically, fisetin may support reproductive function through antioxidant and anti-apoptotic pathways, but clinical translation remains unproven.
Spermidine
SupplementSpermidine shows consistent effects on reproductive parameters in animal and cellular models, with evidence suggesting benefits for oocyte quality, spermatogenesis, and fertilization rates. However, no human clinical trials have been conducted, leaving efficacy in humans unproven.
Urolithin A
SupplementUrolithin A shows plausible mechanisms for supporting reproductive health through mitochondrial function and antioxidant effects, but evidence is primarily mechanistic and animal-based with only one small human observational study on a tangentially related condition (endometriosis).
Sulforaphane
SupplementSulforaphane shows consistent protective effects on male reproductive function and sperm quality in animal models through antioxidant pathways, but human evidence is limited to small observational studies on ovarian granulosa cells with no RCTs demonstrating efficacy for sexual health outcomes.
Astaxanthin
SupplementAstaxanthin shows plausible benefits for male fertility markers (sperm motility, viability) and female reproductive cell health in laboratory and animal studies, but no human clinical trials demonstrate efficacy for sexual health outcomes.
Glutathione
SupplementGlutathione supplementation shows consistent benefits for sperm and reproductive tissue cryopreservation in animal and in-vitro models, but evidence is limited to non-human studies with no rigorous human RCTs demonstrating clinical efficacy for sexual health in humans.
Boswellia
SupplementBoswellia shows plausible but unproven efficacy for sexual health, with limited human evidence restricted to chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome. Two human observational studies report improvements in prostate symptoms and breast pain, but no direct sexual function outcomes were demonstrated, and no RCTs exist.
Shilajit
SupplementShilajit shows promise for sexual health and male fertility based on animal studies and a mechanistic review, but no human RCTs demonstrate efficacy. Evidence is limited to one animal study on testicular toxicity and one review summarizing pre-clinical findings.
Cordyceps
SupplementCordyceps militaris shows promise for sexual health based on one small animal study demonstrating improved sperm production in subfertile boars, but no human clinical trials exist. Evidence remains preliminary and primarily mechanistic rather than clinically proven.
Reishi
SupplementReishi (Ganoderma lucidum) shows promise for sexual health and erectile dysfunction in animal models through anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, but no human RCTs demonstrate efficacy. Evidence remains limited to one observational human study and multiple animal studies.
Chaga
SupplementChaga shows mechanistic promise for erectile dysfunction through modulation of the NOS-cGMP-PDE5 pathway in rat studies, but no human efficacy data exists. One animal study suggests reproductive benefits in mice with parasitic infection, but evidence remains preliminary and confined to animal models.
Epicatechin
SupplementEpicatechin shows plausible mechanisms for supporting sexual function through computational and animal studies, but no human clinical trials demonstrate efficacy for sexual health. Evidence is limited to mechanistic models and animal data.
Pterostilbene
SupplementPterostilbene shows plausible protective effects on testicular health in animal models through antioxidant mechanisms, but no human evidence exists. Efficacy is suggested but not proven in humans.
Pomegranate Extract
SupplementPomegranate extract shows plausible benefits for sexual health based on one human RCT in girls with precocious puberty and consistent animal studies demonstrating improved sperm quality and erectile function. However, efficacy in adult sexual function is not yet proven in humans.
Grape Seed Extract
SupplementGrape seed extract shows consistent antioxidant and protective effects on testicular function and spermatogenesis in animal models, but lacks evidence from rigorous human trials. Only 1 human RCT exists (examining interaction with atorvastatin in rats, mislabeled), making efficacy in humans unproven.
Olive Leaf Extract
SupplementOlive leaf extract shows plausible protective effects on male reproductive function in animal models exposed to toxins, but no human clinical trials demonstrate efficacy for sexual health. Evidence is limited to rodent studies of chemotherapy-induced reproductive damage.
Stinging Nettle
SupplementStinging nettle shows emerging promise for sexual health based on limited human data and animal studies, but evidence is not conclusive. One human observational study found improvements in erectile function and sexual life when nettle was combined with other compounds, while animal studies suggest potential mechanisms through smooth muscle effects and antioxidant protection of sperm.
Ecdysterone
SupplementEcdysterone shows plausible effects on sexual function and reproductive parameters based on one human RCT and multiple mechanistic studies in insects, but evidence for humans is minimal and the single human study is small with limited methodological detail.
Cistanche
SupplementCistanche shows consistent promise for sexual and reproductive health in animal models through mechanisms involving testosterone synthesis and antioxidant pathways, but no human clinical trials exist to establish efficacy in humans. One study reported concerning testicular toxicity at high doses, indicating safety concerns that require human investigation.
Fadogia Agrestis
SupplementFadogia agrestis shows promise for sexual health in animal models through testosterone elevation and restoration of erectile dysfunction markers, but zero human evidence exists to confirm efficacy or safety in people.
Schisandra
SupplementSchisandra shows promise for sexual health through animal and in-vitro studies demonstrating mechanisms that enhance erectile function and protect testicular tissue from chemotherapy damage, but no human RCTs exist to prove clinical efficacy in patients.
CLA
SupplementCLA shows mixed effects on sexual/reproductive health with evidence primarily from animal studies. While some dairy cattle and bull studies suggest potential fertility benefits, human evidence is minimal (1 observational study), and several animal studies report reproductive harms including reduced sperm quality, testicular apoptosis, and disrupted estrus cycles.
Pregnenolone
SupplementPregnenolone is a precursor steroid hormone involved in reproductive function, but direct evidence of efficacy for sexual health in humans is absent. Most data derive from animal studies, mechanistic investigations, and observational hormone measurements rather than clinical trials demonstrating therapeutic benefit.
Rapamycin
SupplementRapamycin shows consistent effects on ovarian reserve preservation in animal models and limited human observational data, but it causes reversible male infertility in humans at clinical doses. Evidence for sexual health benefits is primarily limited to fertility preservation and one rat study on erectile dysfunction.
Whey Protein
SupplementWhey protein shows plausible but unproven efficacy for sexual health. One animal study demonstrates improved erectile function in diabetic rats via antioxidant mechanisms, but human evidence is limited to a protocol paper with no results, and a fertility study found no significant effects.
Butyrate
SupplementButyrate shows plausible mechanisms for improving sexual and reproductive health based on consistent animal studies and mechanistic reviews, but human evidence is minimal—only one small observational study directly tests butyrate for erectile dysfunction. Efficacy in humans remains unproven.
Betaine HCl
SupplementBetaine HCl shows plausible benefits for male fertility and semen quality based primarily on animal studies, but lacks rigorous human clinical trial evidence. Most human data comes from observational studies of combination supplements rather than betaine alone.
Alpha-GPC
NootropicAlpha-GPC levels correlate with improved semen parameters in infertile men following varicocelectomy, but this is an observational study measuring endogenous seminal levels rather than demonstrating supplemental efficacy. No evidence that Alpha-GPC supplementation improves sexual health or fertility.
Bacopa Monnieri
NootropicBacopa monnieri shows mixed effects on sexual/reproductive health in animal models, with some studies demonstrating improvements in spermatogenesis and sperm quality, while others report reduced fertility. No human studies exist to establish efficacy in this population.
Phosphatidylserine
NootropicPhosphatidylserine is a biomarker of sperm apoptosis and dysfunction, not a therapeutic intervention. Evidence shows PS externalization correlates with poor semen quality in humans, but no studies demonstrate that supplementing PS improves sexual health or fertility outcomes.
Huperzine A
NootropicHuperzine A shows consistent positive effects on ovarian function and fertility in rat models through acetylcholine elevation, but no human efficacy data exists. Evidence is limited to animal studies with modest sample sizes.
PQQ
NootropicPQQ shows consistent beneficial effects on reproductive function in multiple animal models involving oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and metabolic disorders. However, zero human clinical trials exist for this compound-goal pair, making efficacy in humans unproven.
Vinpocetine
NootropicVinpocetine has been proposed as a PDE1 inhibitor with potential benefits for lower urinary tract dysfunction and detrusor instability, but evidence in humans is limited to open-label clinical observations rather than rigorous controlled trials. No robust human efficacy data for sexual health specifically has been demonstrated.
Bromantane
NootropicBromantane shows some positive effects on reproductive parameters in male rats (increased sperm count and motility) and mixed effects on offspring development, but all evidence is from animal studies with no human trials demonstrating efficacy for sexual health.
Sulbutiamine
NootropicOne small human RCT (n=20) suggests sulbutiamine may improve psychogenic erectile dysfunction, but this single study with no control group is insufficient to prove efficacy. Results are promising but require replication in larger, properly controlled trials.
5-HTP
Amino Acid5-HTP shows plausible effects on sexual function and reproductive behavior primarily in animal models, with a single small open-label human trial suggesting benefit for romantic stress. Human efficacy for sexual health remains unproven due to minimal human data and lack of rigorous controlled trials.
GABA
Amino AcidGABA shows potential for sexual health outcomes in one human RCT (improved sexual function by day 7, p=0.029), but evidence is extremely limited with only 1 adequately-powered human trial. Most findings are mechanistic (GABA's role in neural circuits regulating sexual function) or indirect (GABA in mood/anxiety, which secondarily affect sexual health). Efficacy in humans is plausible but not proven.
Taurine
Amino AcidTaurine shows consistent beneficial effects on male sexual function and spermatogenesis in animal models, but evidence in humans is limited to observational studies on metabolite levels and reproductive outcomes. Efficacy is plausible but not yet proven in controlled human trials.
D-Aspartic Acid
Amino AcidD-Aspartic acid shows plausible mechanisms for supporting sexual health through increased testosterone and improved spermatogenesis, supported by consistent animal studies and two small human observational studies. However, no human RCTs exist, and human evidence is limited to correlational findings in fertility contexts.
L-Serine
Amino AcidL-serine shows plausible but unproven efficacy for sexual health, supported by one pilot human RCT demonstrating improved male fertility in HSAN1 patients, and mechanistic animal and in-vitro studies suggesting benefits for sperm quality and spermatogenesis. However, evidence is limited to disease-specific contexts (HSAN1) or animal models without robust human clinical trials in general populations.
BPC-157
PeptideNo direct evidence exists for BPC-157's effects on sexual health. The only relevant study is an editorial commentary that briefly mentions BPC-157 as a supplement patients may request, without providing any efficacy data.
Ipamorelin
PeptideEvidence for ipamorelin and sexual health comes from a single fish study showing increased spermatocyte development and testosterone levels in tilapia. No human evidence exists to support efficacy for sexual health in humans.
Selank
PeptideNo evidence supports Selank for sexual health. The only available abstract is a review discussing Selank as a poorly studied GABAergic drug sold as a dietary supplement, with no efficacy data reported for any sexual health outcome.
Epithalon
PeptideEpithalon shows antioxidant protective effects on aging oocytes in a single mouse cell culture study, but there is no evidence of efficacy in humans or clinical relevance to sexual health.
Sermorelin
PeptideNo evidence demonstrates that sermorelin improves sexual health. The single human RCT focused on metabolic and body composition changes in aging adults, with no sexual function outcomes measured. The remaining studies are either reviews discussing prostate cancer treatment or animal studies unrelated to sexual health.
Thymalin
PeptideOnly one small animal study exists examining thymalin's effects on hypothalamic neuroendocrine centers related to sexual function in rats. No human efficacy data supports thymalin for sexual health.
Vilon
PeptideVilon shows potential to activate sexual function in aged male rats through neuroendocrine modulation, but efficacy in humans remains completely unproven. Only a single small animal study exists with no human trials.
IGF-1 LR3
PeptideIGF-1 LR3 has not been studied for sexual health in humans, and animal studies focus on ovarian granulosa cell biology rather than sexual function or fertility outcomes. No evidence demonstrates clinical efficacy for sexual health goals.
Oxytocin
PeptideThese abstracts examine oxytocin's molecular biology and gene expression in reproductive tissues, but provide no evidence that oxytocin supplementation improves sexual health in humans. One animal study showed oxytocin is not essential for sexual behavior or reproductive function in mice.
Cortexin
PeptideCortexin was studied in post-COVID syndrome patients but the abstracts do not report efficacy results for sexual health specifically. Erectile dysfunction was listed as a minor symptom among many neurological complaints, with no treatment outcomes provided.
Psyllium Husk
SupplementPsyllium husk has not been studied for sexual health. The single identified abstract examines psyllium's effects on abdominal pain in children, which is unrelated to the sexual health goal.
DIM
SupplementDIM has not been studied in humans for sexual health or reproductive outcomes. Evidence is limited to two review articles discussing animal model findings, with one showing potential benefits for oocyte quality in aging and another showing reproductive impairment in fish exposed to DIM.
TUDCA
SupplementTUDCA has not been studied for sexual health in humans. The only sexual health-related finding is from a single animal study showing TUDCA rescued testosterone production in heat-stressed mouse Leydig cells, but this does not constitute proven efficacy for sexual health.
Nattokinase
SupplementNo evidence supports nattokinase for sexual health. The single available study documents a severe adverse event (amputation) from self-injection of nattokinase for Peyronie's disease, demonstrating serious safety risks rather than efficacy.
Bromelain
SupplementBromelain has not been demonstrated to improve sexual health in humans. The two available studies address unrelated conditions (feline mammary fibroadenomatosis and camel semen viscosity) with bromelain as an adjuvant ingredient, not as a primary sexual health intervention.
Lactoferrin
SupplementLactoferrin is mentioned as a potentially protective protein in a review of deoxynivalenol-induced male reproductive toxicity, but no direct efficacy studies for lactoferrin and sexual health exist in the provided abstracts. Evidence is purely theoretical and based on mechanistic speculation rather than demonstrated clinical outcomes.
Valerian Root
SupplementValerian root has not been evaluated for sexual health in any of the available literature. The single meta-analysis discussing valerian addresses only insomnia, where efficacy was not established beyond reasonable doubt.
Passionflower
SupplementPassionflower has not been tested for sexual health efficacy in humans. Only animal studies and in-vitro mechanistic research exist, showing that an isolated benzoflavone component may enhance sexuality in male rats and modulate GABA receptors, but human efficacy is unproven.
Methylene Blue
SupplementMethylene blue has not been studied as a direct treatment for sexual dysfunction in humans. All available evidence is from animal models or in-vitro tissue studies where it was used as a research tool (guanylate cyclase inhibitor), not as a therapeutic intervention.
Piracetam
NootropicPiracetam has no demonstrated efficacy for sexual health in humans. The limited human evidence shows either null effects or adverse sexual side effects (increased sexual arousal as an unwanted CNS stimulant effect in children), while most relevant data comes from animal studies with inconsistent or mechanistically unclear results.
Aniracetam
NootropicOnly one small animal study exists examining aniracetam's effects on sexual health-related tissues (vas deferens). The study showed modulatory effects on adrenergic neurotransmission in smooth muscle, but no direct evidence of improved sexual function or efficacy in humans.
Centrophenoxine
NootropicCentrophenoxine (meclofenoxate) has not been studied for sexual health outcomes in humans. The single available study examined fertility and offspring outcomes in rats, showing increased fertility across generations, but this animal model evidence is insufficient to establish efficacy for human sexual health.
DMAE
NootropicNo meaningful evidence supports DMAE for sexual health. The only animal study directly examining sexual function found no detectable differences in sexual mounting response between DMAE-treated and control aged quail, and one mechanistic study in fungal models is unrelated to human sexual health.
L-Theanine
Amino AcidL-Theanine has not been proven effective for sexual health in humans. Available evidence consists of mechanistic animal studies and one review mentioning it as a potential anxiolytic, but no human trials demonstrate efficacy for any sexual health outcome.
L-Glutamine
Amino AcidL-Glutamine has not been studied for sexual health in humans, and animal evidence is limited to one rat study showing protective effects on testicular morphometry during cancer cachexia. No efficacy for sexual function or performance has been demonstrated.
Glycine
Amino AcidGlycine has not been directly studied for sexual health in humans. The evidence consists of one animal study on oocyte protection during in vitro culture, one case report of a glycine derivative (sarcosine) that incidentally increased libido as a side effect, and two studies on soy isoflavones (from Glycine max plant) that improved sexual symptoms in menopausal women—but these studies do not isolate glycine as the active ingredient.
Beta-Alanine
Amino AcidBeta-alanine (via carnosine) has only been studied in cell culture and animal prostate cancer models for sexual health; no human efficacy data exists. While carnosine showed anti-cancer effects in vitro that could theoretically reduce erectile dysfunction risk from prostate cancer treatment, this remains unproven in humans.
L-Carnosine
Amino AcidL-carnosine has not been studied for sexual health in humans. The only available abstract describes carnosine content in poultry meat as a nutritional component, with no investigation of sexual function or related outcomes.
Leucine
Amino AcidLeucine supplementation has not been demonstrated to improve sexual health in humans. The limited relevant evidence consists of one planned RCT protocol (not yet completed) and one animal study in boars showing improved semen parameters, but no human efficacy data exists for this specific goal.
Tryptophan
Amino AcidTryptophan has not been demonstrated to improve sexual health in humans. The available evidence consists of one brief mention in a cycling review and one animal study in quail; neither provides proof of efficacy for sexual health in humans.
Ornithine
Amino AcidL-ornithine increases ovarian putrescine levels specifically during ovulation in aged mice, but the study did not demonstrate improved fertility outcomes. No human studies exist for this compound-goal pair.