Before even beginning with the whole concept of selling you with icariin let me clearly state that, till date, no studies on the human model has been satisfactorily conducted which has proven the efficacy of icariin.
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What is Icariin?
Icariin, is a rather mysterious bioactive pharmaceutical component that is isolated from the chinese medicinal plant called Horny Goat weed (Ying Yang Huo). Primarily extracted for its cardiovascular benefits, this compound has soon found its place in the formulae of various sexual performance-enhancing drugs.
How does this “mysterious” biomolecule work?
For the layman, imagine you’re pumping air into a tire with several tiny holes. SInce the inflow of air into the tire is higher as compared to the leakage from the holes, the tire maintains its rigidity. But with age, the tiny holes become bigger. Now it will be difficult for the tire to maintain its former rigidity unless you apply glue into a few holes and seal it back.
Icariin works similarly. Consider the tire to be your penis, the air to be blood and the holes to be natural valves carrying blood out of the shaft. The biomolecule works by effectively deactivating the outflow routes and hence the penis can be harder for longer.
Scientifically speaking, this compound inhibits the release of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) into the corpus spongiosum. This prevents the breakdown of cGMP from the muscles and the penis maintains its rigidity.
Would icariin replace Viagra?
This is like asking if revolvers would replace M16s. They both have their own specific functions even though the underlying mechanism and agenda of firing the bullet and shooting a target, respectively, remains the same.
Icariin is an over-the-counter drug which can be used by anyone with enough money and reason. Viagra, on the other hand, can only be purchased against a medical prescription. Even though they both work by blocking the PDE5 receptors, the potency of viagra is over 80 times as compared to icariin.
Viagra v/s Icariin: Summary
| Viagra | Icariin |
| US-based prescription drugs produced under strict regulation and quality check. | Chinese medicinal compound with no such stringent regulatory recipe. |
| Over the counter, sale is NOT permitted | Anyone of legal age can procure and use it |
| Tested in various animal models with a high degree of reproducible results | Not tested in human models. |
Would you recommend the use of icariin?
Absolutely not. My strong stance against icariin is not because of some inherent disbelief in traditional medicines or any unfound prejudice but rather due to a staunch belief in scientific practices.
I would never recommend you to take anything in your body which messes with the natural biomolecular levels unless it has passed the stringent quality checks of the medical examinations. Even though one medicine might seem to work in a cohort (a local subpopulation), it might end by being a disaster for the global population. Similarly, even though the medicine might produce short-term results, one never knows if it is going to mess up in the long run.
Therefore, before going for any unconventional medicine, do your own research and consult a professional.
What are some alternate routes to prevent Erectile dysfunction?
Have a proper diet
One of the most crucial factors to a healthy life is a person’s diet. Whatever you put inside you will have a major role in determining your body’s health for years to come. Through a nutritious balanced diet one can prevent more than 99% of age related hormonal problems. If you find yourself suffering from ED, switch to a non-alcoholic diet for a few months with enough fruits and greens to take care of your vitamin needs. Cut down on your red meat and soda, and your body will be forever grateful to you.
Size matters
The size of your body matters. You thought of something else, didn’t you?
*wink wink*
You must keep in mind that an obese body or an underweight one is equally disastrous in the long run. One must workout, go for a swim, or even sprint a quick 100m every once in a while. This not only helps in stimulating the blood flow through arteries but also releases endorphins and androgens which then improves the overall health of the individual.
Train your pelvics
We don’t necessarily recommend you to go to a physiotherapist or join a gym. But rather, try out some exercises for the pelvic muscles once a week. A strong pelvic floor enhances rigidity during erections and helps trapping the blood into your penis by stimulating some essential veins. This finally results in a “girthier” penis with a long-lasting erection.
Opt for a therapy
If you’re someone who still isn’t very keen on visiting a doctor; you must know that it is completely fine. Try and consult a therapist to see if the problem is physiological or psychological. As a matter of fact, when you visit your doctor, he will most certainly ask you to visit a therapist first. This is to ensure that the medications can be prescribed towards a targeted problem. In this generation of sky-high levels of stress, most of our problems tend to be psychological so a few weekly sessions with a good therapist can fill you up with the vigour you have been craving for!
Reduce stress and find a work-life balance
Last but not the least, you must dedicate one hour everyday just to your own self. In that one hour, indulge in any activity that rejuvenates you. It could be as simple as playing with your pet puppy or something like your hobby such as drawing or photography etc.
The point is, you need to let your brain relax for some time everyday. This will help it to re-assess itself and bring down the hormones to their natural state before taking on yet another tiring day. So sit back, take your time and rejuvenate!
Lastly, let me repeat myself that even though the benefits of Icariin is all over the internet, it has NOT been scientifically tested in humans. The results obtained in humans can be surprisingly different than what we obtain in lab-raised animals. Hence before dosing yourself on this compound, take your time, do your research and consult a professional.
