Nitric oxide is chemical compound that plays a major role in male sexual function. An abundance of nitric oxide can improve circulation and lead to more frequent erections, and conversely, a low supply of nitric oxide can lead to premature ejaculation. Nitric oxide is so effective that some popular prescription medications rely solely on this one chemical’s mechanism of action to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
Nitric oxide’s mechanism of action is very simple. The inner-lining of blood vessels use nitric oxide to signal the surrounding smooth muscle to relax. This leads to vasodilation (blood vessel dilation), and therefore increased blood flow. Increased blood flow can lead to more frequent erections- it’s that simple. Some popular prescription ED medications work by preventing a key enzyme (known as phosphodiesterase type 5, or “PDE5”) from destroying nitric oxide, resulting in higher nitric oxide levels. These medicines are commonly referred to as PDE-5 inhibitors.
Recently, PDE-5 inhibitors have also been found to play a role in premature ejaculation 1. This is believed to be due to secondary effects- aside from the primary effect of increasing nitric oxide. Following a study conducted at the Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, researchers stated that some possible causes for prolonging ejaculation are that PDE-5 inhibitors modulate the contractile response of the vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, and urethra 2.
There are two ways to increase nitric oxide levels in the human body. The first method is to introduce a substance that the body uses to produce nitric oxide, such as Arginine. Arginine is a non-essential amino acid. In other words the human body is capable of producing sufficient amount of Arginine on its own, without supplementation. However, when Arginine is ingested, nitric oxide is synthesized from Arginine by the enzyme NO synthase (NOS) 5.
The second method for increasing nitric oxide levels in the body is to prevent the body from destroying nitric oxide in the first place. As mentioned earlier, this is the primary mechanism of action for popular ED medications. There are also herbs that have been shown to function similarly. For example, Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium) has been shown to inhibit the PDE-5 enzyme 3. Panax Ginseng has also been shown to be related to increased nitric oxide levels 4.
Consult your physician before taking any supplements, especially if you have a heart condition.
References
1. Chen J, Keren-Paz G, Bar-Yosef Y, Matzkin H. The role of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors in the management of premature ejaculation: a critical analysis of basic science and clinical data. 2007. Department of Urology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
2. Abdel-Hamid IA. Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors in rapid ejaculation: potential use and possible mechanisms of action. Department of Andrology, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura, Egypt. 2004.
3. Chen KK, Chiu JH. Effect of Epimedium brevicornum Maxim extract on elicitation of penile erection in the rat. Urology. 2006;67:631-5. PMID 16527595
4. Murphy LL, Lee TJ. Ginseng, Sex Behavior, and Nitric Oxide. May 2002.
5. Andrew PJ, Mayer B. Enzymatic function of nitric oxide synthases. 1999. Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, Austria.
Spartan Blend is an all-in-one dietary supplement for men containing a special blend of Horny Goat Weed, Cnidium Monieri, Panax Ginseng, Arginine, Maca Root, Tribulus Terrestris, Zinc (oxide) Niacin, Tongkat Ali, Xanthoparmelia Scabrosa, Mucuna Pruriens, Guarana Extract, DHEA, Eleutherococcus, Avena Sativa, Saw Palmetto, Rhodiola Rosea, Wild Yam, and Muira Puama.