Q. Are there any herbal alternatives to Viagra?

A. Not exactly. Viagra produces rather immediate results. Herbal approaches tend to be less effective in the short-term because they focus on getting at the oot?of the problem by improving the activity of the male glandular system, improving blood supply to erectile tissue, or enhancing the transmission of nerve signals. The two best choices for most men are Potency wood and Ginkgo biloba extract.

Potency wood, or Muira puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides), has long been used by natives of Brazil as an aphrodisiac and nerve stimulant. A recent study at the Institute of Sexology in Paris found that taking 1 to 1.5 grams of Potency wood extract per day raised libido in more than 60 percent of men and helped more than half of those who complained of erection failure.

Recent evidence indicates Ginkgo biloba extract appears to be effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction caused by lack of blood flow. Be sure to select a product that is standardized to contain 24 percent ginkgo heterosides (flavonglycosides) and to take 40 mg three times a day. Long-term therapyt least 12 weekss usually necessary before you see results.

Michael Murray, ND, is one of the world leading authorities on natural medicine and a contributor to the Healthnotes, Inc., team of experts. Dr. Murray is the author of A Textbook of Natural Medicine, Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, and The Healing Power of Herbs. He also authors Dr. Murray Electronic Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, an exclusive Healthnotes product.