Virafil®

Erectile dysfunction, also called “male impotence”, consists of the man’s inability or difficulty having an erection that allows him and his partner to have a satisfying sexual relationship.It is worth emphasising that the causes of impotence can be broken down into three categories:

• related to the erection’s altered physiology, of an “organic” and/or hormonal nature;
• resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle: smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs;
• problems related to a deep psychological malaise (anxiety, severe stress, worry).

The consequences of erectile dysfunction are a profound sense of inadequacy and being denied the satisfaction of one of the primary human needs: sex. If you believe that the erectile dysfunction may originate from an organic issue, we recommend discussing it immediately with a medical specialist such as an andrologist or urologist, without embarrassment or fear. Remember that taking effective but powerful drugs like Viagra, Levitra or Cialis, independently and without medical supervision, can help individual acts of intercourse (completely temporarily), but does not solve any psychological block or issue. There are also drugs with potential side effects, that can only be used with a prescription and specialist guidance, and only in the case of real need.

The fact remains that the problem of impotence is increasingly widespread, and the subject of numerous debates and continuous scientific research, thanks to its great complexity. It is estimated that about 10% of men under 60 suffer from it, and at least 30% of those over 60, with a very severe impact on the individual and their relationships, and Italy is not far behind. If addressed in time and in the correct manner, the problem of erectile dysfunction can be resolved, making a fully satisfying sexual and social life possible. Having identified and/or averted the problem with possible origins of a serious hormonal and/or organic nature with appropriate medical examinations or investigations, it is good to know that, aside from drugs, research is being conducted to learn more about the validity of natural remedies based on “aphrodisiac” extracts or that promote greater vasodilatation in the genitals. Several of these, among the many media “hoaxes”, can have genuine effectiveness to help improve circulation in the erectile tissues, make the act more enjoyable and promote desire, helping men regain greater self-confidence (remembering, however, that sexual desire is linked to very complex mental mechanisms).

The fact is, science is showing great interest in this growing problem, and some herbal supplements, on their own or preferably synergistically, can effectively help men achieve and maintain an erection that is sufficient to experience and fully enjoy sexual relations. Thanks to the continuous work of the Yamamoto® research and development department, a supplement based on a mixture of specific active elements has been created: Virafil®.

The mixture is meticulously formulated with completely natural ingredients, from the proven activity in scientific literature to tackle men’s “intimate” problems: Citrulline, Maca, Muira Puama, Damiana, Ginkgo Biloba and Korean Ginseng.
The main ingredient is L-Citrulline, a non-essential amino acid and a precursor of Arginine, which promotes the synthesis of Nitric Oxide, increasing vasodilation and blood flow to tissues and extremities, including the male genital area. This is why it can crudely be referred to as “Viagra for the poor”, as it is decidedly less expensive and of natural origin (extracted from Watermelon rind). Taken orally, however, Arginine is largely digested by the stomach, thus studies confirm that by taking its precursor Citrulline instead, the arginine levels in the blood increase considerably in a dose-dependent manner. Citrulline is commonly used pre-workout by bodybuilders to improve their sporting performance, and in particular to maximise the flow of blood to the muscles being exercised, but in recent times it has become increasingly popular as a “male” nutraceutical supplement for moderate/medium-moderate erectile dysfunction.

In the nutraceutical world of plant extracts, Peruvian Maca is truly considered a tonic with excellent properties to help improve physical performance and endurance. This nutrient-rich tuber, native to the South American Andes, was the Incas’ primary source of energy and is becoming a common energy “tonic” for many athletes today, and more besides. Studies have also shown that maca root can help rebalance hormones, as well as being a rare example of a plant rich in iodine, an essential mineral for thyroid regulation. There is a noticeable increase in energy level, with a heightened ability to work, even under stress, and greater mental clarity. However, its “reinvigorating” role is receiving close attention, since maca can also boost libido and sexual performance in both animals and humans, as numerous studies have demonstrated. Hence Maca’s most noted benefit is its “aphrodisiac” quality. Studies abound on this topic, but perhaps the most significant is that published in the 2008 edition of CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics. For the study, researchers analysed 16 participants (mostly women) who were experiencing sexual problems due to their ongoing use of antidepressants. After taking Maca root regularly for a long time, most of the volunteers experienced significant improvements in libido. Studies have also shown that Maca root increases sperm production and can treat erectile dysfunction in men due to its high glucosinolate level, resulting in an excellent adjuvant, in phytotherapeutic practice, in treating impotence and erectile dysfunction or male infertility.

Virafil® also contains Korean Ginseng, as several studies have recently been published attesting to the pure extract’s effectiveness in treating non-severe erectile dysfunction. The best known adaptogen of all time, with various beneficial health properties, is also a very good vasodilator thanks to the considerable increase in nitric oxide production.

Ginkgo Biloba is also a medicinal plant that has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years, and a famous blood thinner, highly useful for promoting tissue oxygenation, which promotes brain function and stimulates the memory. Like the aforementioned elements included in Virafil®, it is a vasodilator for the arteries and a vasoconstrictor for the veins, and therefore a true panacea for blood circulation. Due to its properties, it has also become part of the natural remedies used for erectile dysfunction, as it helps supply blood to the penis’ erectile tissue and facilitates its turgidity, increasing nitric oxide production. It also increases the synthesis of dopamine, the pleasure hormone, thus also working on the more “chemical” aspect of sexual dysfunction.

The use of Muira Puama was known to the ancient indigenous tribes of the Amazon rainforest for its general revitalising effect which, as a great energy booster, has positive effects on the body’s overall condition. Interestingly, however, those people used it mainly for its aphrodisiac properties. Defined as the “herb of love”, it was used during propitiatory mating ceremonies. When it arrived in Europe, thanks to the first explorers, in the early decades of the 20th century, it became part of the English herbal tradition. The active ingredients responsible for its beneficial properties are more concentrated in the bark and root. Among the most noteworthy is an alkaloid, muirapuamina, and the aphrodisiac action and vasodilatation effect are mainly attributed to this substance. Other notable active ingredients found in the plant are fatty acids, essential oils and plant sterols. The plant’s main properties are again related to effectiveness in stimulating sexual vigour in both men and women. In women it can promote turgidity of the genitals, while in men it ensures a better erection.

Damiana, lesser known among all these elements, is a South American psychophysical stimulant, with an antidepressive and tonic-stimulant effect that can be used in cases of physical or intellectual fatigue, tiredness, stress and depression, helping to alleviate anxiety. Damiana, however, has some interesting properties in the sexual sphere, especially as an aphrodisiac, which makes it a great help in cases of sexual asthenia and male impotence of psychological origin, especially in cases of performance anxiety and premature ejaculation. The balancing effect on the mood is thus accompanied by stimulation of the spinal nerve centres which control the functioning of the sexual organs. In particular, it seems that Damiana acts on the centre of the erection, located in the man’s pelvic-sacral parasympathetic nervous system.