1 tsp to 200mL cup
80° C water temperature
2 min steep time
Australian sencha green tea, horny goat weed, fenugreek and ashwagandha root
(all products are organic)
Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium saggitatum) is a natural aphrodisiac and has had a long history as this in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Early goat herders noticed the stimulating effect amongst their flock whenever their goats would eat the leaves of this particular plant. Horny Goat Weed contains Icariin, a flavonoid known to be a vasodilator, helping to increase blood flow and acting in a similar way as sildenafil (Viagra).
Scientists believe that the mechanism works as follows: an erection is triggered by a chemical reaction that results in the formation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) which “leads to smooth-muscle relaxation in the corpus cavernosum and increased blood flow to the penis” [1]. The process is reversed with the release of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), an enzyme that breaks down cGMP [2] making the penis lose its erection and become flaccid. The Icariin in Horney Goat weed and sildenafil (Viagra) inhibits the PDE5, removing the enzyme that deflates an erection thus extending the erection [3]. Icariin is not as potent as Viagra, but it is natural and doesn’t require a prescription.
The polyphenols found in green tea (camellia sinensis) have been studied extensively for their ability to protect both male and female reproductive organs by reducing the impact of free-radicals that naturally form in the body [4]. Research has found that green tea consumption will increase sperm count, motility and morphology. One molecule found in green tea in particular, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), has been the focus of much study with research finding several beneficial properties, including anti-cancer [5,6,7], antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-microbial, and anti-metabolic syndrome effects [8] as well as improving fertility in humans and animals [9]. EGCG varies substantially among different types of teas with green teas having the highest concentration.
Among green teas there is a large difference as well, ranging from 1% to 5.8% EGCG of dry leaf weight. Japanese-style green teas typically have the highest percentage of EGCG with sencha (the type of green tea used in this blend) being the highest of all [10].
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) has a long history of being used as a means to boost male fertility and sperm health. A 2015 study gave 50 men, aged 20-30 years old 0.5g of fenugreek each day for 4 months and gave 30 a placebo. The placebo showed no change in semen quality whereas those receiving fenugreek experienced an average of tripling of their sperm count and sperm abnormality decreased from 68% at the start of the study to 53% at the end [11].
There have been over 200 research papers published on ashwagandha root (Withania Somnifera). It is an Ayurvedic medicine used for over 2500 years in the herbal medicine of India. The published body of science studies its effect on supporting thyroid function, relieving adrenal fatigue, reducing stress and anxiety, improving depression, its ability to reduce brain cell degeneration and improve memory, its capacity to increase stamina and endurance, increasing muscle strength and increase testosterone levels and sperm count and sperm health. A 2019 study found an increase in testosterone levels of 14.7% over an 8 week trial in those participants who took ashwagandha root daily [12]. A study in 2013 with 46 men reported a 167% increase in sperm count, 53% increase in semen volume and a 57% increase in sperm motility [13].
1. Huang S., Lie J., Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitors In the Management of Erectile Dysfunction [NCBI][PubMed]
2. Bethesda LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012 [NCBI]
3. Dell’Agli M., Galli G., Dal Cero E., Belluti F., Matera R., Zironi., Pagliuca G., Bosisio E., Potent inhibition of human phosphodiesterase-5 by icariin derivatives 2008. [PubMed]
4. Rahman S., Huang Y., Zhu L., Feng S., Khan, I., Wu J., Li Y., Wang X., Therapeutic Role of Green Tea Polyphenols in Improving Fertility: A Review. [PubMed][NCBI]
5. Wang X., Li X., Liang X., Liang J., Zhang C., Yang J., Wang C., Kong D., Sun H. ROS-Responsive Capsules Engineered from Green Tea Polyphenol-Metal Networks for Anticancer Drug Delivery. J. Mater. Chem. B. 2018;6:1000–1010. doi: 10.1039/C7TB02688A. [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
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8. Zhang L. Master’s Thesis. The State University of New Jersey; Rutgers, NJ, USA: 2016. Alleviation of Metabolic Syndrome by Green Tea Polyphenol EGCG. [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
9. Jin D., Hui W., Zhen-Biao W., Jie Z., Shun Z., Wei L. Protection of murine spermatogenesis against ionizing radiation-induced testicular injury by a green tea polyphenol. Biol. Reprod. 2015;92:1–13. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
10. Foods to Fight Cancer by Richard Beliveau and Denis Gringras, 2nd Edition, 2017, DK, Penguin Random House. Page 136, Figure 64.
11. Dr. Maan H.H., Al-khalisy, Treatment of Men; Infertility using Low doses of Fenugreek Oil Extract, [Siteseerx]
12. Lopresti A., Drummond P., Smith S., A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males. [PubMed] [SagePub]
13. Ambiye V., Langade D., Dongre S., Aptikar P., Kulkarni M., Dongre A., Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study [CrossRef] [PubMed]
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