.

VITAMIN B-1 (THIAMIN HCI) enhances circulation and assists in carbohydrate metabolism. Anything that increases the demand for the conversion of carbohydrate to energy such as exercise, sexual activity or carbohydrate foods will increase the likelihood of a deficiency of B-1.1

VITAMIN B-2 (RIBOFLAVIN) facilitates oxygen use by the body tissues and is necessary for the activation and uptake of vitamin B-6.2

VITAMIN B-6 (PYRIDOXINE HCI) is involved in the manufacture of most protein-related compounds. A deficiency of B-6 might encourage the formation of atherosclerosis as well as depression, irritability and nervousness.3 A noted M.D. and nutritional scientist has written that the most common nutritional cause of impotency in young men is deficiency in both zinc and vitamin B-6. With adequate intake, potency should return.4

NIACIN (AS NIACINAMIDE) decreases blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, aids in the synthesis of fats and in the detoxification of several drugs and chemicals in the body and improves circulation.5

PANTOTHENIC ACID (AS CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE) is known as the "anti-stress" vitamin. This vitamin is needed to produce vital steroids and cortisone in the adrenal gland and may be helpful in treating depression and anxiety.6

VITAMIN E (d-ALPHA TOCOPHEROL) is an antioxidant that improves circulation, reduces blood pressure, improves athletic performance and retards aging.7 In a recent study of 29,133 men, those randomly assigned to take vitamin E had 32 percent fewer cases of prostate cancer and 41 percent fewer deaths from the disease after an average follow-up of six years. The study subjects were given 50 units of vitamin E as d-alpha tocopherol, the most biologically active form.8

L-PHENYLALANINE is an essential amino acid that is the precursor of norepinephrine and dopamine, both excitatory neurotransmitters. It elevates moods and decreases pain. L-Phenylalanine also exhibits an anti-depressant action that may help promote feelings of arousal.9

ZINC (GLUCONATE) supplementation can increase testosterone levels in "normal" healthy people who have only a mild zinc deficiency.10 A recent study confirms this association between zinc intake and t-level increase.11 The study found that when 11 volunteers consumed 1.4 mg of zinc per day for 35 days, serum testosterone levels were significantly lower than when the same 11 men ingested 10.4 mg per day. (The U.S. RDA is 15 mg a day).

Zinc is also important in prostate gland function as the prostate swells up without adequate zinc. Swollen prostate is a common problem as men age since this gland uses much zinc and is a deposition site for body zinc stores. Studies show that zinc supplements reduced the swelling of the prostate gland in many of the men tested.12

CHROMIUM GTF is a bioactive source of the essential mineral chromium. Chromium stimulates the activity of enzymes involved in the metabolism of glucose for energy and the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol. It is stored primarily in the spleen, kidneys, and testes.13

A double-blind study was conducted in young off-season football players participating in a 6-week weight training program. Chromium Picolinate more than doubled the net benefits of exercise alone.14

TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS EXTRACT (40% FUROSTANOL SAPONINS), commonly known as Puncture Vine, has been used for decades in India as an aphrodisiac and as a treatment for impotency, infertility, and urinary disorders.15

Research has revealed that the furostanol saponins (dioscin, trillarin, gracillin, protodioscin, and protogracillin) found in this herb are responsible for its effectiveness in ameliorating impotency and sterility.16

In studies with impotent men, the saponins increased the activity of sperm by an average of 18.6% in 38 men with a high amount of abnormal sperm, and by an average of 31% in 16 men with erectile dysfunction.17 The aphrodisiac effect has also been traced to the action of the furostanol saponins on the testes.18

Additionally, furostanol saponins have been shown to stimulate increases in natural testosterone levels.19 The mechanism by which these phytosterols achieve this effect is believed to be through stimulation of the secretion of leutinizing hormone (LH), a pituitary hormone responsible for regulating testosterone levels.

Clinical studies support the use of Tribulus terrestris for treatment of urinary disorders.20,21 It was found that the high ash content of the herb raised the acidic urine pH level which dissolved both uric and cystinine stones in the kidneys.

YOHIMBE BARK EXTRACT (8% YOHIMBE ALKALOIDS) has been shown to increase libido and the latency period between ejaculations, as well as enhance erectile function in patients with diabetic neuropathy.22 It also has a positive effect on depression and thus alleviates the impotence often associated with it.23

While yohimbe does increase libido, its primary action is to increase blood flow to erectile tissue (corpus cavernosum).24

Use of yohimbe extract in males increases parasympathetic activity, which increases sexual performance by boosting erectile and ejaculatory ability.25

Important note: Yohimbe is the only medicinal herb listed in the Physicians' Desk Reference as a sexual booster. The bark yields yohimbine, which in the form of the alkaloid salt yohimbine hydrochloride, is sold as a prescription drug under the brand names Yocon®, Yohimex®, and Aphrodyne®.

The extract utilized in Factor Three: Virilitrac has been standardized to yield 8% yohimbe alkaloids. Encapsulated, powdered yohimbe bark sold in health food stores is likely to be worth less because of poor quality, oxidation, contamination and lack of active yohimbe.

SUMA ROOT (ECDYSTEROID EXTRACT), also known as Brazilian Ginseng, is considered an adaptogen. In herbal medicine in Ecuador today, Suma is considered a tonic for the cardiovascular and reproductive systems and is used to treat sexual dysfunction and sterility.26

In Europe, Suma is used to restore glandular functions, to balance the endocrine system, and to strengthen the immune system.27

Suma has also been called "The Russian Secret" because it is taken by Russian Olympic athletes to increase muscle-building and endurance without the side effects associated with steroids.28 This action is attributed to the anabolic ecdysteroid glycosides which are found in high amounts in Suma.29

DAMIANA (TURNERA APHRODISIACA EXTRACT) has one of the strongest reputations for building enhanced sexual activity which can be traced to the ancient Mayans.30 Damiana leaf contains beta-sitosterol and various aromatic oils that could have some stimulant effect on the sexual apparatus or could help build sexual health and reproductivity.31

In Holland, Damiana is renown for its sexual enhancing qualities and positive effect on the reproductive organs.32

SAW PALMETTO BERRY EXTRACT (STANDARDIZED TO 45% FATTY ACID STEROLS) is often combined with Damiana in a 1:1 ratio to promote sexual health.33 The berry has long been utilized by the Seminole Indians as a tonic to build strength.34

Saw palmetto is an herb that works excellent for impotence when included with other medicinal herbals and medicines because it enhances the actions of other herbs. Thus, it helps maintain the prostate gland's proper hormone balance necessary for optimal sexual function.35

Over 20 double-blind, placebo controlled studies have demonstrated the extract of the Saw palmetto berry is very effective in relieving all of the major symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) including increased nighttime urinary frequency, the most bothersome complaint.36 In fact, these studies have shown Saw palmetto extract to exert superior benefits compared to the prescription drug Proscar®.

Researchers have also concluded that Saw palmetto extract may inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. (This form of testosterone is produced when the body attempts to deal with a perceived excess of serum testosterone and may lead to enlargement of the prostate).37

Saw palmetto extract's inhibition of dihydrotestosterone formation helps guard against the possible increase in prostatic cellular growth (which occurs naturally in men as they age) and may have the added benefit of supporting higher levels of active testosterone in the system.38

SCHISANDRA BERRY EXTRACT (5% SCHIZANDRINS) is a medicinal herb from the Orient, has valid claims as an anti-fatigue agent which may help to accelerate restorative processes within the human body.45

This incredible herb acts as both a stimulant (without being excitatory like amphetamine or caffeine)46 as well as an antidepressant which may prove useful for reversal of CNS depression.47 Hunters in the wilds of Eastern Siberia still use this plant in the form of a tea to provide them with extra energy when hunting.48

KOREAN GINSENG ROOT (5% GINSENOSIDES) is a root herb whose aphrodisiac properties have been prized for centuries with a 5,000-year old track record and concrete scientific data to prove its value. Ginseng has been shown to stimulate the central nervous system49 and the immune system,50 increase stamina and vigor,51 improve coordination and reflexes,52 improve oxygen capacity of the lungs,53 improve blood flow and mental abilities,54 and enhance sex hormone production.55

Highly controlled research has substantially verified that Ginseng enhances both the quality and quantity of bull's sperm as well as stimulates the reproductive function of bulls.56, 57

Ginseng, when used on a daily basis, gradually builds up the body's ability to resist fatigue and studies on the anti-fatigue (and anti-stress) properties are substantial.58

MUIRA PUAMA EXTRACT (5:1 PTYCHOPETALUM OLACOIDES), commonly referred to as Potency Wood, is a bush native to the Brazilian Amazon.59 Muira puama has a long history in herbal medicine as an aphrodisiac and a tonic for the nervous system.60

Muira puama is listed in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, a noted source on herbal medicine, where it is recommended for the treatment of impotence.61 It has been in the Brazilian Pharmacopeia since the 1950's.62

Studies have shown the ptychopetalum olacoide extract derived from Muira puama to be effective in improving libido and treating erectile dysfunction.

In a study of 262 male patients experiencing lack of sexual desire and the inability to attain or maintain an erection, 62% of the patients with loss of libido reported that the extract of Muira puama "had a dynamic effect" and 51% of patients with erectile dysfunctions felt the extract was beneficial.63 A second study evaluated the positive psychological benefits of the extract in 100 male sexual asthenia.64

RAW TESTICULAR CONCENTRATE has been found in clinical observations to help those cells in the body that are similar to it since raw bovine orchic is organ-specific rather than species-specific.65 Using radioactive isotope tracing, Dr. A. Kment of Germany discovered that glandular tissues were absorbed by the bloodstream and deposited for use and support in the corresponding glands of the recipient.66 The testicular glandular utilized in this formulation has been processed at 37 degrees F in the raw state to preserve the maximum nutrients and proteins inherent in such glands.