For Patients & Caregivers
How It Works
ArginMax was shown in small studies to improve sexual performance in both women and men.
ArginMax is a dietary supplement that contains Gingko biloba, Panax ginseng, American Ginseng, Damiana, L-Arginine, Vitamins A, C, E, B-complex, Zinc and Selenium. The manufacturers of ArginMax claim that it helps improve sexual performance in both men and women. Sexual dysfunction may involve loss of sexual desire, arousal, difficulty in maintaining arousal, painful intercourse, or difficulty in achieving orgasm. The factors responsible include stress, hormonal imbalance, use of antidepressants, menopause, and cancer treatments among others.
The herbal components of ArginMax are thought to improve sexual satisfaction by increasing blood flow and by promoting muscle relaxation. Small studies have shown that Arginmax can improve sexual function in both women and men. But a study done in female cancer survivors did not see such benefit although there was improvement in the quality of life.
Patients with hormone sensitive cancers should be careful as ginseng has estrogenic effects. The L-Arginine can make symptoms worse in people with asthma. It can also affect blood sugar therefore diabetics should be careful when using this product. Ginseng and ginkgo can cause interactions with other prescription drugs.
Purported Uses
Patient Warnings
Do Not Take If
- You are pregnant
- You are nursing
- You have diabetes (L-arginine may affect the blood sugar level)
- You have asthma (L-arginine may worsen the symptoms)
- You have hormone sensitive cancer (ginseng has estrogenic effects)
- You are taking prescription drugs (the herbal components of ArginMax may interact with the drugs)
For Healthcare Professionals
Clinical Summary
ArginMax is a nutritional supplement comprised of Gingko biloba, Panax ginseng, American Ginseng, Damiana, L-Arginine, Vitamins A, C, E, B-complex, Zinc and Selenium. It is being promoted to help both female sexual dysfunction and erectile dysfunction in men. Sexual dysfunction may involve loss of sexual desire, difficulty in maintaining arousal, painful intercourse, or difficulty in achieving orgasm. It can result from factors such as stress, hormonal imbalances, cancer treatment involving surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or hormone therapy, use of antidepressants, or menopause.
ArginMax is thought to enhance blood circulation and muscle relaxation resulting in increased sexual satisfaction. It was shown in pilot studies to improve sexual function in women with sexual dysfunction (1) (13) and in men with erectile dysfunction (2). But a study involving female cancer survivors did not find a significant benefit in sexual function although improvement was seen in the quality of life (14).
ArginMax contains ginseng that was shown to have estrogenic effects (6) although there are conflicting data from another study (7). L-Arginine may worsen symptoms in people with allergen-induced asthma (8) and reduce blood pressure (9). It may also affect blood sugar levels (10) and should be used with caution in patients with diabetes.
Mechanism of Action
The main ingredient in ArginMax is L-Arginine, an essential amino acid and a precursor to nitric oxide that may modulate vaginal blood supply and smooth muscle relaxation (3). Ginsenoides, compounds present in Ginseng, have been shown to increase nitric oxide production (4). Gingko is believed to facilitate microvascular circulation (5). Damiana’s prosexual effects have been shown to involve the nitric oxide pathway. The anxiolytic activity of this herb is also thought to contribute to such effects (15).