Epimedium, also popularly known as horny goat weed is a genus of herbaceous perennials belonging to the family Berberidaceae. The plant is found to possess aphrodisiac properties. Legend has it that a Chinese goat herder observed and reported increased sexual activity in his heard after it consumed the plant, hence the name. Its active ingredient is icariin. This ingredient has been reported to have a number of effects on the body. It inhibits the degradation of cyclic guanosine mono phosphate cGMP by PDE5 in the blood vessels supplying the corpus cavernosum of the penis. cGMP is the activated form of GMP produced by the release of nitric oxide in the vessels and relaxes the smooth muscle tissue resulting in the improvement in blood flow and erection. It also acts to increase mental faculties.

Piperidine is a heterocyclic organic compound which may be derived from pyridine. It is a hexahydropyridine which is made up of six-member ring that contains five methylene atoms and a nitrogen atom. It is naturally occurring in pepper. Piperidine is the compound responsible for giving black pepper its pungent characteristic. It has the ability to help the body increase the absorption of nutrients and substances such as amino acids into the cells and blood by using proteins as transporters to the digestive tract. It benefits the overall health. Piperidine stimulates the production of serotonin that improves the mood and relieves pain.

Quercetin, a bioflavonoid derived mostly from blue-green algae. Quercetin is a strong antioxidant commonly found in onions, wine and tea.

Trans-Resveratrol is a phytoalexin produced naturally by several plants when under attack by pathogens, such as bacteria or fungi. Commercialy it is produced by chemical synthesis and is sold as nutritional supplement. In experiments on mice and rat, it has shown to be beneficial against cancer and blood sugar. Several other beneficial cardiovascular effects have also been reported. Most of these effects are yet to be established on humans.However, in an experiment high doses of Trans-resveratrol is found to significantly lower blood-sugar levels in human beings. In some other studies Trans-resveratrol is found to extend the life span of fruit flies, nematode worms and short-lived fish but it did’nt work on mice.