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.

Piperine is the substance responsible for the spiciness of pepper. It is of alkaloid in nature and is found in the plant species of the genus Piper of the Piperaceae family. The black pepper, Piper nigrum, has been utilized in the medicine system of Ayurveda for the treatment and management of different illnesses and diseases. Piperine has been found out to be more than just a spice component. In humans, piperine was observed to inactivate some enzymes that are crucial in metabolism of some drugs. The study of G. Shoba, T. Joseph, M. Majeed, R. Rajendran, and P.S. Srinivas of St. John’s Medical College in India about the influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and humans showed intriguing results. Curcumin is a substance found in the spice turmeric that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Piperine increases the bioavailability of curcumin potentiating its effect in the body. Piperine has a biochemical name (IUPAC name) of 1-[5-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-1-oxo-2,4-pentadienyl]piperidine.

Quercetin is a flavanoid derived from plants and is widely used as a nutritional supplement. There are many studies which are being conducted to exactly determine the benefits of Quercetin. It is said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and hence is being tested to help curb and cure terminal diseases like cancer. The high intake of fruits and vegetables is good for cancer treatments. Many researchers believe that these qualities of Quercetin are what allow it to be used for treating cancer as well. Quercetin is classified into the IARC group 3; which categorizes food and drugs as that which are not carcinogenic.

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.