The Sarsaparilla (SMILAX) is a plant originating in Mexico which grows in the wet tropical forests. Today, Sarsaparilla is cultivated mainly in Asia, in Central America, South America and Australia. Only the roots, which can measure more than 2 meters, are collected and used in various pharmacological preparations.

Less known for its tonic action and stimulative of the sexual function, the root of Sarsaparilla is however considered as a powerful aphrodisiac particularly in China, in India, in Argentina and in Mexico. These effects on the sexual performances could be explained by the presence, in its roots, of an active ingredient near to testosterone. For the man, Sarsaparilla supports the production of sex hormones and has positive effects against the impotence. For the woman the Sarsaparilla can stimulates the production of progesterone.

This plant is originating of the East coast of the United States. Often growing in the form of shrubs it can nevertheless become a tree of more than 30 meters in height. The Amerindians knew well the multiple virtues of this plant.

More known for these aromatic virtues, the leaves of Sassafras is used in the creole kitchen. The Amerindians still uses today the Sassafras bark as infusion like tonic.

Le Ginseng (or PANAX GINSENG, in latin). The English word ginseng derives from the Chinese term rénshe-n literally "man root". The ginseng is a perennial plant originating of the Far East (China of North, Mandchourie and Korea) which belongs to the family of araliaceae, it's root contains a multitude of active ingredients, it's used for its tonic action on the physical and intellectual performances. Ginseng became today the most considered aphrodisiacs, not only in Asia but also in the Western countries. Ginseng (white or red) is marketed in various forms: the dried roots are transformed into powder, extract, powder of extract or in capsules.

White Ginseng and red Ginseng come from the same plant, the Ginseng Panax collected after four years is treated as of the "white Ginseng". The "red Ginseng" is manufactured starting from plants of higher quality which are collected after six years. It'is the method of transformation and traditional conservation which gives to Ginseng its reddish colouring. Ginseng red is twice more active than white Ginseng because it contains twice more active ingredients.

The way of which the ginseng intervenes on the mechanism of erection is not yet completely elucidated. Recent research shows that it supports the nitric oxyde synthesis at the level of the erectil part and that the plant acts at the same time on the central nervous system and on the gonades without having a hormonal activity.

On the market are presents the true GINSENG but also some "Ginseng" which are:

TRUE GINSENG

• The PANAX GINSENG from Asia and Korea
• The PANAX QUINQUEFOLIUM (USA and CANADA)

FALSE GINSENG

• Eleutherococcus senticosus (Ginseng Siberian).
• Angelica polymorpha sinensis (Ginseng of the women).
• Pfaffia paniculata (suma or ginseng Brazil).
• Lepdium meyenii (maca or ginseng Peruvian).