Key takeaways
- South America: muira puama, catuaba, damiana.
- Asia: ginseng, epimedium, ginkgo.
- Europe: hawthorn, tribulus, oat straw.
- North America: saw palmetto.
- Always check safety with your doctor.
Some of the world's most popular men's vitality ingredients have travelled a long way. Here's where they come from and how they've traditionally been used.
Asian botanicals
Asian ginseng (Korea and China)
Used for thousands of years as a tonic for energy and stamina.
Epimedium (China)
Known as horny goat weed and a staple of traditional Chinese men's tonics.
Ginkgo biloba (China)
One of the oldest tree species, used for circulation and mental clarity.
South American and European botanicals
| Botanical | Origin & traditional use |
|---|---|
| Muira puama | Brazilian Amazon, male vitality |
| Catuaba | Brazil, energy and stamina |
| Damiana | Mexico, mood and desire |
| Tribulus | Eastern Europe & India, male drive |
| Hawthorn | Europe, heart and circulation |
| Saw palmetto | Southeastern US, prostate wellness |
Supporting nutrients
Vitamin E provides antioxidant protection, niacin supports energy metabolism and blood flow, and inosine plays a role in cellular energy. Oat straw and cayenne round out traditional formulas. PowerUP combines all 14 of these ingredients in 2 daily capsules.
Sources
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) – "Asian ginseng" and "Ginkgo."
- NCCIH – "Hawthorn" and "Saw palmetto."
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements – "Niacin" fact sheet.
Common questions
Where does muira puama come from?
Muira puama comes from the Brazilian Amazon, where it has been used traditionally for male vitality.
What herbs are used in Chinese men's tonics?
Asian ginseng and epimedium (horny goat weed) are among the best known.
Is saw palmetto from America?
Yes. Saw palmetto is a palm native to the southeastern United States.