The first and most important ingredient in Viasil is Actiful – present at 700mg in each 850mg pill of Viasil.

The Actiful blend is a Citrus sinensis (orange) and pomegranate complex that is thought to work in synergy to provide immediate energy and power with extended endurance and stamina. Specifically, it contains 500mg orange extract and 200mg pomegranate actives.

A four-week study conducted on 37 participants found Actiful to have a beneficial effect on the participants’ aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Actiful has been shown to increase flow-mediated dilation. Flow-mediated dilation is a direct marker of the flexibility of the arteries since it shows the capability to adapt to changes in blood flow, for example, during exercise when the muscles need more oxygen and more nutrients to function.

That said, it is important to remember that this trial studied the effects of Actiful administration for 4 weeks and Viasil claims to exert its effect 30 minutes after consumption. A six-week double-blind study found that a 700mg dose of Actiful improves blood flow in human trials.

This ingredient can directly augment the efficiency of energy production at the mitochondrial level, supporting vitality. The citrus derivatives are believed to improve ATP levels and the pomegranate derivatives improve and boost nitric oxide synthesis.

Although a direct effect on erectile dysfunction has not been demonstrated for Actiful, bioactives derived from citrus and pomegranate have been shown to exert favorable effects on blood flow and energy systems, and could represent a novel, potent natural complex for supporting and maintaining active living and vitality.

Citrus flavonoids and pomegranate dOf erivatives have notable vasoprotective effects that have been observed in in vivo studies. It is also thought that flavonoids might be more likely than other dietary factors to improve erectile dysfunction (ED). Preparations containing hesperidin, a flavonoid abundant in oranges, have been shown to improve male infertility. However, all of these appear to be effects of prolonged consumption of bioactives from citrus fruits and pomegranates and the promised immediate effect of Viasil should be considered with skepticism. There are no side effects or contraindications for Actiful described in the literature.

The next ingredient in this pill is zinc as zinc picolinate at 1.5 mg per pill. It is the second most abundant trace element in humans and plays a vital role in a number of physiological processes.

Zinc affects different aspects of mammalian reproduction. Testicular disruption, impaired spermatogenesis, and subsequent poor semen parameters are found in males with zinc deficiency.

Studies have established a clear relationship between zinc and testosterone levels. Zinc deficiency can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels and reduced sexual performance. Rodent diet supplemented with 5 mg per day zinc has been shown to greatly improve sexual function.

Given this information, it is difficult to determine how effective the 1.5 mg dose of zinc in Viasil might be. Nevertheless, inclusion of zinc in this product could potentially have multi-fold benefits for the user such as improved sperm quality, address symptoms of ED, and impart antioxidant activity.

Up to 40 mg zinc taken daily by mouth is completely safe. So the Viasil dose should not be responsible for any side effects. There are no drug interactions described for zinc in the literature.

The next ingredient in Viasil is 100 mg of Horny goat weed extract (10:1) per tablet, which equals 1000 mg of the entire herb per serving.

Horny goat weed is an herb that has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is used for treating low libido, erectile dysfunction (ED), fatigue, pain, and other conditions.

Lab studies have shown that a compound (icariin) present in this herb blocks the effects of the PDE5 enzyme that restricts blood flow to the penis. This activity is similar to that of other clinically used drugs for ED.

Icariin can also induce some forms of nitric oxide synthase and improve symptoms of ED and has the potential to address ED caused by nerve injury. At this time, there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for horny goat weed.

Products containing this herb should be used with caution if the user is taking anti-hypertensive or anti-coagulant medication.

Safety of the horny goat weed extract has been demonstrated following oral consumption up to a six-month period. Long-term use of horny goat weed might cause dizziness, vomiting, dry mouth, thirst, and nosebleed.

Tribulus terristris extract (12:1) at 25 mg/tablet which equals 300 mg of the whole herb. T. terrestris is a fruit-producing Mediterranean plant that is covered with spines. It is also called puncture vine or goat’s head.

In Ayurveda the root and fruits of this plant are used for male virility and general vitality, respectively. The roots enhance libido and sexual well-being while the fruits appear to be provide organ protection.

In animal research, the fruits of Tribulus appear to protect the liver and kidneys from oxidative damage at reasonably low dosages and also exert anti-stress effects; confirming the status of this herb as an adaptogen.

Tribulus is a potent libido enhancer in animals, and human studies assessing this have confirmed an increase in sexual well-being and erectile function. A 2012 study evaluated the effects of T. terrestris on the sperm count of patients. The researchers found this ingredient to improve total sperm count.

A 2016 study found T. terrestris to have nitric oxide boosting abilities along with androgen enhancing benefits. While it is not exactly known how Tribulus works, it might probably increase androgen receptor density in the brain which may lead to the libido-enhancing properties of androgens.

If one is taking diabetes medications, Tribulus might decrease one’s blood sugars to dangerously low levels. It may also increase the effect that steroids have on the body.

There is a concern that Tribulus might make prostate conditions such as benign prostate hypertrophy or prostate cancer worse. Patients with these conditions should exercise caution while taking supplements containing Tribulus.

Tribulus containing products should be used cautiously when taking anti-diabetic and blood pressure medication. Taking Tribulus as a supplement for a short time is probably safe, provided that one is healthy.

Side effects can include trouble sleeping and upset stomach. There is no evidence for interactions of Tribulus with any foods or other herbal supplements.

Yet another ingredient in Viasil is Panax ginseng extract (20:1) at 20 mg/tablet which equals 400 mg of the whole herb.

Panax ginseng is a perennial herb native to Korea and China and has been used as an herbal remedy in eastern Asia for thousands of years. Modern therapeutic claims refer to vitality, immune function, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, improvement of cognitive and physical performance and sexual function.

A 2002 publication found ginseng to be an effective alternative to combating erectile dysfunction. Yet another study also corroborates the effectiveness of P. ginseng in treating ED. This herb can also improve prostate health in men.

Adverse effects associated with P. ginseng consumption are rare and it is generally considered safe. The most commonly experienced adverse events are headache, sleep and gastrointestinal disorders. Possible drug interactions have been reported between P. ginseng and warfarin, phenelzine and alcohol.

Another ingredient in Viasil is Ginkgo biloba extract (50:1) at 4.8 mg per tablet which equals 240 mg of the whole herb. The extract of the leaves of the maidenhair tree, has been used therapeutically in Asia for centuries and is noted for its cerebral enhancing effects.

It has also been thought to improve sexual desire, erections, and orgasms. Another study supports its efficacy in treating ED. Dosages used in these studies were similar to the one present in one serving of Viasil, in terms of the whole herb extract. However, administration of the extract was continued for long periods – 9 months.

The bioactives in Ginkgo – “ginkgolides,” terpenoids and flavinoids – appear to inhibit platelet aggregation, neutrophil degranulation, and the induction of oxygen-free radical production. This ingredient can also boost nitric oxide levels.

The common side effects noted are gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, and general central nervous system activation. Bleeding can occur in patients taking warfarin concurrently.