Table 2 Summary of ingredient’s information, health benefits, side effects of the ED that are available in the market according to the types of natural extracts

Natural extracts

Caffeine

Moderate caffeine consumption (up to 400 mg per day) is usually regarded as safe and even beneficial to adults' well-being (McLellan et al. 2016), and it comes from a variety of sources (Generali 2013)

Reduce heart rate and raise blood pressure in adults, while also enhancing emotions of well-being, focus, and arousal (O’Mathúna 2012)

Adverse cardiovascular effect such as increased in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output (Grasser et al. 2014)

McLellan et al. (2016), Generali (2013), O’Mathúna (2012), Grasser et al. (2014)

Guarana

Guarana is a plant extract native to South America which contains a significant amount of caffeine, with 1 g of guarana equivalent to 40 mg of caffeine (Al-Shaar et al. 2017)

Acts as antioxidant, traditional medicinal, and an effective stimulant. It can also treat fatigue and depression related to cancer treatment (Moustakas et al. 2015)

N/A

Al-Shaar et al. (2017), Moustakas et al. (2015)

Ginseng

Normal ginseng-incorporated energy drink appears to have a regular amount of 200 mg per day, although most people can safely take up to 2700 mg through supplementation (Caffeineinformer n.d)

Boost energy, reduce fatigue, relieve stress, and improve memory. It is also claimed to activate the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, which subsequently release an anti-inflammatory hormone called adrenal corticotropic hormone (Caffeineinformer n.d)

Adverse effects caused by ginseng abuse include maniac episodes, uterine bleeding, gynecomastia, long QT syndrome, atrial fibrillation with bradycardia, hypertensive crisis, and acute lobular hepatitis (Ratan et al. 2021)

Caffeineinformer n.d, Ratan et al. (2021)

Yerba mate

Yerba mate is derived from the Ilex paraguariensis plant, which is native to South America and is mostly used to make yerba mate tea (Valenca et al. 2013)

Yerba mate has anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects, as well as functioning as an oxidative stress regulator. Also, yerba mate assisted in the decrease in LDL cholesterol levels in people who were taking statins (Yunusa and Ahmed 2011)

N/A

Valenca et al. (2013), Yunusa and Ahmed (2011)

Acai berry

The acai berry is produced by the Acai Palm tree, which is native to South America. Antioxidants are abundant in the berries, but not as much as in a concord grape or blueberry (Yunusa and Ahmed 2011)

Contain a high number of oxidants, nutrient dense, have anticancer properties, and help to lower cholesterol levels (Arakelyan 2020)

N/A

Yunusa and Ahmed (2011), Arakelyan (2020)

Ginkgo biloba

The ingredient ginkgo biloba is named after the unique tree from which it derives. A normal supplemental dose is 60 mg (Yunusa and Ahmed 2011)

Improvement of memory retention, focus, and circulation, as well as acting as an antidepressant and showing indications of aiding persons with Alzheimer's disease. It is recognized by the German government as a treatment for memory loss, attention problems, and depression

Blood thinning, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, heart palpitations, and restlessness are some of the other side effects of ginkgo (Yunusa and Ahmed 2011)

Yunusa and Ahmed (2011)

Methylxanthines

Methylated xanthines (methylxanthines) are produced by a large number of different plant species. They are commonly found in regular diet, as well as in a variety of incredibly common beverages and meals. Caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine are the most common methylxanthines found in nature

Methylxanthines have been linked to a number of other health benefits, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardio protection, diabetes, and fertility (Monteiro et al. 2019)

When concentrations of methylxanthines are below 20 mcg/ml, milder side effects such as nausea, vomiting, increased stomach acid secretion (and subsequent gastroesophageal reflux), polyuria, sleeplessness, palpitations, headaches, and tremors are more common (Gottwalt and Tadi, 2021)

Monteiro et al. (2019), Gottwalt and Tadi (2021)