Enzyte, a controversial sexual health supplement widely marketed on Amazon, positions itself as a natural aid for boosting libido, enhancing erections, and supporting overall male vitality. Like many over-the-counter supplements, it appeals to men seeking non-prescription solutions for sexual performance. A closer examination of its ingredient list reveals significant issues in both transparency and scientific credibility.
The Transparency Problem
One of the most concerning aspects of Enzyte is its use of a proprietary blend: 638.7 mg of mixed herbal extracts including ginseng, ginkgo, grape seed, horny goat weed, and muira puama. Because the manufacturer does not disclose the exact amount of each ingredient, consumers cannot know whether the doses are anywhere near effective levels. This lack of transparency is a red flag. Clinical research depends on standardized dosages, and without that information, it is impossible to determine whether the product could deliver any of its promised effects.
The Vitamins and Minerals
Enzyte does list measurable amounts of three micronutrients:
- Niacin (20 mg): Niacin (vitamin B3) can cause vasodilation, sometimes producing a flushing effect. While this is marketed as "improving blood flow," there is little evidence it translates to improved erectile function in otherwise healthy men.
- Zinc (15 mg): Zinc is important for testosterone production and sperm health. Severe zinc deficiency can impair libido. Zinc is also known to increase semen volume.
- Copper (0.9 mg): Copper does not have a direct link to sexual function. Its inclusion here may be to balance zinc supplementation, since high zinc can deplete copper levels.
These nutrients may support general health, but none at these levels are proven to significantly improve libido or sexual performance in men who are not deficient.
The Proprietary Blend Ingredients
- Asian Ginseng Root Extract (7% ginsenosides): Some studies suggest ginseng may improve erectile function and sexual desire, but clinical effects are modest and dose-dependent. Effective studies often use standardized extracts at 600–1,000 mg daily—far more than might be present here.
- Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract: Ginkgo is sometimes marketed for increasing blood flow, but evidence for its effect on sexual performance is inconsistent.
- Grape Seed Extract: Known primarily for antioxidant properties, not for any role in sexual health.
- Epimedium (Horny Goat Weed): Contains icariin, a compound with PDE-5 inhibitor-like effects (the same pathway as Viagra). However, effective dosages are high and purified extracts are rarely used in over-the-counter supplements. Most commercial horny goat weed supplements contain negligible amounts.
- Muira Puama ("Potency Wood"): Traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, but clinical evidence is sparse and largely anecdotal.
Individually, these herbs have some historical or preliminary support. Collectively, in unknown doses, their efficacy is unproven.
The Problem with Proprietary Blends
For supplements targeting sexual health, dosage matters. For example, the American Urological Association notes that erectile dysfunction treatments should be evidence-based and standardized, not speculative. Proprietary blends shield manufacturers from scrutiny and make it impossible for consumers to evaluate effectiveness. A big bunch of ingredients may look appealing on a label, but without sufficient quantities, the claims are meaningless.
Enzyte Fraud Legal Issues
Enzyte didn’t just fail to back up its bold claims with evidence—it became ensnared in one of the most notorious supplement fraud cases in recent memory. In March 2005, federal agents raided the offices of Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals (the maker of Enzyte) after thousands of complaints about deceptive billing practices and false advertising.
At trial, prosecutors revealed that customers were lured with “free” samples but then automatically enrolled in recurring billing schemes without consent. Marketing materials touted fabricated doctors, fake endorsements, and a bogus 96 % satisfaction rate. CEO Steven Warshak was ultimately convicted on 93 counts, including mail and bank fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison (later reduced to 10), while the company was bankrupted and forced to forfeit more than $500 million in assets.
Following the conviction, the courts approved restitution: roughly $24 million was later distributed to defrauded customers who could prove they had purchased Enzyte. The case remains a cautionary tale of how misleading supplement marketing can cross into outright fraud.
A Science-Backed Alternative: VB Health’s Drive Boost
Drive Boost by VB Health is formulated with scientifically studied ingredients in effective doses. A standout component is Maca (Lepidium meyenii), an adaptogenic root supported by randomized controlled trials showing benefits in libido and sexual desire. Unlike the opaque "blend" model, Drive Boost discloses its ingredient amounts and relies on peer-reviewed research to guide its formulation. For men seeking real support for sexual health, a transparent, evidence-backed supplement is great option.
Sources:
- Cho, K. S., Park, C. W., & Kim, C. K. (2013). Efficacy and safety of Korean red ginseng for erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Impotence Research, 25(2), 45–50.
- Soni, M. G., Burdock, G. A., Christian, M. S., et al. (2004). Safety assessment of standardized ginkgo biloba extract. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 42(5), 821–835.
- Stanislavov, R., & Nikolova, V. (2003). Tribulus terrestris and semen quality in men. Phytomedicine, 10(4), 299–302.
- Gonzales, G. F., Córdova, A., Vega, K., et al. (2001). Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men. Andrologia, 33(6), 367–372.
- American Urological Association (2022). Guidelines on Erectile Dysfunction.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20696974/
- https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna14944410