One of the biggest studies on horny goat weed was published in 2013. Researchers analyzed the effects of icariin, the active ingredient in horny goat weed, on human cells and rats. Researchers found icariin had neurotrophic effects while also inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5, which is linked to poor sexual function. Rats that took horny goat weed had higher ICP/MAP and AUC/MAP ratios compared with rats taking smaller doses or a placebo. Researchers also found positive outcomes in the penile tissue of rats, all of which suggests horny goat weed works as advertised to boost sexual function.
L-citrulline is a well-known amino acid in preworkout formulas and bodybuilding supplements. It’s used to support healthy blood flow before a workout. Some also take L-citrulline for blood pressure. In this 2018 study, researchers found L-citrulline supplementation improved exercise blood flow in older adults. Researchers gave 6g of L-citrulline to adults every day for 14 days, then observed significant improvements in blood pressure and blood flow. Researchers noticed particularly beneficial effects in older men. The dose of L-citrulline used in this study, and the dose used in most preworkout supplements (3,000mg to 6,000mg) is significantly higher than the dose found in Red Boost (200mg).
Tongkat ali has been used for sexual performance for centuries. In this 2013 study, researchers found tongkat ali had positive impacts on stress hormones and mood in moderately stressed subjects. Many people have erectile dysfunction and other sexual health issues because of stress; tongkat ali may help. Meanwhile, other studies on tongkat ali have connected it to higher testosterone levels, improved libido, reduced fatigue, and better overall wellbeing. Tongkat ali is also known as Malaysian ginseng.
Finally, Red Boost also contains fenugreek powder, which has been used for centuries for sexual performance – and is found in many competing male sexual health supplements sold today. In this 2011 study, researchers found fenugreek significantly improved physiological libido, increasing sexual arousal and orgasm in a group of participants. Participants took 600mg of fenugreek per day for 6 weeks, then experienced significant improvements in sex drive. That’s higher than the dose used in Red Boost (200mg).
Overall, Red Boost contains a blend of ingredients linked to libido, sex drive, blood flow, orgasm intensity, and overall sexual performance. By taking the blend of ingredients daily, you could support sexual performance in various ways.