Epimedium, also popularly known as horny goat weed is a genus of herbaceous perennials belonging to the family Berberidaceae. The plant is found to possess aphrodisiac properties. Legend has it that a Chinese goat herder observed and reported increased sexual activity in his heard after it consumed the plant, hence the name. Its active ingredient is icariin. This ingredient has been reported to have a number of effects on the body. It inhibits the degradation of cyclic guanosine mono phosphate cGMP by PDE5 in the blood vessels supplying the corpus cavernosum of the penis. cGMP is the activated form of GMP produced by the release of nitric oxide in the vessels and relaxes the smooth muscle tissue resulting in the improvement in blood flow and erection. It also acts to increase mental faculties.

Piperine a pungent substance that is found in plants of Piperaceae family, increases the strength of several supplements and drugs. It enhances thermal energy mass on a molecular cellular basis by raising energy supply, which as a result increases metabolic processes. This pathway causes increased demand for additional nutrients and energy, necessary for efficiency of metabolism. Piperine considerably increases absorption of nutrients into blood stream. It enhances the body's thermogenic activity that is directly related to the process of generating energy in the cells. It is also helpful in enhancing brain’s production of beta-endorphins and serotonin. Piperine decreases production of acid and ulceration of stomach. It also helps ease pain.

Quercetin is a flavanoid derived from plants and is widely used as a nutritional supplement. There are many studies which are being conducted to exactly determine the benefits of Quercetin. It is said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and hence is being tested to help curb and cure terminal diseases like cancer. The high intake of fruits and vegetables is good for cancer treatments. Many researchers believe that these qualities of Quercetin are what allow it to be used for treating cancer as well. Quercetin is classified into the IARC group 3; which categorizes food and drugs as that which are not carcinogenic.

Trans-Resveratrol is a phytoalexin produced naturally by several plants when under attack by pathogens, such as bacteria or fungi. Commercialy it is produced by chemical synthesis and is sold as nutritional supplement. In experiments on mice and rat, it has shown to be beneficial against cancer and blood sugar. Several other beneficial cardiovascular effects have also been reported. Most of these effects are yet to be established on humans.However, in an experiment high doses of Trans-resveratrol is found to significantly lower blood-sugar levels in human beings. In some other studies Trans-resveratrol is found to extend the life span of fruit flies, nematode worms and short-lived fish but it did’nt work on mice.