Zestra may improve sexual function in normal women and in those suffering from female sexual disorders.
Zestra is a personal product for women that contains borage seed oil, evening primrose oil, angelica root extract, Coleus forskohlii extract, ascorbyl palmitate, and dl-alpha tocopherol.. It is being promoted to relieve symptoms of female sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction may include painful intercourse, loss of desire, and difficulty in achieving arousal or orgasm. Stress, changes in hormone, cancer treatment, drugs, or menopause are some of the factors that can cause sexual dysfunction. Scientists believe that the borage, evening primrose, angelica, and Coleus forskohlii may be responsible for Zestra’s activity. A small study showed that Zestra can improve sexual function in both normal women and in those suffering from female sexual arousal disorder.
Zestra has not been studied in cancer patients. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or those trying to get pregnant should not use Zestra.
Purported Uses
Female sexual dysfunction
Clinical studies show that Zestra can improve sexual function in women.
Patient Warnings
Sexual dysfunction could be a result of other complex underlying physical, biological, or psychological disorders. Patients should consult and be monitored by a physician when using this product.
Do Not Take If
You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
You are trying to get pregnant.
You are sensitive to any of the components.
You have a vaginal infection or irritation.
Side Effects
Mild to moderate genital burning was reported following use of Zestra.
Clinical Summary
Zestra is a topical botanical formulation of borage seed oil, evening primrose oil, angelica root extract, Coleus forskohlii extract, ascorbyl palmitate, and dl-alpha tocopherol. It is promoted to relieve symptoms associated with female sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction may involve painful intercourse, loss of libido, difficulty in maintaining arousal, or difficulty in achieving orgasm. Causative factors include stress, hormonal changes, cancer treatment involving surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or hormone therapy, use of antidepressants, or menopause. The borage, primrose, angelica, and coleus extracts may contribute to Zestra’s activity by increasing blood flow and nerve conduction (2)(3)(4). Clinical studies show that it benefits both normal women and those with sexual disorders by heightening desire, arousal, and increased sexual pleasure (1)(6).
Zestra has not been studied in cancer patients. Adverse effects from its use include mild burning sensation locally. It is contraindicated in women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, and in those trying to conceive.
Purported Uses
Female sexual dysfunction
Mechanism of Action
Studies show that borage and evening primrose oils are rich in gamma-linolenic acid that is metabolized to prostaglandin E1 in the skin (2). This process is known to increase blood flow and nerve conduction. Osthole, a compound present in Angelica root extract was found to increase the levels of cGMP and cAMP (3). The Coleus forskohlii extract contains forskolin, coleonol, and related diterpenes that are known to stimulate adenylate cyclase (4).
Warnings
Sexual dysfunction could be a result of other complex underlying physical, biological, or psychological disorders. Patients should consult and be monitored by a physician when using this product.
Contraindications
Women trying to conceive and pregnant women
Women who are breastfeeding
Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients
Vaginal irritation, atrophy, or infection
Adverse Reactions
Mild to moderate genital burning following application of Zestra has been reported (1)(6).