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Tango (PriaPlex™)
Nutritional Support for Increased Energy, Sexual
Desire and Enhanced Physical Performance

Tango (PriaPlex™) is a unique herbal formula rapidly gaining a reputation in Europe and the US for its unrivaled ability to restore sexual health in both men and women. In addition to increasing sexual desire, performance and intimacy, Tango also exerts numerous additional health benefits, including normalizing blood pressure and improving immune function.

The individual herbs in Tango have been shown highly effective in traditional medicine for helping:

Men
  • Support healthy sexual functions
  • Promote confidence in sexual performance
  • Increase feelings of sexual arousal
  • Enhance sexual pleasure
Women
  • Support sexual desire and arousal
  • Increase sensual feelings
  • Promote healthy sexual response
  • Enhance sexual pleasure

Tango was developed after 20 years of scientific investigation into the physiological effects of Essence Tonics — traditional herbal formulas at the heart of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). After its introduction as an antiaging formula in China in the late 70’s, the developers at the Shanghai Institute received a flurry of reports detailing another effect. By enhancing circulation, Tango was also having a restorative effect on sexual function.

Positive reports and customer feedback guided the inventors as they modified the formula to improve its ability to enhance sexual pleasure. After several years of research and clinical studies, the formula was finally approved as a treatment for male and female sexual problems in Chinese hospitals, and is now available in the U.S under the name Tango™ (PriaPlex™).

Great Sex Linked to a Healthy Heart
Sexual performance and pleasure are directly linked to a healthy cardiovascular system. Any condition that impairs cardiovascular function, such as high blood pressure or hardening of the arteries, will also hinder sexual performance. For example, accumulation of cellular plaque can literally clog the arteries leading to the genitals and reduce blood flow required for arousal, engorgement, and orgasm.

To address this issue many of the herbs in Tango were selected for their ability to: 1) support and improve cardiovascular health, 2) improve circulation to the sexual organs, and 3) promote an immediate sexual stimulus in both men and women. After screening 498 traditional medicinal herbs the researchers selected six ingredients based on their ability to relax arterial tension while reducing the age-related tendency towards elevated blood pressure: chrysanthemum, cinnamon, cistanches, dodder, epimedium, and reishi.

Improving Vasodilation
In addition to improving circulation, Tango also supports healthy sex by enhancing vasodilation, the process whereby the body directs blood to flow to the sexual organs in anticipation of sexual activity. In women, vasodilation causes the labia to engorge and increases sensitivity to stimulation. In men, vasodilation causes the penis to enlarge and become stiff.

Vasodilation requires adequate levels of two vital substances — nitric oxide (NO), and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Together, these compounds cause blood vessels to dilate to increase blood flow. Unfortunately, as we get older cellular concentrations of cGMP drop, and blood flow to the sexual organs is reduced. In women this leads to a loss of sensation, and in men impairs the ability to achieve and sustain an erection.

When formulating Tango the researchers carefully selected herbs shown to effectively support vasodilation. Epimedium, for example, has been shown to affect beta adrenoceptors, leading to increased levels of cGMP, enhanced nitric oxide production and improved vasodilation. And active ingredients in ginseng stimulate nitric oxide production to further enhance vasodilation. The combined effects of these herbs is increased blood flow to the genitals, stronger erections, and intensified sexual sensations for both men and women.

Going Beyond the Mechanics —
Enhancing Intimacy Between Partners

In addition to focusing on the physical aspects of sexual intercourse, Tango goes beyond its synthetic counterparts by incorporating ingredients shown to enhance intimacy between partners. A primary ingredient responsible for this effect is the herb Epimedium. In 1990, researchers discovered that extracts of Epimedium exhibit MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) activity. In trials, they found that levels of noradrenaline, adrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine were all elevated in animals given Epimedium.

Higher levels of dopamine, in particular, may explain Epimedium’s arousal-boosting effect: increasing dopamine levels encourages the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. LH, in turn, stimulates the body to produce more testosterone, a key factor in sexual stimulation and arousal in both men and women.
Epimedium also seems to heighten the sensitivity of nerve endings in the skin, indirectly reinforcing sexual stimulation. And, even better, these are effects that many people feel almost immediately.

Refining an Ancient Tradition
Tango owes much of its power to the manner in which it is created. Starting with the highest-grade organic herbs, the formula undergoes a proprietary, extended-fermentation process that concentrates, filters, and refines the ingredients for a period lasting a full 46 days. The result of this careful crafting is a formula rich in highly purified active ingredients that are rapidly absorbed and rapid acting.

Short-Term Pleasure with
Long-Term Health Benefits

Men and women are genuinely surprised by the immediate physiological (enhanced performance) and psychological (increased desire) effects of Tango. Most people begin to notice rapid and pleasurable sensations within about two hours. And in addition to the immediate effects, Tango has been shown to confer long-lasting benefits.

Herbs, such as ginseng, dioscorea, dodder and lycium, are known to positively effect the endocrine system which is responsible for creating and regulating sex hormones. Additional herbs, such as cordyceps, ligustrum, and shiitake mushroom, have demonstrated beneficial immune regulating effects. As a result, those taking the formula for extended periods of time report a sustained restoration of overall health and energy.

Client Feedback
Mark R., a San Francisco attorney, was one of the first people to evaluate Tango. A self-described 53-year-old workaholic, Mark was in and out of hospitals for 18 months for stress-related ailments and high blood pressure. Struggling with constant fatigue, stress and severe nausea, Mark survived on anti-inflammatory drugs and a combination of 3 blood pressure medications to maintain his blood pressure of 150/105.

According to Mark, “The first time I took Tango I definitely noticed the arousal thing, but what was more important is that I slept like a baby for the first time in months.” Taking one capsule every night, over the next few months Mark eliminated the blood pressure meds completely and cut his diuretic medication in half. Today, his blood pressure has normalized at 110/82. States Mark, “It’s a pretty amazing little pill.”

Another client, Steve Z, is a 60-year-old Clinical Psychologist who began using Tango 2 years ago following a triple-bypass operation. “As a psychologist and sex therapist I was highly skeptical, to say the least. When my wife gave me Tango I said "Yeah, right." Still, I took the capsules and quickly forgot about the matter. Consequently I was shocked (and pleasantly surprised) when two hours later there was clearly an effect. I’ve taken Tango regularly for the last 2 years, and after giving it to several of my colleagues/psychologist friends, find that they are all equally impressed with the formula.”

Rick and Gina wrote in to state, “We’ve really enjoyed your product, and my wife and I are definitely believers. Tango has enhanced our pleasure and given us that extra energy we sometimes lack at the end of a long day. We’ve been taking one in the morning when we wake up, and we feel more alert and energetic. We’re telling all our family and friends about Tango. Thanks!”

Unleashing Legendary Rejuvenating Powers
By combining a 5,000-year-old Eastern herbal tradition with contemporary medicinal research and state-of-the-art herbal purification and processing techniques, the Tango inventors have finally unleashed the legendary rejuvenating powers of classic essence tonics. The result is a safe, effective and reliable option for restoring sexual desire and enhancing pleasure, naturally.


Tango (PriaPlex) Technical Review and References

Tango™ (PriaPlex™) is a contemporary herbal supplement designed to rejuvenate sexual performance, restore energy, improve general health and promote vitality. The proprietary formula was developed following 20 years of scientific investigation into the physiological effects of traditional Essence tonics — ancient herbal formulas used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The result of this research was a blend of fourteen essence herbs specially selected for their proven ability to enhance immediate sexual responses in men and women, while supporting long-term rejuvenation of sexual performance and overall health.

Long-Term Processing is Key
The short- and long-term health benefits of PriaPlex are a direct result of a unique, long-term manufacturing process. Beginning with the highest grade organic herbal ingredients, this proprietary, extended-fermentation process concentrates, filters and refines the herbal blend over a period of 46 days. The result of this careful crafting is a formula of highly purified active ingredients that are rapidly absorbed and rapid acting.
The principal active herbal components comprising PriaPlex™ include:

  • Chrysanthemum: A frequent component of traditional Chinese sexual tonic formulas.
  • Cistanches: This important sex tonic has been used extensively throughout Chinese history.
  • Cordyceps: In Chinese herbal medicine Cordyceps is revered as an extremely effective and powerful libido-enhancing agent.
  • Lycium: In TCM Lycium nourishes and strengthens the lower body to correct sexual deficiencies.
  • Epimedium: Epimedium is a powerful essence herb that stimulates sensory nerves throughout the body, particularly in the genitals.
  • Jujube: In combination with Ginseng, Jujube is used to promote closeness and intimacy.

Summary
Tango is the first modern herbal formula to fully unleash the rejuvenating powers of legendary essence tonics by combining 5,000 year-old Eastern herbal tradition with contemporary medicinal research and state-of-the-art herbal purification and processing techniques. Tango processing adheres to the highest standards of quality assurance, following GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) regulations, and is certified free of all drugs, contaminants, sugars, salt, yeast, preservatives, artificial flavors and colors.


Tango Research

Cardiovascular Health and Sex
Sexual performance (and pleasure) is directly affected by the health of the cardiovascular system. Any condition that impairs cardiovascular function, such as high blood pressure (hypertension) or hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), will also severely impair sexual health and performance. For this reason many of the herbs incorporated in the PriaPlex™ formula were selected for their ability to support and improve cardiovascular health, improve circulation to the sexual organs, and promote an immediate sexual stimulus in both men and women.

Blood flow to the sexual organs, and throughout the vascular system, is controlled by Vascular Smooth Muscle (VSM) cells. These cells surround arteries and blood vessels and regulate blood flow and blood pressure by either constricting (squeezing) or dilating (relaxing). In the presence of sexual stimulation these cells relax to increase blood flow to the sexual organs in anticipation of sexual activity. In women this leads to engorgement of the labia and enhanced sensitivity to physical stimulation, and in men causes the penis to enlarge and stiffen.

Chinese researchers at the Shanghai Institute of Hypertension devoted 40 years to screening 498 traditional medicinal herbs for their effects on blood pressure. Based on clinical and experimental results they identified 136 herbs that tested positive for anti-hypertensive (blood pressure lowering) effects. Drawing on this body of research the PriaPlex™ formulators have included six herbs from the Hypertension study shown effective for relaxing arterial tension and reducing the age-related tendency towards elevated blood pressure: chrysanthemum, cinnamon, cistanches, dodder, epimedium, and reishi. (1-5)

Cordyceps and Vasodilation
Vasodilation in preparation for sexual activity relies on adequate levels of a short-lived neurotransmitter called nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide works in concert with a second enzyme, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), to signal smooth muscle cells to relax and dilate blood vessels. Unfortunately, as we age cellular concentrations of cGMP decrease, causing a reduction in blood flow to sexual organs. Additionally, an enzyme called cGMP phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5), actively works to reverse the effects of cGMP by breaking it down almost as quickly as it is formed. This results in a rapid loss of smooth muscle relaxation and a drop in blood flow to the organs. In women this causes loss of sensation, and in men returns the penis to a flaccid state.

Viagra and related erectile dysfunction drugs work by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide, and helping the body maintain higher levels of cGMP, the two key players in penile erection. They accomplish this primarily by inhibiting the cGMP-destroying enzyme, PDE-5. By blocking this enzyme system these drugs allow cGMP levels to increase, resulting in enhanced blood flow to the genitals, stronger erections and intensified sexual sensation.

A number of herbs have also been shown to possess active ingredients that support vasodilation by other natural mechanisms. (2,3,6,7) Epimedium, for example, has been shown to affect beta adrenoceptors, leading to increased levels of cyclic GMP, enhanced nitric oxide production and improved vasodilation. (6,7)

Additionally the active ingredients in Ginseng are thought to stimulate nitric oxide production and increase vasodilation. (3) Additional literature in Traditional Chinese medical textbooks reveals that Dodder and Ligustrum possess cardiotonic properties. (8-10) Oleanolic acid in Ligustrum is thought to be the contributor to this effect. (9)

Anti-Atherosclerotic Effects
An important contributing factor affecting sexual performance is atherosclerosis of the branching main artery and other large vessels of the pelvis. (11) Several of the herbs in PriaPlex™ exert an anti-atherosclerotic effect to aid in protecting and restoring blood vessel health. (4,5,12,13) Improved blood vessel function will help long-term sexual performance and support the health of all of the body’s tissues.

Vascular Antioxidant Protection
Many of the herbs in PriaPlex™ have potent antioxidant activity (13-33) that helps to prevent damage to cholesterol and other blood lipids that has been shown to be an important contributor to atherosclerosis and other health problems. (4,5,13,14,17-20,28-29,34-37) These herbs include Chrysanthemum, Cinnamon, Cistanches, Cordyceps, Dioscorea, Dodder, Epimedium, Ginseng, Licorice, Ligustrum, Lycium, and Reishi. Antioxidant activity is very important to long-term health. Many of the herbs in PriaPlex™ have been studied for their ability to protect such important tissues as brain and nerve system cells and the liver. (14,15,17,19,21,26,36)

A study by a Norwegian scientific team of culinary and medicinal herbs concludes that several are important sources of antioxidants. (16) Their summary indicates why the antioxidant contribution of active ingredients in PriaPlex™ is one of its most important health producing effects:

”We assessed the contribution of culinary and medicinal herbs to the total intake of dietary antioxidants. Our results demonstrate that there is more than a 1000-fold difference among antioxidant concentrations of various herbs. Of the dried culinary herbs tested, oregano, sage, peppermint, garden thyme, lemon balm, clove, allspice and cinnamon as well as the Chinese medicinal herb Cinnamomi cortex all contained very high concentrations of antioxidants. In a normal diet, intake of herbs may therefore contribute significantly to the total intake of plant antioxidants, and be an even better source of dietary antioxidants than many other food groups such as fruits, berries, cereals and vegetables.” (16)

Endocrine Support
Many of the traditional Chinese herbs contained in Tango are known to contribute to sexual performance by supporting healthy endocrine function. The endocrine glands regulate the creation and balance of sex hormones vital to healthy sexual function. Researchers have identified several herbs found in Tango that contribute to this physiological activity, including cordyceps, dioscorea, dodder, epimedium, ginseng, licorice, ligustrum, and lycium. (6,7,38-55)

These effects were clearly demonstrated in a clinical trial of Cordyceps in which 155 patients were treated for impaired sexual function. Twice as many subjects (64 percent) reported significant improvement in sexual functions following treatment with Cordyceps for forty days, as compared to only 31 percent receiving a placebo. Importantly, more than one quarter of the participants in the study (46) reported the ability to continue with a normal sex life after the study, demonstrating a lasting, restorative effect of cordyceps. (38)

When the researchers measured patient hormone levels they discovered increased levels of 17-ketosteroid and 17-hydroxycorticosteroid [androgenic and anabolic agents], indicating increased activity of the gonads and adrenal glands (steroidogenisis). (38) Other researchers have shown that cordyceps stimulates steroidogenesis in both male and female sex organs (40-44) and that polysaccharides and protein fragments from cordyceps activate production of testosterone. (42) Additionally, an extract of cordyceps has been shown to increase steroidogenic enzymes as well as the hormone estradiol in the ovarian corpus luteum cells that secrete progesterone. (41)

Additional Support for Hormonal Benefits
Cordyceps, while a prominent herb in Tango, is just one contributor to the balanced effects of the formula on positive endocrine function. Basic research also shows that flavonoids from dodder [cuscuta] act on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands to improve ovarian endocrine function. (45) Flavonoids from dodder have been proven to stimulate secretion of testosterone and luteinizing hormone, while increasing the weight of the testis. (46)

Another study showed that a combination of three of the herbs in Tango — cinnamon, cistanches, and Epimedium — increase serum levels of testosterone. (48) Additionally, this trio of herbs has been shown to reduce the negative effects of stress on the body by improving adrenal gland function. (47) This is another contribution to sexual health for those taking Tango, as it counteracts the well-known effects of stress on sexual activity.

It is important to note that, unlike drugs, the herbs contained in Tango achieve results by acting indirectly on the endocrine system. According to Ph.D. biochemist, Dr. Subhuti Dharmananda, “Chinese herbs act by stimulating the production of hormones, altering the condition of hormone receptors or changing the rate of catabolism of hormones, rather than by [directly] providing the hormones or hormone analogs that function the same way as hormones.” (55)

Immune System Support
Even though the intention of the Tango formula is to support sexual performance and health, most of the herbs also have positive immune regulating effects — (56-108) supporting healthy immune function when it needs support, and dampening immune activity when it gets out of hand, as in arthritis, (81) allergies, (78, 80) gout (67) or asthma. (72,75) This multiple contribution to overall health is typical of the valuable essence tonic formulas used in China to maintain health into advanced age, and explains why such herbs are being extensively screened by scientists searching for compounds to support immune health. This is underscored by efforts by major drug company scientists looking for compounds to counteract new diseases, such as HIV, SARS, etc.

These research efforts fall into three broad immune system categories:

  1. Anti-pathogen herbs that attack bacteria, viruses and funguses(56-65)
  2. Immune regulating herbs that are anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, or anti-asthmatic (1,31,66-89)
  3. Anti-tumor and cancer treating substances

Tango herbs are rich in triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and flavonoids. Researchers feel these compounds contribute greatly to immune function. (31,68,71,76,84,86,87,101,104,105)
The three mushrooms in Tango – cordyceps, ganoderma, and shiitake – are rich in triterpenoids and polysaccharides. (101) They are highly valued for their immune system activity and are used widely in cancer support therapies throughout Asia. (90-108) Scientists chose them for special study because of their empirical history in Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas for immune disorders.

On the other hand, Ligustrum was historically not thought to have immune properties. Now it has come under intense scientific scrutiny based on promising results of recent research. Polysaccharides from Ligustrum have been shown to support production of cytokines, (63,64,99) a key event in the initiation and regulation of an immune response. Many pharmaceutical compounds are routinely prescribed to modulate cytokine production, and therefore the immune response, as treatment for a wide range of diseases, such as cancer. Ligustrum is now commonly added to modern Chinese immune system formulas. Other herbs that regulate cytokine production include Cordyceps (74,75) and Ganoderma. (87,89)

Summary
Men and women report being pleasantly surprised by both the immediate physiological (performance) and psychological (desire) effects of PriaPlex™ in support of intimate activity. Those taking the formula for extended periods of time (up to 10 months) also report a sustained restoration of overall health and energy. These health benefits derive from the unique combination of ingredients selected for their proven ability to stimulate circulation to sex organs while improving levels of important hormones. This combination provides both the immediate and long-term effects that make Tango valuable for restoring and supporting intimacy.

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