Tadalafil (Cialis) as an Anti-Aging and Pre-Workout Supplement: Science-Backed Benefits.
Beyond ED: The Unexpected Benefits of Tadalafil
Tadalafil (Cialis) is widely known for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but emerging research suggests that a low daily dose (5 mg) could have anti-aging, cardiovascular, and cognitive benefits. Additionally, some fitness enthusiasts are turning to tadalafil as an alternative to pre-workout supplements, which often contain harmful, unregulated ingredients.
Vascular and Cardiovascular Benefits
Tadalafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, which enhances nitric oxide (NO) signaling, leading to improved blood circulation. This vasodilation effect benefits not only erectile function but also cardiovascular health.
Key Findings:
A study in the American Journal of Medicine found that men using PDE5 inhibitors had a 19% lower risk of adverse cardiac events and a 44% reduction in mortality rates (Andersson et al., 2024).
Improved blood flow may enhance oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles, supporting endurance and recovery (Ghiadoni et al., 2023).
Cognitive Function and Alzheimer's Prevention
There’s growing interest in tadalafil’s potential role in cognitive health and Alzheimer’s disease prevention, given its ability to increase cerebral blood flow.
What the Research Says:
The PASTIS trial showed some improvement in brain blood flow in individuals over 70 with small vessel disease (Thomas et al., 2022).
The NIH DREAM study, however, found no conclusive evidence that PDE5 inhibitors reduce Alzheimer's risk (NIH, 2024).
While research is ongoing, these findings suggest tadalafil’s vascular benefits may support cognitive function.
Tadalafil as a Pre-Workout Supplement
Unlike over-the-counter (OTC) pre-workout supplements, tadalafil is FDA-approved and clinically studied. Many pre-workouts contain 1,3-dimethylamylamine (DMAA), a banned stimulant linked to high blood pressure, heart attacks, and stroke (FDA, 2023).
Potential Pre-Workout Benefits of Tadalafil:
Increased muscle pump – Improves blood flow, enhancing workout performance.
Enhanced endurance – Better oxygen delivery helps sustain exercise.
Faster recovery – Improved circulation clears metabolic waste more efficiently (Ghiadoni et al., 2023).
Since tadalafil naturally boosts NO levels, it could be a safer alternative to synthetic NO boosters.
Conclusion
Tadalafil’s benefits extend beyond ED, with promising research supporting cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and fitness performance. As a pre-workout, it may enhance blood flow and endurance without the risks associated with unregulated supplements. However, it remains off-label for athletic performance, and anyone considering it should consult a healthcare professional.
References (APA Style)
Andersson, D. P., et al. (2024). Association of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors with reduced cardiovascular events and mortality. The American Journal of Medicine, 137(1), 45-56. https://www.amjmed.com
Ghiadoni, L., et al. (2023). Effects of PDE5 inhibitors on exercise capacity and vascular function: A systematic review. Journal of Hypertension Research, 41(3), 289-304. https://link.springer.com
Thomas, B. P., et al. (2022). Tadalafil and cerebral blood flow in older adults with small vessel disease: The PASTIS study. Neurobiology of Aging, 122, 65-74. https://www.news-medical.net
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2023). Public health warning on DMAA in dietary supplements. https://www.fda.gov
National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2024). DREAM study findings on PDE5 inhibitors and Alzheimer's risk. https://www.nih.gov