Update 3/7/20. Deferol is a dietary supplement billed as an over the counter solution for premature ejaculation that's been clinically tested. So, for men looking for answers, the big question is does Deferol work or is it a scam? This review will focus on the clinical evidence and the ingredients in this supplement. The best way to know if a supplement works is to look at the proof.
Deferol Ingredients
While I was not able to locate a Deferol Nutrition Facts label for this review, the product website tells us that these are the ingredients in each capsule:
- Passiflora Coerulea leaf extract
- Griffonia seed extract
- Pyridoxyl 5-phosphate 12.5 mg
- Pyridoxine HCl 20 mg
- Folic Acid 0.4 mg
The Other Ingredients in Deferol are:
- Magnesium Stearate
- Rice Powder
- Gelatin
This ingredients list is not perfect because I can't tell how much Griffonia seed extract or Passiflora Coerulea are in Deferol. But the list does allow me to look at the relevant research which I'll do below.
How Does Deferol Work?
Deferol is said to work by temporally raising the level of a neurotransmitter called serotonin. It does this by increasing levels of its precursor, called 5 HTP. As 5 HTP levels go up, so too does serotonin. Serotonin plays roles in many different things such as appetite, mood and even sexual desire. In addition, Deferol also has an ingredient said to reduce anxiety levels.
Deferol Research
The supplement website did list a clinical study. The study involved 29 men and reported that Deferol provided a 40% increase in intercourse time compared to a placebo. But, there is no mention as to where this study is published. The study could not be located in clinical medial databases. The study appears to have been conducted in 2001 at “SureSafe Testing Labs LLC in Dover Delaware.
Deferol Ingredients
Deferol contains 5 primary ingredients:
- Passiflora Coerulea
- Griffonia seed extract
- Pyridoxyl 5-phosphate 12.5 mg
- Pyridoxine HCl 20 mg (vitamin B6)
- Folic Acid 0.4 mg
Let's look at each ingredient separately.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is needed to help make serotonin. The vitamin is found in fruits and vegetables and is added to breads and cereals. Deferol provides the RDA for folic acid (400 micrograms) so that's good.
Pyridoxine HCL
Pyrixoxine, also called vitamin B 6 is involved in the production of serotonin. But are most people lacking in vitamin B6? Probably not. are. Foods that contain B6 include fish, meats, poultry, beans, and nuts.
Pyridoxyl 5-Phosphate
This is another name for vitamin B6. Other names that show up for this vitamin include “PLP” and “P5P.” Giving PLP to people does raise serotonin levels.
Passiflora Coerulea
This is a species of Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata). Passionflower contains an ingredient called chrysin, which is a type of phytonutrient called a flavonoid. Some research finds that chrysin can reduce anxiety because it binds to the same receptors as anti-anxiety medications.
The downside is that chrysin isn't absorbed well. Passionflower may be used because of its anti-anxiety effects. In other words, someone who is less anxious might be more likely to last longer.
Griffonia Seed Extract
My guess is that Griffonia is a reference to Griffonia simplicifolia. The seeds of this plant contain an ingredient called 5 HTP or 5 hydroxytryptophan. 5 HTP helps us make serotonin. Serotonin might impact sexual desire.
At least one study shows that the 5 HTP in Griffonia can be absorbed when taken orally. This study did use a version that was sprayed into the mouth – and was a weight loss study – but it does lend evidence that we can absorb 5 HTP when taken orally.
5 HTP is a supplement marketed to help a variety of issues including but not limited to
- Depression
- weight loss
- Anxiety
No direct evidence for Griffonia and premature ejaculations could be located.
Who Makes Deferol?
The Deferol.com website lists the name of the company as iDist Laboratories, LLC. The company is located at 251 North DuPont Highway Suite #76 Dover DE 19901. iDist Labrotories LLC appears to be related to another company called Deferol Partners which is located at 1483 Tobias Gadson Blvd., Charleston, SC 29407.
The website no longer works. Another company that may be related is New Ventures Services Corp (newvcorp.com).
Does Deferol Help ED?
ED – or erectile dysfunction – is different from premature ejaculation. So far proof for it helping erection problems cannot be located.
Does Deferol Increase Penis Size?
Deferol is not marketed to increase the size of an erect penis.
Deferol Side Effects
I think Deferol is safe in healthy people. That said, here are some general thoughts. This list is not complete.
- Start with less for the first week than is recommened.
- Avoid driving when taking the supplement. the product website says Deferol might make people sleepy.
- See your doctor if you take any medications for migraine headaches.
- If you take antidepressant medications (such as SSRIs or tricyclics) see your doctor. Show your doctor/pharmacist the ingredients. Some depression medications work by increasing serotonin levels. Levels that go to high may not be safe.
- Don't take if you're allergic to any of the ingredients.
- Don't combine with alcohol or sleeping pills or illegal drugs
- Stop taking at least 2 weeks before surgery
- The supplement is not intended for women
- If you take Viagra or similar drugs, ask your pharmacist
- some ingredients may lower blood pressure
- Talk to your doctor first if you have cancer.
- There is some concern that 5 HTP raises the risk of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS).
Does Deferol Work?
While some of the ingredients seem logical, it will take clinical studies to know for sure. Keep in mind ED is complicated. This means if it works, it may not work for everyone. If you have any health issues, show the ingredients to your doctor first.