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Aphrodisiac

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This article is about agents which increase sexual desire. For the album by Brandy, see Afrodisiac.

An aphrodisiac is an agent which is used to increase sexual desire [1]. The name comes from the Greek goddess of Sensuality Aphrodite. Throughout history, many foods, drinks, and behaviors have had a reputation for making sex more attainable and/or pleasurable. However, from a historical and scientific standpoint, the desired results may be because their users have chosen to believe they will be effective (the placebo effect). Medical science has not substantiated claims that any particular food increases sexual desire or performance.[2]

A rhinoceros horn, believed by some to have aphrodisiac properties.

Some aphrodisiacs appear to gain their reputation from the principles of sympathetic magic, e.g. oysters, due to their shape. This also explains the trade in the phallic-looking horn of the rhinoceros, which is endangering this animal. Other animal-based aphrodisiacs gain their reputation from the apparent virility or aggressiveness of the animal source — such as tiger penis — also endangering the species.

Aphrodisiac drugs

Testosterone

Libido is clearly linked to levels of sex hormones, particularly testosterone.[3] When reduced sex drive occurs in individuals with relatively low levels of testosterone[4] (e.g., post-menopausal women or men over age 60[5]), testosterone supplements will often increase libido. Approaches using a number of precursors intended to raise testosterone levels have been effective in older males,[6] but have not fared well when tested on other groups.[7]

Yohimbine

Yohimbine is the main alkaloid of Yohimbe. As a weak MAO inhibitor and alpha-adrenergic antagonist, yohimbine may increase genital bloodflow and sexual sensitivity for some people.[8][9]

Bremelanotide

Bremelanotide, formerly known as PT-141, is currently undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of sexual arousal disorder and erectile dysfunction. It is intended for both men and women. Preliminary results are encouraging.[10]

PEA

There is some debate in lay circles as to whether a chemical called phenylethylamine present in chocolate is an aphrodisiac. This compound, however, is quickly degraded by the enzyme MAO such that significant concentrations do not reach the brain.

Other drugs

Stimulants affecting the dopamine system such as cocaine and amphetamines (e.g. Methamphetamine, aka Crystal meth) are frequently associated with hyperarousal and hypersexuality, though both may impair sexual functioning, particularly in the long term.

Drugs not considered aphrodisiacs

Psychoactive substances like alcohol, cannabis,[11] and MDMA are not aphrodisiacs in the strict sense of the definition, but they can be used to increase sexual pleasure and to reduce inhibition.

Anti-erectile dysfunction drugs, such as Viagra and Levitra, are not considered aphrodisiacs because they do not have any mood effect.

Aphrodisiac foods and herbs

Some natural items purported to be aphrodisiacs when ingested (not at all exhaustive):

Some newly introduced exotic fruits or vegetables often acquire such a reputation, at least until they become more familiar; for example:

External links and references

Sources

  1. ^ Definition at thefreedictionary.com
  2. ^ Article on aphrodisiacs at the US Food and Drugs Administration website.
  3. ^ R. Shabsigh (1997). "The effects of testosterone on the cavernous tissue and erectile function". World J. Urol. PMID 9066090. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  4. ^ Goldstat, Rebecca (Sept. 2003). "Transdermal testosterone therapy improves well-being, mood, and sexual function in premenopausal women". Menopause. 10 (5): 390–8. PMID 14501599. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ Gray, P.B. (2005). "Dose-dependent effects of testosterone on sexual function, mood, and visuospatial cognition in older men". J Clin Endocrinol Metab. PMID 15827094. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ Brown, G.A. (2001). "Effects of androstenedione-herbal supplementation on serum sex hormone concentrations in 30- to 59-year-old men". Int J Vitam Nutr Res. PMID 11725694. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ Brown, G.A. (2000). "Effects of anabolic precursors on serum testosterone concentrations and adaptations to resistance training in young men". Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. PMID 10997957. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ Adeniyi, A.A. (2007). "Yohimbine in the treatment of orgasmic dysfunction". Asian J Androl. PMID 17486282. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ Kovalev, V.A. (2000). "Pharmacotherapy of erectile dysfunction". Urologiia. PMID 16856460. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ King, S.H. (2007). "Melanocortin receptors, melanotropic peptides and penile erection". Curr Top Med Chem. PMID 17584130. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ "Cannabis Puts Females in the Mood for Love". Mark Henderson, The Times. 29 January 2001. Retrieved 23 August. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ Ang, H.H. (1997). "Eurycoma longifolia Jack enhances libido in sexually experienced male rats". Exp Anim. PMID 9353636. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ Ang, H.H. (2004). "Sexual arousal in sexually sluggish old male rats after oral administration of Eurycoma longifolia Jack". J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. PMID 15803965. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ McKay, D. (2004). "Nutrients and botanicals for erectile dysfunction: examining the evidence". Altern Med Rev. PMID 15005641. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  15. ^ Cohen, A.J. (1998). "Ginkgo biloba for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction". J Sex Marital Ther. PMID 9611693. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ Sandroni, P. (Oct. 2001). "Aphrodisiacs past and present: a historical review". Clin Auton Res. 11 (5): 303-7. PMID 11758796. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |date= (help)
  17. ^ Murphy, L.L. (2002). "Ginseng, sex behavior, and nitric oxide". Ann N Y Acad Sci. PMID 12076988. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ Gonzales, G.F. (2003). "Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a root with aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancing properties, on serum reproductive hormone levels in adult healthy men". J Endocrinol. PMID 12525260. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ Gonzales, G.F. (2002). "Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men". Andrologia. PMID 12472620. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ Karras, D.J. (1996). "Poisoning from "Spanish fly" (cantharidin)". Am J Emerg Med. PMID 8765116. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ Gauthaman, K. (2003). "Sexual effects of puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) extract (protodioscin): an evaluation using a rat model". J Altern Complement Med. PMID 12804079. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ Gauthaman, K. (2002). "Aphrodisiac properties of Tribulus Terrestris extract (Protodioscin) in normal and castrated rats". Life Sci. PMID 12127159. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  23. ^ Neychev, V.K. (2005). "The aphrodisiac herb Tribulus terrestris does not influence androgen production in young men". J Ethnopharmacol. PMID 15994038. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)

See also

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