Everything about Aphrodisiac totally explained
An
aphrodisiac is an agent which is used in the belief that it increases
sexual desire . The name comes from
Aphrodite, the
Greek goddess of sensuality.
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 alleged results may have been mainly due to mere belief by their users that they'd be effective (for example, the
placebo effect). In particular, medical science hasn't substantiated claims that any particular food increases sexual desire or performance.
Some aphrodisiacs gain their reputation from the principles of
sympathetic magic, for example oysters, due to their shape. The same factor explains the trade in the phallic-looking horn of the
rhinoceros, a trade which is seriously endangering the animal. Other animal-based aphrodisiacs gain their reputation from the apparent virility or aggressiveness of the animal source, such as
tiger penis (a reputation which is similarly endangering to that species).
Aphrodisiac drugs
Testosterone
Libido is clearly linked to levels of sex hormones, particularly
testosterone. When a reduced sex drive occurs in individuals with relatively low levels of testosterone (for example, post-menopausal women or men over age 60), testosterone supplements will often increase libido. Approaches using a number of precursors intended to raise testosterone levels have been effective in older males, but have not fared well when tested on other groups. Other
anabolic steroids such as
trenbolone which mimic the effects of testosterone may also cause increased libido in users, although side effects such as
testicular atrophy are likely to decrease libido, possibly permanently, following prolonged use of these hormones.
Yohimbine
Yohimbine is the main
alkaloid of
Yohimbe. It is often popularly referred to as a "weak
MAO inhibitor" although no sources are cited for this. Pharmaceutical preparations of yohimbine don't indicate that the drug, which is approved in the US for treatment of impotence (under such brand names as Yocon,Yohimex, Aphrodyne and Viritab), is an MAO inhibitor. Its main action is as a
alpha-adrenergic antagonist, by which yohimbine may increase genital bloodflow and both sexual sensitivity and excitation in some people.
Preparations of yohimbe bark are available over-the-counter and should be used with caution. The unrefined yohimbe bark contains several active alkaloids besides yohimbine. Side effects can include rapid pulse, sweating, and anxiety reactions in susceptible people. Pharmaceutical preparations of yohimbine can also produce these side effects at higher doses, but are available in standardized doses which allow the patient to dose in a controlled fashion. Some patients report a cumulative prosexual effect using the drug over time.
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.
PEA
There is some debate in lay circles as to whether a chemical called
phenylethylamine present in
chocolate is an aphrodisiac. There is some evidence to support the theory that phenethylamine release in the brain may be involved in sexual attraction and arousal, but this compound is quickly degraded by the enzyme
MAO and so it's unlikely that any significant concentrations would reach the brain when phenethylamine is taken orally.
Other drugs
Stimulants affecting the
dopamine system such as
cocaine and amphetamines (for example
methamphetamine, aka
crystal meth) are frequently associated with hyperarousal and hypersexuality, though both may impair sexual functioning, particularly with long term use. A newer dopamine reuptake inhibitor
MDPV has also been noted to have characteristic hypersexual effects.
Some directly acting
dopamine agonists may also cause increased libido, although they can also cause various side effects.
Pramipexole is the only dopamine agonist used in medicine as an aphrodisiac, and is sometimes prescribed to counteract the decrease in libido associated with SSRI antidepressant drugs. The older dopamine agonist
apomorphine has been used for the treatment of
erectile dysfunction, but is of poor efficacy and has a tendency to cause
nausea. Other dopamine agonists such as
bromocriptine and
cabergoline may also be associated with increased libido, as can the dopamine precursor
L-Dopa, but this is often part of a spectrum of side effects which can include
mood swings and
problem gambling and so these drugs are not prescribed for this purpose.
Drugs not considered aphrodisiacs
Some
psychoactive substances such as
alcohol,
cannabis,
methaqualone,
GHB and
MDMA can increase libido and sexual desire. However these drugs are not aphrodisiacs in the strict sense of the definition, as they don't consistently produce aphrodisiac effects as their main action. However, these drugs are sometimes used to increase
sexual pleasure and to reduce
sexual inhibition.
Anti-
erectile dysfunction drugs, such as
Viagra and
Levitra, are not considered aphrodisiacs because they don't have any direct effect on the brain, although increased ability to attain an erection may be interpreted as increased sexual arousal by users of these drugs.
Aphrodisiac foods and herbs
Some natural items purported to be aphrodisiacs when ingested, or applied to the body.
Some newly introduced exotic foods often acquire such a reputation, at least until they become more familiar; for example:
Artichokes
Asparagus
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Truffles
Turtle eggs
Mussels
Mamey sapote
External links and references
Aphrodisiac Foods of Love - Cooking with Aphrodisiacs
Gabriele Froböse, Rolf Froböse, Michael Gross (Translator): Lust and Love: Is it more than Chemistry? Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry, ISBN 0-85404-867-7, (2006).
Aphrodisiology A collection of articles and essays on aphrodisiacs.
Sources
Further Information
Get more info on 'Aphrodisiac'.
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