Aphrodisiac

An aphrodisiac is defined as a substance that purportedly enhances libido, sexual desire, attraction, pleasure, or behavior. These substances encompass a spectrum of natural elements, including plants, spices, and foods, as well as synthetic chemicals. Natural aphrodisiacs, such as cannabis and cocaine, are categorized into plant-based and non-plant-based classifications. Synthetic aphrodisiacs comprise compounds like MDMA and methamphetamine. Aphrodisiacs can also be classified according to their effects- either psychological or physiological. Substances with hallucinogenic properties, such as bufotenin, demonstrate psychological effects that may amplify sexual desire and pleasure, whereas those that facilitate muscle relaxation, such as yohimbine, yield physiological effects capable of influencing hormone levels and enhancing blood circulation.

Aphrodisiac effects may result from the placebo effect. Substances that counteract the effects that aphrodisiacs aim to enhance are called anaphrodisiacs, which exert opposite effects on libido.

Both males and females can potentially benefit from the use of aphrodisiacs, but the focus has largely been on males, as their properties tend to increase testosterone concentrations rather than estrogen levels. This is partly due to the historical context of aphrodisiacs, which centered primarily on males. Only recently has there been greater attention to how aphrodisiacs can support female sexual function. Additionally, cultural influences on acceptable sexual behavior for both males and females contribute to this research gap.

Types

Ambergris

Ambergris is found in the intestines of sperm whales. It is commonly used in Arab cultures as a remedy for headaches or as a performance enhancer. The chemical ambrein derived from it increases testosterone levels, which triggers sexual desire and behavior, but only in animal studies. Further research is needed to understand its effects on humans.

Bufotenin

Bufotenin is present in the skin and glands of toads from the genus Bufo. It is commonly utilized in the Caribbean and China. In the Caribbean, it functions as an aphrodisiac known as 'Love Stone'; in China, it serves as a heart medication called Chan su. Research indicates that the secretion from toad skin containing this compound can reduce a toad’s heart rate, but its effects on humans remain unknown.

Yohimbine

Yohimbine is a substance derived from the bark of yohim trees native to West Africa. It has been traditionally used in West African cultures, where the bark is boiled and the resulting water consumed to enhance sexual desire. Yohimbine has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and can be prescribed for sexual dysfunction in the USA and Canada. It is also available in various over-the-counter health products. Yohimbine is classified as an indole alkaloid and acts as an adrenoceptor antagonist. It influences the central nervous system, autonomic nervous system, and the penile tissue along with the vascular smooth muscle cells involved in penile erection. Additionally, it is utilized to address both physiologically impaired and psychogenic erectile dysfunction, preferably in conjunction with other treatments. Known side effects include nausea, anxiety, irregular heartbeats, and restlessness.

Horny goat weed

Horny goat weed (Epimedii herba) is used in Chinese folk medicine. It is believed to be effective in treating various medical conditions and enhancing sexual desire, pleasure, and behavior. Horny goat weed contains icariin, a flavanol glycoside. Its unusual name originates from the tendency of goats in the region to seek out this weed. Once farmers observed its effects on the goat population, they began using it to increase their workforce on the farms.

Alcohol

Alcohol has traditionally been viewed as possessing aphrodisiac-like qualities due to its effect as a central nervous system depressant, since depressants can increase sexual desire and behavior through disinhibition. Alcohol affects people both physiologically and psychologically, making it difficult to determine exactly how individuals experience its aphrodisiac effects (including qualities or the expectancy effect). Moderate consumption of alcohol can lead to a positive increase in sexual desire, while larger amounts are associated with challenges in achieving sexual satisfaction. As the porter in Shakespeare's Macbeth observes, "it provokes the desire, but it takes away the performance. " Chronic alcohol consumption is linked to sexual dysfunction.

Cannabis

Marijuana reports are mixed. Half of users claim an increase in sexual desire and pleasure, while the other half report no effect. Consumption, individual sensitivity, and possibly the strain of marijuana are factors that influence outcomes.

Food

Many cultures have turned to foods as sources of increasing sexual desire; however, significant research is lacking in studying the aphrodisiac qualities of these foods. Most claims can be linked to the placebo effect. Misconceptions revolve around the visual appearance of these foods in relation to male and female genitalia (such as carrots, bananas, and oysters). Other beliefs stem from the idea of consuming animal genitalia to absorb their properties (e.g., cow cod soup in Jamaica and balut in the Philippines). Korean bug is a popular aphrodisiac in China, Korea, and Southeast Asia, either eaten alive or in gelatin form. The caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) is also used as an aphrodisiac in China. The story of Aphrodite, who was born from the sea, adds to the belief that seafood is a source of aphrodisiacs. Foods that contain volatile oils have gained little recognition for their ability to improve sexual desire, sexual pleasure, and/or sexual behavior, as they act as irritants when released through the urinary tract. Chocolate has been reported to increase sexual desire in women who consume it compared to those who do not. Cloves and sage are believed to have aphrodisiac qualities, although their specific effects remain unclear. Tropical fruits, such as Borojó and Chontaduro, are considered energizers in general and sexual energizers in particular.

Ginseng

Ginseng refers to the root of any member of the genus Panax. Its active ingredients include ginsenosides and saponin glycosides. There are three different methods of processing ginseng: fresh ginseng is harvested at four years of growth, white ginseng is harvested at four to six years of growth, and red ginseng is harvested, dried, and steamed at six years of growth. Red ginseng is reported to be the most effective aphrodisiac among the three. Known adverse effects include mild gastrointestinal discomfort.

Maca is a Peruvian plant often referred to as "Peruvian ginseng, " though it is not related to Panax. It has been used as a tonic to enhance sexual performance.

Synthetic aphrodisiacs

Users have reported that popular party substances possess aphrodisiac properties due to their enhancing effects on sexual pleasure. Ecstasy users have noted an increase in sexual desire and pleasure; however, there are also reports of delayed orgasms in both sexes and erectile difficulties in men. Poppers, which contain inhalable drugs, have been associated with increased sexual pleasure. Known adverse effects include headaches, nausea, and temporary erectile difficulties.

Phenethylamines

Amphetamine, methylphenidate, and methamphetamine are phenethylamine derivatives that can increase libido and potentially cause frequent or prolonged erections, particularly at supratherapeutic doses, where sexual hyperexcitability and hypersexuality may occur; however, some individuals who use these drugs may experience reduced libido.

2C-B was commercially sold in 5 mg pills as a purported aphrodisiac under the trade name "Erox, " manufactured by the German pharmaceutical company Drittewelle.

Testosterone

Libido in males is linked to concentrations of sex hormones, particularly testosterone. When there is a reduced sex drive in individuals with relatively low levels of testosterone, especially in postmenopausal women or men over the age of 60, dietary supplements that claim to increase serum testosterone levels have been used in an attempt to enhance libido, although they often yield limited benefits. Long-term therapy with synthetic oral testosterone is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Risks

Obtaining solid evidence presents considerable challenges due to the diverse environments from which these substances originate across various cultures, leading to variable results attributable to differences in growth and extraction methods. Similarly, unnatural substances exhibit variability, as factors such as consumption patterns and individual sensitivity can influence outcomes. It is important to note that folk medicine and self-prescribed methods could potentially pose risks, as their adverse effects remain inadequately understood and are therefore not communicated to individuals researching this subject online.

In popular culture

The invention of an aphrodisiac is the basis of a number of films including Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, Spanish Fly (1975 film), She'll Follow You Anywhere, Love Potion No. 9 (film), and A Serbian Film.

The first segment of Woody Allen's movie Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (*But Were Afraid to Ask) (film)| is called "Do Aphrodisiacs Work?", and casts Allen as a court jester trying to seduce the Queen. The "Despair Arc" of Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope's Peak High School features a class being dosed with aphrodisiacs. In episode 2 of the anime "The Apothecary Diaries", Maomao makes aphrodisiacs and three of the ladies-in-waiting eat them unaware that they are aphrodisiacs. In the film Sexually Bewitched, a witch creates consumables that bring out and enhance the lust of whomever eats them; resulting in hijinks as the magic liberates the libido repressed by those who eat her magic.

General and cited references

• Gabriele Froböse, Rolf Froböse, Michael Gross (Translator): Lust and Love: Is It More than Chemistry? Royal Society of Chemistry, 2006; < ISBN:0-85404-867-7 >.
• Michael Scott: Pillow Talk: A Comprehensive Guide to Erotic Hypnosis and Relyfe Programming. Blue Deck Press, 2011; < ISBN:0-98341-640-0 >.

External links

More information is available at [ Wikipedia:Aphrodisiac ]

• Aphrodisiacs and Anti-aphrodisiacs: Three Essays on the Powers of Reproduction by John Davenport.

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