Aphrodisiacs – Sexual Fantasy or Fiction

by Grant Grayson

Throughout history we humans have searched for magic substances to enhance sexual arousal and desire. All kinds of compounds have been purported to be aphrodisiacs including; rhinoceros horn, the glands of musk deer or beaver, sheep or bull testicles, spanish fly, mandrake root and ginseng.

The etymological of the word aphrodisiac originates from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sexual love and beauty. Legend has it that Aphrodite was born from the white foam of the sea after Cronus cut off Uranus' testicles and threw them into the sea.

An aphrodisiac is defined as any substance that arouses sexual desire, increases sensual pleasure and/or sexual performance. There are two main categories of aphrodisiacs - psychophysiological compounds (visual, tactile, olfactory and auditory) and ingestible compounds (food, drink and medicaments).

Although there are numerous aphrodisiacs available today, there is little substantiating scientific evidence that supports their efficacy. In fact, many of these substances have been proven to be dangerous. In Asia, for example, severe poisoning has sickened large numbers of people after they consumed herbal formulations containing mercury and arsenic to enhance their sexual performance.

The Substances of Love

Most aphrodisiacs originate the notion that plants or animal parts that resemble human genitalia would convey sexual powers. For example, rhinoceros horn has been widely used by men to enhance sex drive based on the similarity in the shape of the horn and an erect penis. It’s interesting to note that chemical analysis of rhinoceros horn extract revealed no mysterious substance, only sugars, amino acids, polypeptides, phosphorus and ethanolamine.

Insects

On the other hand, many aphrodisiacs do have some pharmacological validity. For more than 2000 years, the Chinese have used an alcoholic extract from the dried bodies of the Pan Mao blister beetle. In Central and South America, locals have used a variety of species of beetles, generically called Spanish Fly.

The use of the beetle as an aphrodisiac is based on the prolific copulatory behavior of the insects. This was regarded as evidence that beetles possess a sexual substance in their bodies that could be transmitted to humans.

Animals

Other widely accepted aphrodisiacs include the glandular essence from various mammals such as musk deer, beavers and cat-like animals called civets. Deer musk contains both odorants and hormones, which may have a pharmacological effect on the body.

Plants

Plant-based aphrodisiacs include the bark of the Yohimbe tree, which is regarded by natives as a tonic that enhances sexual power and virility. Yohimbe has long been used as a sexual stimulant for domestic animals and to treat impotence in men. Results from clinical trials show that Yohimbe has a positive effect on sexual desire and performance in some men.

The root extract of the mandrake plant was considered to be a broad cure-all and was used to awaken sexual desire in otherwise unwilling subjects. The spindle-shaped root of the plant has an obvious phallic form. Chemical analysis of the mandrake root has shown the plant does contains several narcotic alkaloids.

The orchid is another plant based on the folklore that genital-shaped plants have sexual powers. Orchid is the Latin word for testicle (orchis) and the root bulbs have this shape.

The most widely used plant-based tonic and aphrodisiac is ginseng. The branched and knotty roots of ginseng resemble human genitalia and have been used for centuries as a sexual enhancer. Chemical analysis supports the stimulatory affects of ginseng, however the US Food and Drug Administration found no evidence of enhanced sexual experience or potency resulting from its use.

Other plants such as datura, belladonna, henbane, strychnos, cannabis, xylocapus, licorice root, mushroom and other phallic-shaped flora were key ingredients in the sexual rights of ancient fertility cults and are still used today in many parts of the world.

Recently, wild oat and other plants containing Avena Sativa, have been researched and marketed as aphrodisiacs.

Foods

Many foods such as oysters, some vegetables and aromatic spices have also traditionally been attributed aphrodisiac powers. Chemical analysis has failed to show any substances in these foods that could have a direct physiological action on the body. Their reputations seem based on the phallic shape folklore.

Aphrodisiacs and Dysfunction

A renewed interest in aphrodisiac substances is now underway, due mainly to the increased awareness of sexual dysfunction and the economic incentives to accommodate this growing market.

A number of non-aromatic acids that occur in the normal vaginal secretions of a wide range of  primates and humans, are also known to stimulate sexual activity in male partners via olfactory pathways. Chemicals found in human skin secretions may also have some value in human sexual attraction.

That Something Extra

Recently, researchers have investigated the role of neurotransmitters in sexual behavior, and have explored and developed many potential substances. One particular essence is found in a product called Passion-Scent Romance Aid, made by the Inhalex company in the U.S.

Current research shows that psychopharmacological compounds that stimulate both mind and body will play a significant role in addressing sexual disorders in the future. Not only will this benefit the large number individuals who suffer with some form of sexual dysfunction, it will benefit all those looking for that extra something in their sex lives.