Sexual desire is complex. It is an intricate balance of biology, psychology and chemistry. Mature humans (and most other species on the planet) have two primary instincts: to feed and to have sex. Aphrodisiacs combine these two and are thought to affect this complex physiological process, but how much of it is real?
Named after the Greek goddess of love - Aphrodite - aphrodisiacs refer to foods, drinks or drugs that stimulate a sexual response. They tend to be split into three categories based on their mode of action: ones that increase libido (sex drive), potency (the actual ability to have sex) or sexual pleasure. Historical records suggest that remedies have been prescribed throughout history to treat sexual performance. Panax ginseng has been used as a sexual stimulant in traditional Chinese medicine, and an extract from the blister beetle called ‘Spanish fly’ which dates back to ancient Rome, is said to have a powerful arousing effect.
Arousal is a very complex biochemical phenomenon that involves many molecular processes. The most central mechanism for arousal involves an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase (NOS). When this enzyme is activated, it stimulates the release of nitric oxide (NO) from nerve endings and blood vessel walls in the genitals. This NO triggers another enzyme called guanylate cyclase (GC) which goes on to convert a molecule called GTP into cGMP, the latter initiating a reduction in calcium levels in the smooth muscle cells. None of this sounds particularly significant, but it is the loss of calcium in smooth muscle cells that leads to the relaxation of surrounding tissue. Blood flow to the genitals increases as a result, causing swelling and lubrication in both male and female sex organs. A substance’s ability to assist this does not solely determine its classification as an aphrodisiac: they also generally aim to increase sexual desire, not just address the physiological issue of blood flow to the genitals.
Sexual dysfunction is an umbrella term describing a wide range of sexual health problems, such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, orgasmic disorder and many more. 4,913 men and 6,777 women were surveyed in the third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3) conducted in 2013. Of the respondents having reported sexual activity in the last year, 41.6 percent of men and 51.2 percent of women reported one or more problems related to sexual dysfunction. With such a large proportion of people reporting sexual issues, it should come as no surprise that the idea that certain consumables can limit these issues piques public interest - so which ones could help with this?
There are several plants that have been proven to affect sexual desire and arousal. For instance maca, a sweet root vegetable that grows in the mountainous regions of central Peru, has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac and carries the nickname ‘Peruvian Viagra’. Studies on these supposed effects show that libido levels and erectile function in rodents increased when dosed with maca. Similar studies suggest that it may have a similar effect on humans, but the mechanism of this is unclear. It is also suggested that the aforementioned Panax ginseng may have a direct effect on the nitric oxide arousal mechanism according to studies on rabbits, stimulating the release of NO, which then goes on to stimulate the soft tissues surrounding the genitals.
On the other hand, there are many foods that people believe have aphrodisiac properties, such as chocolate, oysters and cherries. These foods act more as visual innuendos, with oysters resembling vaginas, and cherries resembling breasts, and chocolate having the obvious indulgent, sexual connotation. Their aphrodisiac properties are not based in reality and are instead a result of placebo. Although they may stimulate a romantic or sexual atmosphere, there is very little scientific evidence to suggest they do anything chemical to directly increase arousal or sexual performance.
As with anything, there is a dark side to these types of products. With the rise of the sex industry in recent years, performance pills and supplements are marketed to prey on individuals that may be insecure about their ability to deliver in the bedroom. Unlicensed, unregulated ‘sex pills’ promise an aphrodisiac effect, but it is unclear what specific ingredients these pills are made up of. Some contain the aforementioned Spanish fly, which has been shown to cause serious health issues, so it is important to be wary of the exaggerated claims that these companies promise.
As we know, sex sells, which makes the aphrodisiac business an incredibly lucrative one, with the global sex supplement market projected to reach $3.84 billion this year. As demand grows, it becomes of increasing importance to be able to distinguish between products that deliver real results and those fueled by misinformation and placebo. While some aphrodisiacs are shown to have an effect on arousal and desire, many, even the ones that have been popularised in modern culture, do not. Sexual dysfunction can not be solved by an ambiguous ‘miracle pill’, so be sure to discuss any issues with your GP, not a potion master on Etsy.
