Neither Spanish fly extract, ambergris, secretion from the sperm whale’s digestive tract, but Korean ginseng and saffron turned out to be the best aphrodisiacs in a first-of-its-kind ranking by Food Research International.
Canadian scientists from the University of Guelph in Ontario analyzed dozens of different studies of various types of substances of plant and animal origin to see if they have any effect on sex drive. In their research, the preparations of rhinoceros horns or tiger penises, popular in some regions of the world, were lost.
Only Korean ginseng and saffron were considered to be relatively useful in love passions. A meta-analysis from studies has shown that ginseng increases the libido of both men and women, but also helps with erectile dysfunction. This may be the only natural aphrodisiac, although more research is needed to ultimately confirm it, Canadian researchers believe.
Saffron has been tested on animals. It increased the frequency of erections in rats. Clinical studies have shown that in men it may be helpful in erectile dysfunction, but Viagra, the first treatment for impotence, works much better. Libido is also stimulated by other spices such as clove, nutmeg, ginger and garlic, but weaker than saffron, Canadian specialists say.
Yohimbine, an alkaloid obtained from the so-called Medicinal tree found in Africa from Cameroon to Congo. It is administered in drops a few minutes before intercourse, it increases the blood supply to the genitals. This was confirmed by 9 studies carried out in the last two decades. Yohimbine, however, has the disadvantage that it causes serious side effects, such as epilepsy. In exceptional circumstances, the situation may even lead to death.
Spanish fly extract has a particularly harmful effect, therefore it is not recommended as an aphrodisiac. It contains cantaridine, a substance secreted in times of danger by oleic beetles. In microscopic doses it has a stimulating effect, but also irritates the nerve endings and mucous membranes of the genitourinary system, which causes painful erections and inflammation of the urinary tract and gastrointestinal tract. Cantaridine in a dose of 10 to 30 mg is fatal to humans, so in the times of the Medici, powdered beetles were made into a poison called aqua tofana.
Ecstasy (MDMA) increases touch sensitivity, which improves sexual experience, but also impairs male erection, delays and reduces the experience of orgasm, especially when taken with alcohol. Alcohol alone helps to get rid of inhibitions, but in men it reduces potency, the University of Guelph researchers say. As Shakespeare wrote, alcohol increases the desire but shortens the execution.
Oysters are high in zinc, which can stimulate sperm production in men, but they also contain the amino acid NMDA to increase the production of testosterone in the body. There is phenylethylamine in chocolate, which can act as a psychoactive neurotransmitter in the brain. However, it is mostly metabolized in the stomach and reaches the brain in small amounts. No studies have shown that it increases sex drive.
There is also no confirmation that the maca root, known as the Inca Viagra, improves erections in men. If it increases the blood supply to the genitals, it is in the same way as many other nutrient-rich food supplements. As much as 50 percent suffer from erectile dysfunction. men with diabetes and 44 percent. those who have high blood pressure.
The substances that increase sexual desire or potency are considered to be aphrodisiacs, formerly called lovages. Some specialists say that they also include preparations that improve sexual satisfaction. Drugs for male impotence, such as Viagra and Cialis, do not count as aphrodisiacs, as they only work when sexual arousal occurs.
Zbigniew Wojtasiński (PAP)