Aphrodisiacs: are they really useful?

The pursuit of sexual gratification is as old as civilization itself. Can 21st century medicine unravel the secret of lust? Despite modern clinical research, the ideal aphrodisiacs that are guaranteed to cause it have not yet been found.

Is there a place for aphrodisiacs in our sexual life?

For many couples, a harmonious intimate life is the key to long-term happiness. But sexual dysfunction and loss of interest in sex are issues that affect relationship satisfaction.

In 2015, a panel of experts analyzed the results of scientific studies on sexual dysfunction in men and women.

The Journal of Sexual Medicine reported that "the most common sexual disorders in women are dysfunctions of desire and arousal. In addition, there is a large proportion of women in whom these disorders occur in combination."

"Premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction are most common in men." Can aphrodisiacs get our sex life back on track?

What are aphrodisiacs

Each of us has heard a lot about various potential aphrodisiacs: from simple spices and exotic plant extracts to animal and insect organs.

Some of them have deep historical and cultural roots, but there really isn't enough scientific evidence that they have the desired effect.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, some aphrodisiacs, such as yohimbine, which is extracted from the bark of the West African yohimbe tree, are associated with serious health risks and can cause heart attacks and seizures.

Admittedly, official medicine is gradually accumulating reliable knowledge about aphrodisiacs based on high-quality research aimed at understanding which drugs are safe and how they work.

Ginkgo and ginseng

In a review of the scientific evidence for the efficacy of natural aphrodisiacs, Dr. Elizabeth West of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of California, Irvine and Dr. Michael Krichman of the Southern California Center for Sexual Health and Survival Medicine in Newport Beach report that "although evidence is still lacking, drugs from impotence based on ginkgo biloba, ginseng, Peruvian maca and Tribulus terrestris are a promising direction.

Ginkgo has been found to increase blood flow to peripheral organs, including the genitals. However, while one aphrodisiac study showed improved sexual function in both men and women, these findings have not been confirmed by other studies.

Ginkgo is well tolerated by most people but poses a risk of excessive bleeding, scientists warn.

Next, several double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies have confirmed that ginseng is effective for erectile dysfunction and, to a lesser extent, may increase sexual arousal in menopausal women.

As with ginkgo, ginseng can cause side effects that include minor gastrointestinal upset. Also, allergic reactions are possible in patients with intolerance to the ingredients of the drug.

Poppy and Tribulus

According to scientists, studies in rodents have shown that Peruvian maca is effective in increasing libido and improving erectile function after taking this supplement.

While three clinical studies have shown improvement in sexual function in both women and men, the fourth has not.

Therefore, it is too early to draw final conclusions.

Tribulus Terrestris, or Tribulus Terrestris, a plant traditionally used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, contains a compound that is converted in the body to dehydroepiandrosterone, a naturally occurring steroid hormone.

Tribuli terrestrial, or Tribulus terrestrial also known as kavuns, is an annual herbaceous plant that grows in temperate and tropical climates. They are poisonous plants. Their poisoning is noted in the spring and summer.

Again, "a study in mice showed an increase in sperm production after tribulus supplementation," report West and Krichman.

Sexual satisfaction in women taking Tribulus terrestris has been improved in several studies, including a 2017 study, and moreover, sperm quality and erectile function in men have also improved.

The action of aphrodisiacs is not recognized as safe and effective

Despite an increase in high-quality clinical trials, the FDA warns that "adequate evidence is lacking to unequivocally accept ingredients used as an aphrodisiac."

"Based on the evidence currently available, any over-the-counter drug containing ingredients for use as an aphrodisiac cannot be generally accepted as safe and effective."

Thus, before stocking up on aphrodisiacs offered for sale, you should not forget this warning. Talk to your doctor and make an informed decision. This will be the safest option.