Effects
Aphrodisiac
Medical indications
- To promote sex drive or potency.
- Erectile dysfunction in men
- “Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder” (decreased sexual drive).
Active ingredients
Use v.a. in erectile dysfunction: phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors increase blood flow to the corpus cavernosum of the penis and act only during sexual stimulation:
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
- Vardenafil (Levitra)
Prostaglandins must be injected directly into the corpus cavernosum of the penis:
- Alprostadil (Caverject)
Dopamine agonists act via centrally through the limbic system (hypothalamus):
- Apomorphine sublingual (Uprima, off label).
- An adverse effect in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, e.g., pramipexole.
Not approved for this indication in many countries:
- Antidepressants: bupropion (Wellbutrin), trazodone (Trittico).
- Phentolamine
- Granisetron
- Betanechol
- Testosterone (Intrinsa, Germany), testosterone patch for women who have had their uterus and ovaries removed.
- PT-141 (nasal spray for women, clinical trials stopped because of adverse effects).
Other:
- Many stimulants, intoxicants and stimulants such as cocaine or alcohol have an aphrodisiac effect.
Traditional plant and animal aphrodisiacs (selection): caution: partly toxic, dangerous and ineffective!
- Mandrake
- Damiana
- Ginkgo
- Ginseng
- Pomegranate
- Maca
- Papaverine
- Opioids, e.g., morphine or codeine
- Capsaicin
- Spanish fly
- Yohimbine