Aphrodisiacs

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:

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