UPLC-Q-TOF-MS profiling of Viola stocksii Boiss. and evaluation of aphrodisiac potential and risk factors associated with erectile dysfunction.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Viola stocksii Boiss. locally known as makhni or makhanr booti, is an important medicinal food plant with multiple therapeutic applications, including erectile dysfunction (ED). It is mixed with butter and used for boosting energy and sexual health in the subcontinent. AIMS OF THE STUDY: This study was designed to evaluate the chemical composition, aphrodisiac potential and effect of V. stocksii on the risk factors associated with ED. METHODOLOGY: The hydroethanolic extract of V. stocksii (HEEVS) was prepared through the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) technique. The chemical composition was evaluated using preliminary phytochemical screening and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis. Metals and minerals analysis was performed by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The aphrodisiac activity of HEEVS was evaluated using an in vivo aphrodisiac model established in male albino rats and the effect on various sexual parameters such as mount, intromission, ejaculation frequencies and mount, intromission, ejaculation latencies, postejaculatory interval, penile reflexes and serum hormone concentration were analyzed. The effect of HEEVS on various risk factors associated with ED, including prostate cancer (PC), bacterial infections, diabetes and obesity, was evaluated using various in vitro assays. Moreover, four compounds were selected from the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS profile and evaluated for in silico computational analysis against phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) for possible interaction. FINDINGS: The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various secondary metabolites in HEEVS, while 58 compounds were tentatively identified in the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis. Various important minerals and metals such as zinc, calcium, cadmium and magnesium were detected in the atomic absorption spectrometry analysis. The in vivo aphrodisiac evaluation showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the mount, intromission and ejaculation frequencies and a decrease in the mount, intromission latencies and post-ejaculatory intervals at a dose of 300 mg/kg. A marked (p < 0.05) increase was observed in the concentration of serum testosterone and luteinizing hormones in HEEVS treated animals with a significant increase in total penile reflexes. The extract displayed significant anti-prostate cancer activity and a potential antibacterial spectrum against E. coli and S. aureus, with MIC50 values of 215.72 µg/mL and 139.05 µg/mL, respectively. Similarly, HEEVS was found active towards pancreatic lipase (67.34 ± 1.03%), α-glucosidase (3.87 ± 0.54 mmol ACAE/g d.w.) and α-amylase (6.98 ± 1.63 mmol ACAE/g d.w.). The in silico docking study presented a potential interaction between the selected compounds and residues of the active site of PDE-5. CONCLUSION: This report highlights the aphrodisiac potential of V. stocksii and provides experimental support for its traditional use in ED with an attenuative effect on the risk factors associated with ED. Moreover, the chemical composition displayed the presence of functional phytoconstituents and minerals in HEEVS and paves the way for the isolation of compounds with potent aphrodisiac activity.

Quassinoids from Eurycoma longifolia and their bone formation evaluation in zebrafish, C3H10 cells and silico.

Phytochemicals with bone formation potential in traditional medicines captured more and more attentions due to their advantages to bone loss and fewer side effects. As a famous aphrodisiac phytomedicine, Eurycoma longifolia (EL) has acquired general recognition in improving male sexual health, and thus been considered as traditional medicine for the treatment of androgen-deficient osteoporosis. Although the aqueous extract of EL had been proved to be beneficial to bone loss, the active constituents and the mechanisms underlying the effects are still obscure. The current study performed a chemical investigation on the roots of EL, which resulted in the isolation and identification of ten quassinoids (EL-1-EL-10), and then conducted their osteogenic activity evaluations in vivo zebrafish model with or without dexamethasone (Dex) and in vitro C3H10 cell model. The result displayed that most tested concentrations of EL-1-EL-5 could significantly increase the mineralization areas and integrated optical densities (IODs) of skull in both zebrafish model. The majority tested concentrations of EL-1-EL-5 could also improve the mRNA expression of early osteogenic associated genes ALPL, Runx2a, Sp7 in zebrafish model without Dex, but only a few could accelerate the mRNA expression of late osteogenic associated genes OCN. These results suggested the ability of EL-1-EL-5 to increase bone formation mainly by accelerating osteogenic differentiation at the early stage. The structure-based virtual screening based on the pharmacophores in ePharmaLib, as well as the molecular docking study, implied that the effects of the quassinoids (EL-1-EL-5) on the enhancement of bone formation might be related with improving the content and the activity of androgen through binding with CYP19A, SHBG and AKR1C2, and activating bone metabolism-related ANDR target genes and signal pathways by combining with ANDR directly. Although the assumptions are in silico model-based and further in vitro and in vivo validations are still necessary, we provided a new perspective to explore the potential of EL to be used as an alternative treatment for not only androgen-deficient osteoporosis, but also estrogen-deficient bone loss, by combining with SHBG.

Aphrodisiac Performance of Bioactive Compounds from Mimosa pudica Linn.: In Silico Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation Approach.

Plants and their derived molecules have been traditionally used to manage numerous pathological complications, including male erectile dysfunction (ED). Mimosa pudica Linn. commonly referred to as the touch-me-not plant, and its extract are important sources of new lead molecules in drug discovery research. The main goal of this study was to predict highly effective molecules from M. pudica Linn. for reaching and maintaining penile erection before and during sexual intercourse through in silico molecular docking and dynamics simulation tools. A total of 28 bioactive molecules were identified from this target plant through public repositories, and their chemical structures were drawn using Chemsketch software. Graph theoretical network principles were applied to identify the ideal target (phosphodiesterase type 5) and rebuild the network to visualize the responsible signaling genes, proteins, and enzymes. The 28 identified bioactive molecules were docked against the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) enzyme and compared with the standard PDE5 inhibitor (sildenafil). Pharmacokinetics (ADME), toxicity, and several physicochemical properties of bioactive molecules were assessed to confirm their drug-likeness property. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation modeling was performed to investigate the stability of PDE5-ligand complexes. Four bioactive molecules (Bufadienolide (-12.30 kcal mol-1), Stigmasterol (-11.40 kcal mol-1), Isovitexin (-11.20 kcal mol-1), and Apigetrin (-11.20 kcal mol-1)) showed the top binding affinities with the PDE5 enzyme, much more powerful than the standard PDE5 inhibitor (-9.80 kcal mol-1). The four top binding bioactive molecules were further validated for a stable binding affinity with the PDE5 enzyme and conformation during the MD simulation period as compared to the apoprotein and standard PDE5 inhibitor complexes. Further, the four top binding bioactive molecules demonstrated significant drug-likeness characteristics with lower toxicity profiles. According to the findings, the four top binding molecules may be used as potent and safe PDE5 inhibitors and could potentially be used in the treatment of ED.

Botanical Medicine and Natural Products Used for Erectile Dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction is the persistent or recurrent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for intercourse. Despite various treatment options, not all patients respond adequately and their usefulness is limited by adverse effects and cost. Botanical medicine and natural products have been and continue to be invaluable and untapped sources of new drugs, including potentially those to treat erectile dysfunction. OBJECTIVES: To review the current literature on botanical medicine traditionally used as aphrodisiacs and treatment of erectile dysfunction, in particular, scientific and clinical investigations that have been performed, possible active phytoconstituents, and mechanisms of action and to identify gaps in current knowledge to better guide future research efforts. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted via PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science on English publications, using various keywords, for example, "herb", "natural product", combined with "erectile dysfunction", "aphrodisiac", and "sexual performance". RESULTS: 369 relevant articles studying medicinal plants used for erectile dysfunction were analyzed. A total of 718 plants from 145 families and 499 genera were reported to be used traditionally as aphrodisiacs and treatment of erectile dysfunction. Top plants used include Pausinystalia johimbe, Lepidium meyenii, and Panax ginseng. Different plant parts are used, with roots being the most common. Less than half of these plants have been evaluated scientifically, using various research methodologies. Clinical trials conducted were collated. Current scientific investigation shows mixed results about their usefulness in enhancing sexual performance. A limited number of studies have attempted to elucidate the mechanisms of action of these medicinal plants. CONCLUSION: A comprehensive literature review on botanical medicine and natural products used for treatment of erectile dysfunction was successfully conducted. Although medicinal plants serve as a potential source of lead compounds for erectile dysfunction drugs, further studies are warranted to further evaluate their efficacy and safety. SinVJ-E, Anand GS, Koh H-L. Botanical Medicine and Natural Products Used for Erectile Dysfunction. Sex Med Rev 2021;9:568-592.

Pharmacological insights on the antidepressant, anxiolytic and aphrodisiac potentials of Aglaonema hookerianum Schott.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Aglaonema hookerianum Schott is an ethnomedicinally important plant used to treat a variety of diseases, including sexual and depression-like disorders. However, the scientific basis underlying the aforesaid properties have not been well justified. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present investigation aimed to investigate the anxiolytic, antidepressant and aphrodisiac potentials of methanol leaves extract of A. hookerianum (MEAH) in Swiss albino mice. MATERIALS & METHODS: Swiss albino mice (20-30 g) were orally administrated with MEAH at the doses ranging from 100 to 400 mg/kg, b.w. The elevated plus maze (EPM) and hole board test (HBT) were performed to determine the anxiolytic activity and the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) were performed to determine the antidepressant activity of MEAH. Besides, the aphrodisiac activity of MEAH was conducted through the mounting behaviour and orientation behaviour analysis. Diazepam (1 mg/kg, b.w., i.p.) for EPM and HBT; fluoxetine HCl (20 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) for FST and TST, and sildenafil (5 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) for the mounting behaviour analysis and orientation behaviour analysis were used as reference drugs. RESULTS: The administration of the MEAH produced a strong (p < 0.001) dose-dependent anxiolytic effects in both HBT and EPM tests. Likewise, the extract revealed a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in the immobility time in both FST and TST as compared to the control group. Besides, the MEAH also found to possess marked aphrodisiac activity complying several facets such as an increase in the sexual performance at the highest dose (400 mg/kg, p.o.) as well as the orientation toward female mice (p < 0.001) at all tested doses. CONCLUSION: Taken together, MEAH can be recommended as a potent source of neuroprotective and a libido-boosting drug candidate for the management of neurological and sexual disorders.

Efficacy and Safety of Common Ingredients in Aphrodisiacs Used for Erectile Dysfunction: A Review.

INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to attain or sustain an erection for sexual intercourse. Affected men endorse difficulties with intimacy and feelings of guilt and shame. Although medical treatments are available, patients are reluctant to discuss ED with physicians and often use dietary supplements to attempt to treat their ED. As such, there is a need to better understand the effects of ingredients used in nutraceuticals for ED treatment. OBJECTIVES: To summarize the literature on the efficacy and safety of the most common ingredients used in ED supplements. METHODS: 10 of the most common ingredients in ED supplements were reviewed using PubMed-indexed literature to assess their efficacy and safety in treating ED. Key findings were summarized to include historical use, active ingredients, prior animal studies, human studies, and toxicity. RESULTS: Nutraceuticals used in ED treatment include a variety of ingredients. Although L-arginine is a safe supplement with clinical data supporting improved erectile function, limited data exist on the efficacy of other ingredients in the treatment of ED. CONCLUSION: Despite the growing use of supplements for treatment of sexual dysfunction, ED supplements remain poorly studied, with limited data demonstrating efficacy of individual ingredients. Further study is required to definitively determine the efficacy of nutraceuticals in ED treatment. Srivatsav A, Balasubramanian A, Pathak UI, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Common Ingredients in Aphrodisiacs Used for Erectile Dysfunction: A Review. J Sex Med 2020;8:431-442.

Medicinal plants/herbal supplements as female aphrodisiacs: Does any evidence exist to support their inclusion or potential in the treatment of FSD?

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Female Sexual Dysfunction is a complex condition with biopsychosocial origins. Plants traditionally used as aphrodisiacs may be promising as routes to develop therapeutic options which are lacking. AIM: To distinguish the plants commonly used in (AP) on the market in the United States, and to evaluate their ethnobotanical and clinical evidence as a basis for their inclusion. METHODS: This study is a narrative review of 53 species commonly found in AP on the market in the United States. Most species listed have anecdotal use as aphrodisiacs throughout history; therefore, a systematic search was done for clinical evidence. The primary outcome assessed is the clinical efficacy of plants in the treatment of libido desire disorders. RESULTS: There is little to no evidence from the literature to substantiate claims of plants currently on the market as AP for female libido desire disorders. CONCLUSIONS: The biggest problem in the literature is the lack of botanical verification and consistency in material across studies. Any botanical, commercial or otherwise must be tested for chemical markers exhibited by individual species; however, if no markers exist, work must first be done to determine these. Appropriate analytical techniques for this would include high pressure liquid chromatography, and mass spectroscopy. It would also be sufficient to taxonomically authenticate species provided the plant material. Further research should aim to standardize plant material and extraction methods utilized in order to compare studies effectively and allow for reproducibility to draw conclusions. While clear interest into investigation the aphrodisiac potential of plants exists, a translatable in vivo animal model does not. Clinical trials rely on patient reported outcomes to determine efficacy but cost and length of such trials deem a necessity for development of an animal model to first screen botanicals. We suggest development of screening tools utilizing the evident neurobiological underpinnings of FSD as the first step. In general, studies of plants currently used as ingredients for AP are severely lacking, and even so the evidence that exists is weak.

Neural substrates of sexual arousal are not sex dependent.

Sexual arousal is a dynamical, highly coordinated neurophysiological process that is often induced by visual stimuli. Numerous studies have proposed that the cognitive processing stage of responding to sexual stimuli is the first stage, in which sex differences occur, and the divergence between men and women has been attributed to differences in the concerted activity of neural networks. The present comprehensive metaanalysis challenges this hypothesis and provides robust quantitative evidence that the neuronal circuitries activated by visual sexual stimuli are independent of biological sex. Sixty-one functional magnetic resonance imaging studies (1,850 individuals) that presented erotic visual stimuli to men and women of different sexual orientation were identified. Coordinate-based activation likelihood estimation was used to conduct metaanalyses. Sensitivity and clustering analyses of averaged neuronal response patterns were performed to investigate robustness of the findings. In contrast to neutral stimuli, sexual pictures and videos induce significant activations in brain regions, including insula, middle occipital, anterior cingulate and fusiform gyrus, amygdala, striatum, pulvinar, and substantia nigra. Cluster analysis suggests stimulus type as the most, and biological sex as the least, predictor for classification. Contrast analysis further shows no significant sex-specific differences within groups. Systematic review of sex differences in gray matter volume of brain regions associated with sexual arousal (3,723 adults) did not show any causal relationship between structural features and functional response to visual sexual stimuli. The neural basis of sexual arousal in humans is associated with sexual orientation yet, contrary to the widely accepted view, is not different between women and men.

Aphrodisiac Activity of an Aqueous Extract of Wood Ear Mushroom, Auricularia polytricha (Heterobasidiomycetes), in Male Rats.

Auricularia polytricha is a popular mushroom found all over the world. In this study we considered the effect of an aqueous extract of A. polytricha (AEAP) on restoring sexual performance parameters to normal, evaluated by considering observations of sexual behavior. At 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 days, the following parameters of sexual performance were identified before and throughout the observations: mount latency, intromission latency, ejaculation latency, mounting frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculation frequency, and postejaculatory interval. Treatment of rats under stress with AEAP showed promising effects on overcoming stress-induced sexual dysfunction, on sexual performance, and on accessory sexual organs and body weight. Mounting latency, intromission latency, ejaculation latency, and postejaculatory interval parameters were significantly decreased by AEAP, whereas mounting frequency, intromission frequency, and ejaculation frequency were significantly increased by AEAP. These properties were identified in sexually dynamic and indolent male rats. We conclude that AEAP has a potent aphrodisiac activity.

Effect of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni extract on sexual dysfunction in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats.

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni has been used locally as a non-calorie sweetener in medicine and diabetic diet which claimed to have aphrodisiac properties, although no scientific data of this function have been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of S. rebaudiana extract on sexual dysfunction, testosterone levels and number of Leydig cells in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male rats. A total of 28 diabetic male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: diabetic group without any extract and 3 extract groups (5, 50 and 100 mg/kg). Seven normal control rats were treated with vehicle mount latency and frequency of (ML, MF), intromission latency and frequency (IL, IF), ejaculation latency and frequency of (EL, EF), the mount latency post ejaculation (MPE), the intromission latency post ejaculation (ILE), the intromission frequency post ejaculation (IFE) were recorded during 30 min on days 0, 14, 28. The serum testosterone levels, blood glucose, sex organs weight, number of leydig cells and histology of testicular tissue were measured. The stevia group (5 mg/kg) had a significant (p<0.05) increase in EF and IF. The number of Leydig cells in the diabetic group were significantly (p<0.05) reduced compared to the normal group and diabetic groups with extract (5 and 50 mg/kg). The serum testosterone levels and other sexual behaviors did not show any significant differences. The low- dose stevia extract with attention to antioxidant, vasodilator and anti-diabetic properties can be aphrodisiac in STZ- induced diabetic male rats.

Is the use of plants in Jordanian folk medicine for the treatment of male sexual dysfunction scientifically based? Review of in vitro and in vivo human and animal studies.

Male sexual dysfunction is a serious problem which has an impact on the quality of life. In Jordanian folk medicine, 56 plant species were reported to be used by males to improve sexual potency and as aphrodisiacs. The aim of this study was to search for scientific evidence justifying their folk use. Of the 15 studied plants, only five were found to enhance spermatogenesis. The other 10 were reported to decrease spermatogenesis at least by one study. The majority of the studied plants possessed a protective effect on testis in different in vivo models as well as antioxidant activities. The effect of these plants on steroidogenesis and the hypothalamic-gonadal axis was also reviewed. The effect of only five plants was studied on sexual behaviour enhancement and three of them were active. Three of the four studied plants enhanced erection. The mechanism of action of active constituents isolated from the studied plants was also investigated. In conclusion, many plants used in Jordanian folk medicine decreased or had no effect on spermatogenesis in animal models. These plants have antioxidant and/or adaptogenic effects, and this may result in a beneficial action on male reproductive system.

A review of the potential of medicinal plants in the management and treatment of male sexual dysfunction.

Male sexual dysfunction is a common disorder that appears to be a consequence of a wide range of physical and psychological conditions. Due to mental stress, insufficient physical exercise and various aetiological factors, human being's life is becoming less pleasant, which leads to incapability to have sexual pleasure. The allopathic drugs used for sexual dysfunction are believed to produce a variety of side effects and affect other physiological processes and, ultimately, general health. Therefore, the search for natural supplement from medicinal plants is being intensified probably because of less side effects availability and affordability. Ethnobotanical surveys have indicated a large number of plants traditionally used as aphrodisiacs but only few of them are scientifically validated for the management and treatment of male sexual dysfunction. This article has summarised the medicinal plants traditionally recommended and scientifically validated for the management and treatment of male sexual dysfunction.

Indian folklore medicine in managing men's health and wellness.

India is a home for a large variety of plants with remarkable medicinal and pharmacological value. Traditional medicine in the form of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani has used many of these plants since ancient days for treating and curing various ailments of the body. When it comes to issues related to reproductive health, people still hesitate to discuss and/or accept it openly and hence look for alternate and natural remedies. The various tribal populations distributed across different parts of the country still use these plant extracts in various formulations for maintenance of good health. The medical utilities of several of these plants have been documented; however, there are many more, whose potential is yet to be explored. This review discusses the role of various plants grown in the Indian subcontinent that have been widely used in maintaining various aspects of reproductive health in men such as infertility, aphrodisiac, contraception, libido, sexually transmitted infections and reproductive tract cancers as well as in treating chronic disorders.

Future Targets for Female Sexual Dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: Female sexual function reflects a dynamic interplay of central and peripheral nervous, vascular, and endocrine systems. The primary challenge in the development of novel treatments for female sexual dysfunction is the identification and targeted modulation of excitatory sexual circuits using pharmacologic treatments that facilitate the synthesis, release, and/or receptor binding of neurochemicals, peptides, and hormones that promote female sexual function. AIM: To develop an evidence-based state-of-the-art consensus report that critically integrates current knowledge of the therapeutic potential for known molecular and cellular targets to facilitate the physiologic processes underlying female sexual function. METHODS: State-of-the-art review representing the opinions of international experts developed in a consensus process during a 1-year period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Expert opinion was established by grading the evidence-based medical literature, intensive internal committee discussion, public presentation, and debate. RESULTS: Scientific investigation is urgently needed to expand knowledge and foster development of future treatments that maintain genital tissue integrity, enhance genital physiologic responsiveness, and optimize positive subjective appraisal of internal and external sexual cues. This article critically condenses the current knowledge of therapeutic manipulation of molecular and cellular targets within biological systems responsible for female sexual physiologic function. CONCLUSION: Future treatment targets include pharmacologic modulation of emotional learning circuits, restoration of normal tactile sensation, growth factor therapy, gene therapy, stem cell-based therapies, and regenerative medicine. Concurrent use of centrally and peripherally acting therapies could optimize treatment response.

Pro-sexual and androgen enhancing effects of Tribulus terrestris L.: Fact or Fiction.

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Historically, aphrodisiacs have had a reputation for making sex more achievable and satisfying. It has been long believed that Tribulus terrestris L. (TT), an annual plant of the family Zygophyllaceae, possesses aphrodisiac properties purportedly attributed to its ability to influence levels or mimic function of sex hormones. Due to this appealing beliefs, the popularity of medicinal products from TT is expanding at a remarkable pace among consumers who are attempting to enhance their sexual health. However, reliable scientific evidence supporting these purported bioactivities are scant and far from conclusive. AIM OF THE REVIEW: To critically analyze and updated the evidence supporting a role for TT as an aphrodisiac and to reappraise the widely believed view of TT as an androgen enhancing botanical supplement. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An extensive review of the literature was carried out based on systematic search of major scientific databases (PubMed, Elsevier, Springer Link, Google Scholar, Medline Plus, and Web of Science) for studies of phytochemical, pharmacological and traditional uses of TT published between 1968 and 2015. In addition, the reference lists of the available articles were reviewed and relevant studies including material in journals which are not indexed internationally were reviewed. RESULTS: Analysis of phytochemical and pharmacological studies in humans and animals revealed an important role for TT in treating erectile dysfunction and sexual desire problems; however, empirical evidence to support the hypothesis that this desirable effects are due to androgen enhancing properties of TT is, at best, inconclusive, and analysis of empirical evidence from a comprehensive review of available literature proved this hypothesis wrong. While the mechanisms underlying TT aphrodisiac activity remain largely unknown, there is emerging compelling evidence from experimental studies in animals for possible endothelium and nitric oxide-dependent mechanisms underlying TT aphrodisiac and pro-erectile activities. CONCLUSION: It is becoming increasingly clear that the deep-seated traditional view of TT bioactivity focused exclusively on its androgen enhancing properties is outdated and incapable for accommodating the emerging evidence from recent clinical and experimental studies pointing toward new and, perhaps, more plausible modes of action. Novel paradigms guiding the development of new testable hypotheses for TT aphrodisiac properties are needed to stimulate further investigations into potential biological mechanisms in which many apparently conflicting observations can be reconciled.

A review on plants used for improvement of sexual performance and virility.

The use of plant or plant-based products to stimulate sexual desire and to enhance performance and enjoyment is almost as old as the human race itself. The present paper reviews the active, natural principles, and crude extracts of plants, which have been useful in sexual disorders, have potential for improving sexual behaviour and performance, and are helpful in spermatogenesis and reproduction. Review of refereed journals and scientific literature available in electronic databases and traditional literature available in India was extensively performed. The work reviews correlation of the evidence with traditional claims, elucidation, and evaluation of a plausible concept governing the usage of plants as aphrodisiac in total. Phytoconstituents with known structures have been classified in appropriate chemical groups and the active crude extracts have been tabulated. Data on their pharmacological activity, mechanism of action, and toxicity are reported. The present review provides an overview of the herbs and their active molecule with claims for improvement of sexual behaviour. A number of herbal drugs have been validated for their effect on sexual behavior and fertility and can therefore serve as basis for the identification of new chemical leads useful in sexual and erectile dysfunction.

Traditional plant aphrodisiacs and male sexual dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: There has been a long history of man's fascination with better and stronger sex drive and performance across different cultures. Several literature texts from the Hindu, Egyptian, Chinese and Roman civilizations document the human endless search for substances that can enhance sexual experiences and/or treat erectile dysfunction. AIM: This review will discuss the current research done on the most popular plant aphrodisiacs and provide evidence to support or discourage the use of any of them to enhance sexual desire and/or function in men. METHODS: We review the current evidence on the use of natural substances as aphrodisiacs. RESULTS: We found very little evidence to support the use of plant aphrodisiacs in the treatment of male sexual dysfunction. The vast majority of studies were conducted on animals with very few clinical studies. Available data suggest a beneficial effect of ginseng as a pro-sexual supplement and not an independent treatment for male sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Trans-culturally, many herbal therapies show some potential benefits in improving men's sexual function; however, adequate studies on the specific benefits and health risks associated with their use are needed. We strongly recommend the design and execution of well-controlled clinical studies to determine the efficacy and safety of plant aphrodisiacs.

Aphrodisiac effect of aqueous root extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides in sexually impaired rats.

BACKGROUND: The phytochemical constituents of the aqueous root extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides Planch. Ex Bth. and its aphrodisiac activity on male rat sexual behavior and reproductive hormones in paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction were evaluated. METHODS: The extract was screened for the presence of phytochemicals. The extract (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight) and the reference herbal drug PowmaxM (7.14 mg/kg body weight) were administered orally to paroxetine-induced sexually impaired male rats, once daily for 5 days, and their sexual behavior parameters were monitored and computed. The serum hormones (testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone) were determined at the end of treatment period. RESULTS: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, phenolics, saponins, and tannins. Mount frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), ejaculatory frequency (EF), and testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone concentrations were reduced significantly (p<0.05) in paroxetine-treated rats. Administration of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous root extract of L. cupanioides significantly (p<0.05) reversed the paroxetine-mediated alterations in MF, IF, EF, mount latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), ejaculatory latency (EL), postejaculatory interval (PEI), and testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone concentrations dose-dependently. The reversal of the male sexual behavior parameters by the extract compared well (p<0.05) with the PowmaxM-treated animals. CONCLUSIONS: Data obtained from this study revealed that the aqueous root extract of L. cupanioides restored sexual competence in sexually impaired rats possibly by increasing sexual drive through enhanced reproductive hormones concentration, particularly testosterone, thus supporting the folkloric claim of the plant for the management of sexual disorder in males.

Assessment of general public perceptions toward traditional medicines used for aphrodisiac purpose in state of Penang, Malaysia.

The study aims to evaluate general public perceptions regarding the use of Traditional and Complementary Medicines (TCM) for aphrodisiac purposes. A questionnaire based, cross-sectional study was undertaken. Respondents were selected in the state of Penang, Malaysia. A total of 392 respondents were included in the study. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Chi Square/Fischer Exact tests were used where appropriate. Out of 392 respondents, 150 (38.26%) reported using specific Traditional medicines for aphrodisiac purposes. Most respondents (46.94%) agreed that aphrodisiac medicines were easily available t. Moreover, 40.31% of the respondents reported that traditional aphrodisiac medicines were cheaper than modern (prescription) medicines. This study highlights limited public knowledge regarding the use of traditional aphrodisiac medicine. Healthcare professionals should be aware of informal TCM usage when prescribing allopathic medicines.

Arthropods and their products as aphrodisiacs--review of literature.

After a short review of impotence, the definitions of erectants and aphrodisiacs are presented. The Authors propose division of arthropods according to the places of effect. The description of particular arthropods with their pictures and nomenclature, is followed by certain or probable mechanisms of achieving the aphrodisiac and sometimes toxic effect, that were available in the literature since 1929 till nowadays. We mention the most usual locations, mainly in Asia, where they are found and consumed, but also, we describe the manner of preparing and intake. The review includes the following arthropods: lobster, Arizona bark scorpion, deathstalker, banana spider, Mediterranean black widow, Burmeister's triatoma, giant water bug, diving-beetle, Korean bug, diaclina, flannel moth, Spanish fly, migratory locust, red wood ant and honeybee.