A difficult subject to write or talk about seriously. Especially a subject about which the wildest stories have been told for centuries. That’s why it might be a good idea to look at this emotional subject rationally. So here are some aphrodisiacs taken soberly.
Salvia hematodes
The root of Salvia haematodes, belonging to the Labiatae family, is mainly known in Saudi Arabia as an aphrodisiac. The drug is traditionally used to treat sexual disorders and premature ejaculations. The aphrodisic activity of an ethanol extract (500 mg/kg po) was studied in male rats. Compared with the control group, a significant increase in the penile erection index was observed. Homosexual behavior was not observed. The time before mating or penetration did not change, but ejaculation was delayed, mating and penetration frequencies were increased, and the post-ejaculation interval was prolonged compared to the control group. The treatment did not change ejaculation frequency, average penetration interval, or percentage of ejaculating rats. Treated male rats showed more frequent and energetic anogenital sniffing in the females. Exploration of the environment and climbing the cage wall were greatly reduced, while self-exploration was greatly increased (Islam et al, 1991).
Turnera diffusa
This small shrub is mainly found in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. The medicinally used parts of Turnera diffusa, also called Damiana aphrodisiaca, are the leaves. Cabrera (1958) writes that ancient Mexicans knew Damiana as a remedy for weakness due to alcohol or sexual excesses. Martinez (1959) concludes that the plant, which has been used as an aphrodisiac since Mayan culture, is an effective diuretic that increases sexual power. Lucas (1969) describes the plant as a tonic, diuretic and aphrodisiac, especially when combined with kola bean extracts. Rose (1972) recommends Turnera diffusa as a brain tonic, laxative and aphrodisiac. Currently, the plant is often used for commercial purposes. The Mexican liqueur ‘Damiana, a liqueur for lovers’ is an example of this (Lowry, 1984).
The aphrodisiac effect of an alcohol extract of Turnera diffusa and Pfaffia paniculata was studied in male sexually potent and sexually impotent rats. The copulatory behavior of male sexually potent rats was not affected, but, in sexually impotent rats, a significant improvement in sexual performance was observed. There was a reduction in the time interval for mating, penetration or ejaculation. Also, there was a decrease in post-ejaculation interval (Arletti et al, 1999),
Trichopus Zeylanicus
Trichopus Zeylanicus, known in India as Arogyapacha, belongs to the Trichopodaceae family. Even though the Kani tribes of Kerala (India) have used the plant for many generations as a nutritious means for better health and greater resistance, strengthening male performance is unknown in ethnomedical practices. T. zeylanicus has broad pharmacological effects: anti-hepatotoxic, immunomodulatory and anti-fatigue.
An ethanol extract of the leaves showed stimulation of sexual behavior in male mice. Normal adult male mice were administered an aqueous suspension or an extract (containing water, ethanol or n-hexane). For 4 hours after the introduction of a non-estrous female, the behavior of both treated and control animals was observed. In another experiment, different groups of mice were given different concentrations of the ethanol extract for 6 days. One hour after the last administration, females in estrus were introduced and the resulting mating behavior was observed by examining the vaginal liniment of each female mouse under the microscope the following morning for the presence of sperm.
Male mice treated with an aqueous suspension of the leaves (500 mg/kg po) showed excessive pouncing behavior 1 hour after treatment compared to the control group. In addition, only the ethanol extract showed a dose-dependent activity. A significant increase only occurred at a dose of 200 mg/kg. Daily administration of the extract for 6 days was more effective and significantly increased sexual behavior, even at a lower dose (Subramonium et al., 1997).
Eurycoma longifolia
Eurycoma longifolia, popularly known as Tongkat AH or Ali’s walking stick, belongs to the Simaroubaceae family. This plant can be found in hilly areas of Malaysia, Thailand, Burma, Sumatra, Indochina, Borneo and the Philippines. It is a plant growing up to 10 m tall, of which a watery decoction of the roots is taken as an aphrodisiac. In Malaysia, this plant has gained fame as a male aphrodisiac, reputed to increase male virility and sexual prowess (Ang et al., 1997). However, this popular statement is based more on subjective opinions than on scientific verification. Pharmacological studies on the active constituents of the plant revealed antimalarial, cytotoxic, anti-ulcer and antipyretic properties (Ang et al, 1998).
The effect of chronic administration on the sexual motivation of sexually naive male mice was studied. Ang et al. (1997) examined various root extracts for 10 days using the runway-choice and open field method. In the runway-choice method, the male is placed in a choice room with 2 doors at the end, each leading to a different cage. One cage contains a receptive estrous female. The number of males who choose the correct door is observed. In the ‘open field’ method, the male is placed in an arena around which, in different cages, both sexually active males and receptive females are present. Again, the movement and choice of cage are observed. After just 3 days of treatment, sexual motivation appeared to be enhanced after consuming extracts of Eurycoma longifolia on the one hand and yohimbine on the other.
In another study (Ang et al, 1998), a high-voltage power grid was used as an obstacle to overcome on the way to the copulation cage. In this way it is possible to determine the number of rats that are willing to overcome the obstacle to reach the females. The results showed that E. longifolia increasingly increased the total number of successful crossovers, ascents and ejaculations over the 9 to 12 week observation period, eventually plateauing at a high level. There appeared to be little difference between the various plants. The synergistic effect is a possible explanation for the use of the whole plant by the Malaysian community.
Decision
Sexual behavior can therefore certainly be investigated, but whether taking such plants also leads to better performance or more pleasure is questionable. Sex, pleasure and certainly love cannot simply be achieved by swallowing a plant or a pill. Of course, that requires a lot more.