BEST STUDIED HERBAL APHRODISIACS
Chlorophytum borivilianum (Safed Musli)
The tuberous roots of this plant possess immunomodulatory and adaptogenic
properties and are used to cure impotency, sterility, and enhance male potency.
Variation in the sexual behavior is observed after uses of this herb root as
reflected by reduction of mount latency (ML), ejaculation latency (EL),
post-ejaculatory latency, intromission latency (IL), and an increase of
mounting frequency (MF) and also reflected enhanced penile erection and reduced
hesitation time. The observed effects appear to be attributable to the
testosterone like effects.
A study to evaluate the aphrodisiac and spermatogenic potential of the
aqueous extract of dried roots of Chlorophytum Borivilianum, and it observed a
marked aphrodisiac action, increased libido, sexual vigor and sexual arousal.
Similarly it is observed significantly increased sperm count. The roots of this
herb can be useful for the treatment of sexual inadequacies, such as premature
ejaculation and oligospermia.
Mondia whitei (Periplocaceae)
Mondia
whitei has been used by many traditional medicine practitioners
for the management of ED. It is used to increase libido and also for the
management of low sperm count. Investigations showed significantly enhanced
total motility as well as progressive motility in human spermatozoa. These
support the use of Mondia whitei especially in men affected with
asthenozoospermia. Researches showed sexual enhancement in sexually
inexperienced male rats. This is due to the reduction of the hesitation time of
the sexually inexperienced males towards receptive females as indicated by the
significant decrease in the ML (mount latency). Herb enhances the sexual power
by increasing androgen levels.
Tribulus terrestris (गोखुरू)
Plant has many common names, including bindii, bullhead, burra gokharu,
caltrop, cat's head, devil's eyelashes, devil's thorn, devil's weed, goathead,
Puncture Vine, Puncturevine, and tackweed.
Tribulus terrestris is used in
traditional medicine to improves libido and spermatogenesis. Steroid saponins
is found in herb in significant quantities. It is also found to increase the
levels of testosterone, leutinizing hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone,
dihydrotestosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate.
A study showed the androgen releasing property of the Tribulus
terrestris extract and its relation to sexual behavior and intracavernous
pressure.
Saffron, Crocus sativus (केशर)
Myristica fragrans (जायफल)
The dried kernel of broadly ovoid seeds of Myristica fragrans Houtt.
(Nutmeg) has been mentioned in Unani medicine to be of value in the management
of male sexual disorders. In a study it was found that administration of 50%
ethanolic extract of a single dose of Nutmeg and Clove, and Penegra resulted in
the increase in the mating performance.
Phoenix dactylifera (खजूर)
The date palm pollen (DPP) of Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) is
used in the traditional medicine for male infertility. A study showed that the
consumption of date palm pollen (DPP) suspensions improved the sperm count,
motility, morphology, and DNA quality with a concomitant increase in the
weights of testis and Exploring scientifically proven herbal aphrodisiacs
epididymis. The date palm contains estradiol and flavonoid components that have
positive effects on the sperm quality. It did not significantly affect the
weight of the prostate and the seminal vesicle or the histology of the
reproductive tissues. From the study, it was concluded that DPP seems to cure
male infertility by improving the quality of sperm parameters.
Lepidium Meyenii (Maca)
Lepidium meyenii (Maca) is traditionally
employed for its supposed aphrodisiac and fertilityenhancing properties.
Studies proved the aphrodisiac activity of Lepidium meyenii. Experiments
shows that treatment with Maca does not affect serum reproductive hormone
levels. But oral administration of Maca significantly improve sexual
performance parameters.
Kaempferia Parviflora (Thai Ginseng)
Kaempferia parviflora commonly
called Thai black ginger, Thai ginseng or Krachai Dum, is
traditionally used to enhance male sexual function. Studies shows that
administration of the alcohol extract significantly decreased mount and
ejaculatory latencies. It has no effect on fertility or sperm motility. On the
other hand, alcohol extract produced a significant increase in blood flow to
the testis without affecting the heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure.
The studies indicates that alcohol extract had an aphrodisiac activity probably
via a marked increase in blood flow to the testis.
Eurycoma Longifolia (Tongkat Ali)
Eurycoma longifolia (commonly
called tongkat ali or pasak bumi) has gained notoriety as a symbol of man's ego
and strength by the Malaysian men because it increases male virility and sexual
prowess during sexual activities. Eurycoma longifolia produced a
dose-dependent, recurrent and significant increase in the episodes of penile
reflexes as evidenced by increases in quick flips, long flips and erections.
Studies support to the use of the plant by indigenous populations as a
traditional medicine for its aphrodisiac property. The proandrogenic effects
are shown by studies.
Satureja Khuzestanica (Satureja)
Satureja khuzestanica essential
oil (SKEO) from Satureja khuzestanica Jamzad significantly improved all
the parameters evaluated such as potency, fecundity, fertility index, and
litter size. SKEO significantly improved cyclo phosphamide (CP)-induced changes
in plasma testosterone, sperm quality, spermatogenesis and fertility, toxic
stress, and DNA damage. CP-induced toxic effects on androgenesis and
spermatogenesis is mediated by free radicals. SKEO protects reproductive system
from toxicity of CP through its antioxidant potential and androgenic activity.
Moreover, concentrations of FSH and testosterone were significantly increased
in SKEO-treated groups. Also the weights of testes, seminal vesicles, and
ventral prostate weights were increased by SKEO. Histopathological analysis
showed that in male rats treated with SKEO the number of spermatogonium,
spermatid cords, Leydig cells, and spermatozoids was increased. Furthermore, in
these groups, the Sertoli cells were hypertrophic.
Panax Ginseng
Panax ginseng is considered as one of the
finest aphrodisiacs in the world. As the neurotransmitter inducing penile
erection, NO release was shown to be enhanced by Panax ginseng.
Ginsenosides enhanced both acetylcholine-induced and transmural nerve
stimulation-activated relaxation associated with increased tissue cGMP. The
latter effect was eliminated by tetrodotoxin and was associated with decreased
tissue cGMP. Ginsenoside-enhanced CC relaxation was attenuated by
nitro-l-arginine and oxyhemoglobin, and enhanced by superoxide dismutase. Panax
ginseng is used in traditional Chinese medicine as strong aphrodisiac.
Pausinystalia Johimbe (Yohimbe)
Pausinystalia johimbe a psychoactive plant that contains the MAOI
alkaloid (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are chemicals and have a long history of
use in the treatment of depression, Parkinson's Disease and several other
disorders). It is widely considered as an herbal aphrodisiac and purported to
be helpful for men with erectile dysfunction (ED). It is the
only herb listed in the Physician's index reference for sexual function. The US
FDA approved yohimbe as the first plant derived drug for treating impotency and
was dubbed the “herbal viagra”. It stimulate blood flow by dilating blood
vessels and increases the body's production of norepinephrone; which is
essential in the formation of erections. This herb can restore potency even to
diabetic and heart patients that were suffering from impotency due mainly to
their diseases. This herb also acts as a stimulant for the pelvic nerve ganglia
and also to boost adrenaline supply to nerve endings, which leads to an
increase in sexual sensation and stamina. In men without ED, Yohimbe helps to
increase sexual vigor and prolong erections. Yohimbine is a useful treatment
option in orgasmic dysfunction.
Fadogia Agrestis
Fadogia agrestis is potential aphrodisiac and
can be helpful to enhance all sexual behaviour parameters (i.e significant
increase in MF, IF and significantly prolonged the ejaculatory latency and
reduced mount and IL) and evaluated serum testosterone concentration. It can be
used to modify impaired sexual functions, especially those arising from
hypotestosteronemia.
Montanoa tomentosa (Zoapatle)
Montanoa tomentosa is used as a
traditional remedy for sexual impairment. Studies showed that the herb is
useful in enhancing sexual activity and particularly on sexual arousal by
increasing sexual potency acting as an oxytocic agent.
Terminalia catappa (देसी बादाम)
Terminalia catappa is known by the common names country almond,
Indian almond, Malabar almond, sea almond, tropical almond, miich,
Singapore almond, Louze, بيدان, ketapang, ebelebo,
Malabar almond, Indian almond, tropical almond, sea almond, beach almond, Talisay,
Kottamba, abrofo nkatie, tavola, castanhola, zanmande,
തല്ലി തേങ്ങ, Badam, kotōl, khungu, talis
and midhili. Terminalia catappa has a
significant aphrodisiac potential. It is observed that T. catappa seeds
at small dose had a marked improvement of aphrodisiac action, sexual vigor
while in contrast, the higher dose reversibly inhibited all the parameters of
sexual behaviour other than mounting.
Cochitzapotl, Casimiroa Edulis (White Sapote)
The seed extract of Casimiroa edulis, also known as cochitzapotl or White sapote is consumed
as an aphrodisiac. Consumption of seed extract shows significant increase in
MF, IF, and first sand second ejaculatory latencies. similar mode of action of C.
edulis and sildenafil citrate. The aqueous seed extract of Casimiroa
edulis possesses alphrodisiac activity and may be used as an alternative
drug therapy to restore sexual functions probably via a neurogenic mode of
action.
Turnera diffusa (Damiana)
Turnera diffusa or Damiana is considered as an
aphrodisiac and have a stimulating effect
on libido. Turnera Diffusa helps to recovers sexual behavior in sexually
exhausted male and significantly reduces the post-ejaculatory interval. The
studies supports the use of Turnera diffusa as an aphrodisiac and
suggest possible therapeutic properties on sexual dysfunction.
