Aphrodisiac

Aphrodisiac substances may promote passion and sexual arousal.

Here is a link to an interesting review of aphrodisiac herbs written by Cathy Wong, ND:  Devil’s Claw and Other Natural Aphrodisiacs

Aphrodisiac Recipes

Blog Articles

RESEARCH

The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  This compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use of any herb listed.

• Seven randomized clinical trials for the use  of Panax ginseng to treat erectile dysfunction were reviewed and showed beneficial results.  From:  Jang, D. J., Lee, M. S., Shin, B. C., Lee, Y. C., & Ernst, E. (2008). Red ginseng for treating erectile dysfunction: a systematic review. British journal of clinical pharmacology, 66(4), 444-450.
• Aphrodisiac activities of ginseng are reviewed.  From: Nocerino, E., Amato, M., & Izzo, A. A. (2000). The aphrodisiac and adaptogenic properties of ginseng. Fitoterapia, 71, S1-S5.
• This was a study of 96 women ages 18-35 with sexual disfunction. The treatment group that had an 8 week intervention of sexual health training plus a daily food item of carrot halwa, which included carrot root plus its seed extract, rose, saffron, honey, and other spices.  This group showed the greatest improvement compared to the health training only group and the group who received no training and no supplement. From: Molkara, T., Akhlaghi, F., Ramezani, M. A., Salari, R., Vakili, V., Kamalinejad, M., … & Motavasselian, M. (2018). Effects of a food product (based on Daucus carota) and education based on traditional Persian medicine on female sexual dysfunction: a randomized clinical trial. Electronic physician, 10(4), 6577.
• Ginsing and other herbs were reviewed for male sexual dysfunction.  From: Bella, A. J., & Shamloul, R. (2014). Traditional plant aphrodisiacs and male sexual dysfunction. Phytotherapy research, 28(6), 831-835.
• Extract from the leaves of Passiflora incarnata had an aphrodisiac activity in male mice, increasint mounting time. From:  Dhawan, K., Kumar, S., & Sharma, A. (2003). Aphrodisiac activity of methanol extract of leaves of Passiflora incarnata Linn. in mice. Phytotherapy Research, 17(4), 401-403.
• Ylang ylang may have aphrodisiac qualities.  From:  Tisserland, R.  (1988).  Essential oils as psychotherapeutic agents.  In Perfumery (pp. 167 – 181) Springer,  Netherlands.
• Dill extract increased sexual activity in male rats.  From:  Iamsaard, S., Prabsattroo, T., Sukhorum, W., Muchimapura, S., Srisaard, P., Uabundit, N., … Wattanathorn, J. (2013). Anethum graveolens Linn. (dill) extract enhances the mounting frequency and level of testicular tyrosine protein phosphorylation in rats . Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B, 14(3), 247–252.
• Human trials of T. terrestris and its aphrodisiac and performance enhancing effect were reviewed.  From: Qureshi, A., Naughton, D. P., & Petroczi, A. (2014). A systematic review on the herbal extract Tribulus terrestris and the roots of its putative aphrodisiac and performance enhancing effect. Journal of dietary supplements, 11(1), 64-79.
• In a small study with 89 women having decreased sexual desire, 500 mg of aqueous extract of M. officinalis taken twice a day for 4 weeks.  Measurements included increased desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain.  Results showed sexual function was improved compared to the placebo.  From:  Darvish-Mofrad-Kashani, Z., Emaratkar, E., Hashem-Dabaghian, F., Emadi, F., Raisi, F., Aliasl, J., … & Zafarghandi, N. (2018). Effect of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) on sexual dysfunction in women: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research: IJPR, 17(Suppl), 89.
• In a study of 180 postmenopausal women ages 45-55, taking 40 mg of a Ginkgo biloba tablet and 2-3 drops of aroma of geranium, rose, fennel, and lavender 3 times a day for 6 weeks reduced sexual disfunction compared to the placebo, gingko only, and aromatherapy only groups.  From:  Malakouti, J., Jabbari, F., Jafarabadi, M. A., Javadzadeh, Y., & Khalili, A. F. (2017). The impact of ginkgo biloba tablet and aromatherapy inhaler combination on sexual function in females during postmenopausal period: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Int J Womens Health Reprod Sci, 5, 129-136.

Compiled by: Kathy Sadowski

Last Updated: 7/18/19