Aphrodisiacs in the DietHEIDI CHODOROWICZ

HLTH 421

MARCH 21, 2013

Outline

Introduction

History

Biomechanics

Supported by research

Not supported by research

Summary

Discussion

Introduction

Aphrodisiacs: substances which are used to improve sexual arousal, performance, or satisfaction, and/or to treat sexual dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction: Premature, retrograded, retarded or inhibited ejaculation,

Erectile Dysfunction (ED), Arousal difficulties

Compulsive Sexual Behaviour, Orgasmic Disorder, or failure of Detumescence

History

Greek word “Aphrodisia”sexual pleasure Usage dates back 1000’s of years: China, India, African

countries, Egypt, Rome and Greece Ancient Rome: Casanova would eat 50 oysters at a time to

boost libido

Ancient Chinese and African cultures: would grind up Spanish Flies and drink in a solution to enhance libido

Ancient Egyptian cultures: banned women from eating chocolate to prevent mood stimulating properties

Biomechanics

Various effects on arousal, performance, and/or stimulation Role in sex hormone production

Smooth muscle (corpus cavernosum)

Role in spermatogenesis, and quality/functionality of sperm

Psychostimulant effects: stimulate hypothalamus release serotonin, endorphins, dopamine, and norepinephrine

Scientific Evidence supports the following foods

1. Oysters

2. Chocolate

3. Saffron

4. Horney Goat Weed

5. Red Ginseng

6. Yohimbine

7. Carnitine

8. Maca Root

9. Muria puama

Oysters

Oysters are the most popular aphrodisiac Extremely high source of organic Zinc (Zn)

6 raw oysters contain 49.8 mg! RDA 15mg/day Lower Zn concentration in infertile males

Zinc on semen quality

RCT: cattle with Zn supplementation vs placebo revealed significant improvements in semen quality:

1. Higher semen volume

2. Higher sperm concentration per ejaculate (also seen in men, rams, bucks, and rabbits)

3. Improved sperm motility and functionality

4. Higher concentration of testosterone

Biological roles of Zinc

1. Increased semen volume Prostate secretes Zn into semen, therefore, more Zn

greater secretory activity

2. Increased sperm concentration Zn part of DNA/RNA polymerases role in mitotic and

meiotic cell division, and synthesis of DNA and RNA

Zn metalloenzymes: Sorbitol dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase key in spermatogenesis

Biological Roles of Zinc

3. Improved Sperm motility: Zn controls ATP utilization by regulating phospholipid reserves and

oxygen uptake for sperm flagella

4. Improved sperm and functionality/livability: Zn acts as an antioxidant; inhibits phospholipase

Protects sperm from free radical damage and lipid peroxidation

5. Increased testosterone: Zn stimulates Leydig cells synthesis and secretion

Zn activates adenylyl cyclase system synthesis

Maintenance of seminiferous tubules secretion

Chocolate

Increases mood, sexual desire and sexual pleasure Bioactive constituent - Phenolic flavenols:

Phenylethylamine, catechin, epicatachin, and procyanidis Stimulates hypothalamus; inducing pleasure with serotonin

and endorphins

Upregulates Nitric Oxide (NO); role in engorging corpus callosum

Mimics dopamine and adrenaline: Raises blood pressure, increase heart rate, and heightened sensations

Chocolate

Bioactive Constituent - Unsaturated N-Acetylcholamines in chocolate: Activate cannabinoid receptors increased penile sensitivity and

feelings of euphoria

1. 2006 retrospective cohort study; those who regularly consumed chocolate vs those who did not:

Higher sexual desire scores

No difference in sexual arousal, satisfaction, distress, or depression

Saffron

Research has shown aphrodisiac effects of saffron

1. RCT with 20 ED males given 200mg/day x 10 days: Improved erectile function, sexual desire, intercourse

satisfaction, and overall satisfaction

2. RCT placebo: women with SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction on 30 mg saffron/day x 4 wks: Improved total sexual function, arousal, lubrication, and pain

No improvements in desire, satisfaction, or orgasm

Horney Goat Weed

Chinese herb relax cavernosum smooth muscle Bioactive constituent - flavanol icariin

Improved cardiovascular health and hormone regulation involved in male erections

Many animal studies: Increased erectile function and frequency of

ejaculations

Red Ginseng

Asian root often consumed in teas physiological and psychological effects of sexual dysfunction

Bioactive constituent - Gensenodides

1. RCT with 60 men mild-mod ED + 3000mg ginseng/day: improved erection rigidity, penetration, and maintenance

2. Menopausal women 3000mg/day: increased arousal frequency, arousal level, and sexual satisfaction

3. RCT on rabbits: NO relaxation and increased blood flow to penis:

Yohimbine

Bark of trees of West Africa tea or pill

Bioactive constituent - a2-adrenoreceptor blocker:

Stimulates CNS, autonomic nervous system smooth muscle relaxant

1. RCT - ED males 15mg-30mg/day x4-10 weeks: Minor improvements on ED, mainly with mild ED

Relaxation effects of almost 100% in human corpus callosum

Carnitine

Part of amino acid lysine obtained from animal sources such as red meats, poultry and dairy.

Carnitine is naturally found in spermatozoa: Lower in sperm infertile men

1. Supplementation with carnitine 1-3g/day x2-6 months sperm infertile males: Improved sperm motility, fewer atypical sperm cell, and

higher pregnancy rates

Maca Root

Maca is root grown/used in Andes regions fertility and sexual desire

1. Animal study: Increased mating frequency, improved erectile function

2. RCT 50 white males with mild ED; 2400mg x 12 weeks: Improved overall ED, psychological, & physical performance

3. Double-blind RCT with men on 1500 or 3000mg: Significantly improved sexual desire

Muria Puama

Aka potency wood: Brazil as a sexual enhancer Bio-active constituent: HV-430

1. Rabbits: Relaxant of corpus cavernosum

2. RCT-placebo in males with ED: 60% increase in libido

50% increase in erection ability

Not Supported by Scientific Evidence

1. Supplements: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Co-enzyme

Q10, Lycopene

2. Phallic symbols or resemblance to genitals

3. Spanish Fly: More toxic than beneficial severe

urinary tract infections

4. Nutmeg: Only two animal studies:

increased mounting behaviour of male rats onto female rats

Summary

• Despite popularity over millennia, aphrodisiacs seldom researched

• Always consult physician for sexual dysfunction Treatment

• Some evidence exists, but take with grain of salt

• No single nutrient will act as a miraculous cure, do your research!

Discussion