Do aphrodisiacs work? What the science says.

The act of sex has been a part of human existence for centuries, and throughout this time, there has been a continuous quest to enhance the experience.

Aphrodisiacs are substances, including food items, that are believed to increase libido and improve sexual pleasure and performance. Named after the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, aphrodisiacs have been used and discussed for thousands of years. They range from common foods like strawberries to more exotic options such as raw oysters, and traditional remedies like yohimbine derived from a West African tree bark. 

But do these supposed aphrodisiacs actually work? 

The ideal aphrodisiac

The perfect aphrodisiac would not only increase the desire for sex but also enhance the pleasure derived from it. Kent Berridge, a psychology and neuroscience professor at the University of Michigan, explains that these two aspects are governed by different brain circuits. 

For many years, it was believed that pleasure originated from the mesolimbic pathway in the brain, which is associated with the neurotransmitter dopamine. However, recent research has indicated that dopamine primarily influences the desire for pleasure rather than pleasure itself. Actual pleasure is believed to be influenced by the brain’s opioid and endocannabinoid systems, which utilize neurotransmitters with effects similar to heroin and marijuana. 

This combination of dopamine, opioids, and endocannabinoids appears to be a versatile brain mechanism that responds to various stimuli. This suggests that there may be a common mechanism underlying different types of pleasure. 

This shared mechanism supports the idea that certain foods and drugs can enhance sexual desire. For example, substances like cocaine and methamphetamine have been known to stimulate desire, with some individuals using them to enhance sexual experiences. A study even found that cocaine could increase sexual desire, with the effect becoming more pronounced with higher doses. 

The evidence supporting aphrodisiacs

However, the evidence behind most aphrodisiacs is not robust. A review of 50 studies on potential aphrodisiacs found that some products posed more risks than benefits. Substances like yohimbine, Spanish fly, and mad honey were found to have adverse effects. Other extracts such as maca, ginseng, and ginkgo showed some potential benefits but with limited data to support their efficacy. 

One of the most well-supported aphrodisiacs is sildenafil, commonly known as Viagra. This drug, originally intended for treating angina, works by increasing blood flow to the penis to alleviate erectile dysfunction. While Viagra does not enhance desire or pleasure, it has become widely popular with nearly 3.5 million prescriptions written in the US in 2022. 

For women experiencing hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), flibanserin and bremelanotide have shown promise in improving sexual desire. These drugs act on neurotransmitters in the brain but may cause side effects like drowsiness and nausea. Both substances have also been found to be effective in men. 

Despite these advancements, the quest for the perfect aphrodisiac that enhances both desire and performance in bed continues. Further research is needed to explore potential aphrodisiacs in larger trials, as altering sexual desire in the brain can have unintended consequences. The search for aphrodisiacs may persist for years to come, but understanding the complexities of the brain’s response to these substances is crucial. 

This article is part of Popular Science’s Ask Us Anything series, where we address a wide range of intriguing and burning questions. If you have a question you’ve been curious about, feel free to ask us.