Aphrodisiac
An
aphrodisiac is a food or drug supposed to provoke love (or lust): the name comes from the
Greek goddess of love
Aphrodite. Newly introduced exotic fruits or vegetables often acquire such a reputation, at least until they become more familiar.
Some aphrodisiacs appear to gain their reputation from a process of similarity, hence the trade in
rhinoceros horn that is endangering this animal. (See
Carl Hiaasen's 1997 novel
Sick Puppy.)
Others may gain their reputation from the apparent virility or aggressiveness of the animal source - such as
tiger bones - also endangering the species.
There is some debate in lay circles as to whether a chemical called
phenylethylamine present in
chocolate is an aphrodisiac. But this compound is quickly degraded by the enzyme
MAO so that significant concentrations cannot be reached in the brain.
Unfortunately, medical science has not substantiated claims that any particular food or drug increases sexual desire or performance.
However, a new drug called
PT-141 seems to be the first real aphrodisiac. It stimulates sexual desire in men as well as women an is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of
sexual arousal disorder and
erectile dysfunction.
Psychoactive substances like
alcohol and
cannabis, while not aphrodisiacs in the strict sense, are widely used for enhancing body sensations and for relaxing.
Drugs like
yohimbine or
Viagra are not aphrodisiacs because they don't have any mood effects.
