Aphrodisiacs in the diet
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Transcript of Aphrodisiacs in the diet
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