In general, yes; some compounds may act as aphrodisiacs (in addition to being pro-erectile agents, usually seen as a different category). Not all compounds touted to increase libido do, but quite a few herbs have shown to be effective in increasing libido and sexuality.

A wide variety of herbals and related compounds are marketing for increasing sex drive and appetite. These aphrodisiacs are usually herbs that have been used traditionally for increasing 'vitality' or male 'sexuality' and are being investigated scientifically for their roles in either fighting age-related sexual decline or possibly to fight andropause (a term used to mimick menopause, describing the decline of vitality and testosterone seen in aging men).

How can we tell if a compound is an aphrodisiac?

No sufficient in vitro (in glass) test will tell if a compound is a good aphrodisiac, studies done on the subject matter must be in vivo (in life); usually a rat model.

In general, rats are given a compound and then their sexuality is observed. Pre-sexual signs (anorectal sniffing of female rats) indicate libido whereas the frequency of sexual encounters (mounting, ejaculation latency, time to re-mount or time between ejaculations) indicate virility. These studies, if they note an increase in rat sexuality, serve as the starting evidence for what works as an aphrodisiac.

It should be noted that rats can either be chemically or physically castrated or they can be otherwise healthy; this is an important distinction, as castracted rats serve as a model for human hypogonadism (chemically usually mimicks central hypothalamic hypogonadism, and crushing the poor rat testicles mimicks peripheral, or testicular, hypogonadism). Otherwise healthy rats would be a good model for otherwise healthy humans.

After rat studies, compounds are sometimes tested in humans for their aphrodisiac effects. The results are usually obtained via self-report survey about how sexual the subjects felt during the trial period.

Compounds that act as Aphrodisiacs

Compounds that have been touted or otherwise shown to increase Aphrodisia and Sexual appetite are currently listed and updated on our categorical page on Aphrodisiac compounds.

Yes. Although a little alcohol might decrease one’s inhibitions and thus increase libido, too much alcohol acutely (drunkenness) or chronically (alcoholism) can lead to sexual disorders, loss of libido and less intense orgasms.

A moderate amount of exercise can increase levels of hormones in the body including testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, prolactin, and oxytocin — all of which play a role in one’s sex drive. Regular exercise has been shown to improve sexual satisfaction, partly by improving mood and sexual wellbeing.^[16] These effects may also be linked to exercise creating a more positive body image in some individuals. Exercise may also alleviate sexual dysfunction in women who are using antidepressants and women who have had a hysterectomy.^[16] As with all things, the dose matters! Whereas moderate levels of physical activity are associated with better sexual function and lower sexual distress, excessive exercise is associated with poor sexual function and low sexual satisfaction.^[7]

cannabis use is frequently associated with feelings of euphoria that may enhance mood, increase sexual desire, and boost arousal — leading to a better sexual experience. Unfortunately, there is a lack of research on the effects of cannabis on sexual function. Cannabis use has been linked to increase sexual frequency in women.^[17] Higher frequency of cannabis use has been found to be unrelated to sexual problems in women ^[18] and in fact, some studies find that women who frequently use cannabis report greater sexual satisfaction than less-frequent or non-users.^[19]

Chronic stress, depression, and anxiety may all contribute to sexual dysfunction. When stress levels go up, hormones like cortisol and epinephrine are released, which can diminish sex drive and libido. Women who experience chronic high stress have lower levels of genital arousal, higher levels of cortisol, and more distraction during moments of sexual arousal.^[11] Even a brief period of acute stress can diminish sexual arousal.^[12] Long-term stress due to sexual abuse, worries about pregnancy or infertility, and the increased demands of becoming a mother are also sources of social and psychological stress that may contribute to sexual dysfunction.^[13]

During menopause, the decline in estrogen and testosterone can diminish one’s sex drive, arousal, and interest in sex. However, not all postmenopausal women report a loss of sex drive and, in fact, lower levels of stress and anxiety due to motherhood may actually lead to improved intimacy and libido during this stage of life. Low estrogen levels do contribute to vulvovaginal atrophy (characterized by dryness, itching, irritation, and reduced vaginal lubrication),reduced vaginal blood flow, and the capacity for arousal and orgasm.^[14] Treatment with estrogen therapy seems to improve many of these symptoms.^[15]