Adrenoceptor Antagonists
Kenneth J. Broadley in Autonomic Pharmacology, 2017
Yohimbine is the only α2-adrenoceptor antagonist approved for use in humans and formerly was used extensively as an aphrodisiac to treat male impotence; the product Potensan Forte which contains yohimbine HCl with strychnine, methyltestosterone and the stimulant, pemoline, is no longer available in the UK. The aphrodisiac property has not been clearly demonstrated but there is evidence for enhanced sexual activity in male rats (Clark et al. 1984) and of some benefit in patients with psychogenic impotence (Reid et al. 1987). The basis for this activity is uncertain but vasodilatation due to α2-adrenoceptor blockade causing congestion of blood in the genital erectile tissue, combined with a CNS stimulant action, may contribute to the effect. It is also a local anaesthetic, an antagonist of 5-HT receptors, and releases antidiuretic hormone from the neurohypophysis.
Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault
David J. George in Poisons, 2017
Although there are many drugs such as ethanol and marijuana that can lower an individual’s inhibitions and influence receptivity to sexual advances, there are few that specifically arouse or increase sexual desire. Stimulants can provide confidence, focus, and especially endurance. Some products sold with purported aphrodisiac properties, contain ingredients that can cause serious toxicity or even death. Two particularly toxic components of some illegally marketed aphrodisiac products are cantharides and toad venom. Cantharides (Spanish fly) is a corrosive poison that burns the mouth and throat and can cause genitourinary infections, scarring of the urethra, and even death. It has historically been touted as an aphrodisiac. It is actually a very toxic chemical that has produced a number of deaths in individuals to whom it was administered for its alleged aphrodisiac properties. Toad venom has been included in some topical herbal aphrodisiac products sold illegally. It can contain cardiotoxic components capable of causing fatal arrhythmias. Some herbal dietary supplements promoted as sexual enhancers have been found to be adulterated with sildenafil or illegal analogs.
I
Anton Sebastian in A Dictionary of the History of Medicine, 2018
Impotence [Latin: in, not + potentia, power] The Ayurveda recommended use of testicular tissue as treatment. Paul of Aegina (AD 625–690) has suggested physical measures, such as rubbing various ointments from seeds of bastard saffron, pepper, or rocket on the genital parts. As a psychological measure he advocated sexually stimulating books. Avicenna (980–1037) found that diabetes could be a cause. Preparations of testicles of sheep, pig and other animals have been mentioned as treatment in the Chinese book Pen Tshoo. A long list of other aphrodisiacs have been recommended by the ancients, including: nettle, lupin, asparagus, parsley, cress, beans and cinnamon. See aphrodisiacs.
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) an overlooked medicinal plant in Malaysia
Published in Journal of Substance Use, 2022
Gregory Domnic, Suresh Narayanan, Nethia Mohana-Kumaran, Darshan Singh
The smoking of kratom leaves as a remedy for opium addiction in the Malay peninsula (now Malaysia) was documented in the 1930s (Burkill, 1935). Kratom’s efficacy as a pain suppressor, on the other hand, was documented only much later by Thuan (1957) through a single case report of a young gentleman who used kratom to overcome pain. However, village healers had discovered its medicinal properties long before and were already using kratom leaves to treat fever, cough, diarrhea, pain, for deworming and making poultices for wounds (Ahmad & Aziz, 2012; Assanangkornchai et al., 2007). Kratom leaves are commonly used to self-treat muscle and joint pain after strenuous work (Suwanlert, 1975). It is also used among men as a sex stimulant believing that it has aphrodisiac properties. Some regular users combine kratom with alcohol for better sexual stimulation and to prolong sexual intercourse (Suwanlert, 1975). Interestingly, a recent study showed that kratom consumption was not associated with testosterone impairment (Singh et al., 2018c), while another reported that users had experienced improved sexual functioning (Singh et al., 2020b).
Associations between Cannabis Use and Sexual Risk Behavior among Women under Community Supervision: A Brief Report
Published in International Journal of Sexual Health, 2021
Melissa N. Slavin, Karli Hochstatter, Shane W. Kraus, Mitch Earleywine, Nabila El-Bassel
There are several explanations for relationships between cannabis and SRB, including factors that influence both behaviors, such as sensation-seeking and impulsive decision-making, or common social contexts or lifestyles (Donohew et al., 2000). Additionally, situational effects of THC can influence memory, inhibition, and decision-making (Lane, Cherek, Tcheremissine, Lieving, & Pietras, 2005). Some individuals report “aphrodisiac” effects of cannabis, including enhanced responsiveness to sexual touch and an increase in positive mood and relaxation (Gorzalka, Hill, & Chang, 2010). Individuals’ sex-related expectancies toward cannabis may also influence its relationship to SRB, sometimes moderating the relationship, with individuals who hold higher sex-related expectancies toward cannabis more likely to have unprotected sex when intoxicated (Hendershot et al., 2010).
Experiences with Diverse Sex Toys Among German Heterosexual Adults: Findings From a National Online Survey
Published in The Journal of Sex Research, 2020
Nicola Döring, Sandra Poeschl
Additionally, toys used in bondage or S&M play and erotic lingerie and costumes fall under this definition, as well as – in a wider sense – lubricants and remedies for enhancing sexual arousal. The latter could also be considered “sexual aids,” although this term would be associated more within the context of medical applications (e.g., pharmaceutical interventions in the case of sexual dysfunction). Most prior studies on sex toys have examined their prevalence separately from lubricants (Herbenick et al., 2010; Herbenick, Reece, Sanders, et al., 2009; Reece et al., 2009; Reece, Herbenick, et al., 2010; Richters et al., 2014; Satinsky et al., 2011). However, lubricants and sexual remedies (e.g., over-the-counter aphrodisiacs) are commonly used (Hassali et al., 2012; Herbenick et al., 2014; Wu et al., 2017) and widely marketed in offline and online sex shops. Further, studies on associations of lubricant use showed that lubricants are often used together with sex toys such as vibrators and dildos (Hensel et al., 2015; Herbenick et al., 2014). We therefore decided to include them in our analysis.
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