APHRODISIAC

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An aphrodisiac is an agent which causes the arousal of sexual desire. The name comes from the Greek goddess of love Aphrodite. Desire can be stimulated by a variety of events or situations (see sexual arousal), but this article focuses on foods and drugs to which an aphrodisiac effect has been attributed.

Newly introduced exotic fruits or vegetables often acquire such a reputation, at least until they become more familiar.

• Eringoes (the Sea holly, Eryngium maritimum)

• Oysters

• Potatoes

• Spanish fly (Cantharidin)

• Tomatoes

Some aphrodisiacs appear to gain their reputation from the principles of sympathetic magic, e.g. oysters, due to their shape. This also explains the trade in the phallic-looking rhinoceros horn, which is endangering this animal. (See Carl Hiaasen's 1999 novel Sick Puppy.) Other animal-based aphrodisiacs gain their reputation from the apparent virility or aggressiveness of the animal source - such as tiger penis - also endangering the species. The use of rhino horn and tiger penis to enhance male sexuality is popular among the Chinese (although no scientific basis has been established). Turtle eggs, eaten raw with salt and lime juice, are also said to be an aphrodisiac, leading to the poaching of many turtles, which are cut up to extract their eggs.

Other drugs

There is some debate in lay circles as to whether a chemical called phenylethylamine present in chocolate is an aphrodisiac. This compound, however, is quickly degraded by the enzyme MAO such that significant concentrations do not reach the brain.

Medical science has not substantiated claims that any particular food increases sexual desire or performance. Yohimbine (the alkaloid derived from yohimbe bark) has been said to be an aphrodisiac and is prescribed in some countries as a drug to treat erectile dysfunction. As a potent MAO-inhibitor, yohimbine may increase genital blood-flow and sexual sensitivity for some people.

Another new drug called PT-141 seems to be the first real aphrodisiac. It stimulates sexual desire in both men and women, and clinical trials are currently testing it for the treatment of sexual arousal disorder and erectile dysfunction.

Psychoactive substances like alcohol, cannabis, or MDMA are not aphrodisiacs in the strict sense of the definition above, but they can be used to increase sexual pleasure and to reduce inhibition.

Drugs like Viagra are not aphrodisiacs because they do not have any mood effects.

Not just drugs

"The sole love potion I ever used was kissing and embracing, by which alone I made men rave like beasts and compelled them to worship me like an idol."

Lucretia, Sixth century, B.C.

Few would argue with the Roman courtesan's prescription for dynamic love quoted above, but the bare fact remains that throughout history certain foods and wines have constituted what the French call the twin breasts of love, highly valued amatory aids to make the quest for sex more pleasureable and heighten the sexual act itself. In the course of serving up and definitively evaluating these aphrodisiac finds from an historical and scientific standpoint, as far as this last is possible, it can be said at the outset that they all work or worked for someone, sometime if only because thinking made it so.

LINKS:

• The Roe Mantic Gems of the Ocean

• The Amorous Oddball Lobster

Solar Cola - a taste for adventure

SOLOR COLA LAUNCH IN SUPPORT OF THE SOLAR NAVIGATOR WORLD NAVIGATION CHALLENGE

We are looking for distributors in America, Australia, Canada, Europe, and  Japan.  The state of the Cola market globally and in the UK is ripe for a fresh quality brand, with excellent potential for growth.  According to ResearchandMarkets.com  the UK drinks market is worth an estimated £53.5 billion, representing a 7% share of total consumer spending.  The global soft drinks market is roughly the same percentage of total consumer spending for developed countries.

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