Aphrodisiac activity

Singer A.G., Clancy A.N. and Macrides F. (1989). Conspecific and heterospecific proteins related to aphrodisin lack aphrodisiac activity in male hamsters. Chem Senses 14, 563-576. 

Yohimbine (36) is a well-known and reasonably available alkaloid from Corynanthe yohimbe, inter alia. For this reason, and partly because of its intrinsic pharmacological activity (including reputed aphrodisiac activity), chemists have frequently studied its properties. Oppenauer oxidation is usually attended by saponification and decarboxylation in this series, and yohimbone (37) is the product. Wolf-Kischner reduction to yohimbane (38), followed by sodium hydride mediated alkylation, leads to the analgesic agent, mimbane (39). °... 

Aphrodisiac activity. The leaf, smoked by adults of both sexes, was active . Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. 

Ethanolic extract (50%) of clove produced a significant and sustained increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats, without any conspicuous gastric ulceration or adverse effects. Thus, the resultant aphrodisiac activity of the extract lends support to claims for its traditional usage in sexual disorders. In traditional Chinese medicine it is used to treat indigestion, diarrhoea, hernia, ringworm and other fungal infections. In Ayurveda, cloves are used to treat... 

Spanish fly Cantharis vesicatoria. Allegedly aphrodisiac. Active component - cantharadin. Encountered also as the powdered insect. Effects blistering of skin and corrosive effect on mouth, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, blood passed in vomit and urine. Early increase in WBC. Severe illness recovery likely but deaths recorded. Lethal dose 60 mg cantharadin, 162 mg Spanish fly. 

Yohimbine (104), also from the bark of C.johimbe K Schum. and from the roots of R. serpentina (1. ) Benth. has a folk history (unsubstantiated) of use as an aphrodisiac. Its use has been confirmed experimentally as a local anesthetic, with occasional employment for rehef ia angiaa pectoris and arteriosclerosis, but is frequently contraindicated by its undesired renal effects. Yohimbine and some of its derivatives have been reported as hahuciaogenic (70). In addition, its pattern of pharmacological activities ia a variety of animal models is so broad that its general use is avoided. All ten carbon atoms of secologanin (102) as well as the entire skeleton of tryptamine (98, R = H) are clearly seen as iatact portions of this alkaloid. 

Carbocyclic variants related to ajmalicine such as yohimbine are likely to arise from dehy-drogeissoschizine by the mechanism indicated in Figure 6.77. Yohimbine is found in Yohimbe bark (Pausinystalia yohimbe, Rubiaceae) and Aspidosperma bark (Aspidosperma species Apocy-naceae) and has been used in folk medicine as an aphrodisiac. It does have some pharmacological activity and is known to dilate blood vessels. More important examples containing the same carbocyclic ring system are the alkaloids found in species of Rauwolfla, especially R. serpentina (Apocynaceae). Reserpine and deserpi-dine (Figure 6.78) are trimethoxybenzoyl esters of yohimbine-like alkaloids, whilst rescinnamine is... 

Throughout history, the root has been used as a treatment for asthenia, atherosclerosis, blood and bleeding disorders, colitis, and relief of symptoms associated with aging, cancer, and senility. Ginseng is also widely believed to be an aphrodisiac. It is promoted as a tonic capable of invigorating the user physically, mentally, and sexually. It is also said to have antistress activity (see Chapter 60 and page 95). 

Crocus sativus L., commonly known as saffron, is used in folk medicine as an antispasmodic, eupeptic, gingival sedative, anticatarrhal, nerve sedative, carminative, diaphoretic, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic, aphrodisiac, and emmenagogue. Furthermore, modem pharmacological studies have demonstrated that saffron extract or its active constituents have antitumor effects, radical scavenger properties, and hypolipemic effects (see Rios et al., 1996). 

Levodopa (L-dopa) is a natural intermediate in the biosynthesis of catecholamines in the brain and peripheral adrenergic nerve terminals. In the biologic sequence of events it is converted to dopamine, which in turn serves as a substrate of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. Levodopa is used successfully in the treatment of Parkinson s syndrome, a disease characterized by dopamine deficiency. When levodopa is administered to an individual with this syndrome, the symptoms of Parkinson s disease are ameliorated, presumably because the drug is converted to dopamine and thereby counteracts the deficiency. Individuals treated with levodopa, especially older men, have been observed to experience a sexual rejuvenation. This effect has led to the belief that levodopa stimulates sexual powers. Consequently, studies with younger men complaining of decreased erectile ability have shown that levodopa increases libido and the incidence of penile erections. Overall, however, these effects are short lived and do not reflect continued satisfactory sexual function and potency. Thus, levodopa is not a true aphrodisiac. The increased sexual activity experienced by parkinsonian patients treated with levodopa may reflect improved well-being and partial recovery of normal sexual functions that were impaired by Parkinson s disease. 

Effects Central stimulant, mild hallucinogen, sympathomimetic with both cholinergic and adrenergic blocking properties, serotonin inhibitor, hypotensive (decreases blood pressure), and activator of spinal ganglis affecting erectile tissue of sexual organs (aphrodisiac). Taken orally first effects occur after 15-30 minutes. 

Cinnamon is used as an ingredient in many Ayurvedic and Unani medicinal preparations. The bark of C. zeylanicum is an aphrodisiac, anthelmintic and tonic. It is useful in the treatment of vata, biliousness, parched mouth, bronchitis, diarrhoea, itching, heart disease and urinary disease. The bark is a carminative and expectorant it is useful in hydrocoele, flatulence, headache, piles, etc. (Kirtikar and Basu, 1984). Cinnamon possesses various biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and antiallergic. 

The previous edition of this book mentioned (a) the recurring motif of naked women in yagi visions, (b) flagellation in rites-of-passage ceremonies, (c) increased sexual activity in mice given harmala alkaloids and (d) Near Eastern use of Syrian rue as an aphrodisiac.Jeremy Bigwood took exception ... 

Piper guineense Schumach et Thonn West African black pepper, Ashanti pepper Piperaceae Neuromuscular activity, contraceptive, antiparasitic, aphrodisiac Abdominal disorders, chest complaints, used as an enema. Bronchitis, Headache, An1helmintic,Caries, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, antibiotic. Alkaloidal amide, 12, 16, 17... 

Garcinia kola Bitter kola Clusiaceae Cough, nasal conjestion, control of diarihaea, antidiabetic. Aphrodisiac, hypertension, stimulant, gastrointestinal problems, dysentery, headache, backpain, skin ailments, stimulates digestion, antiviral activity. Alkaloids and biflavonoid. 4 17, 18... 

Sphenocentrum jollyanum. Menispermace ae Antioxidant activity, stimulant, stomachic, constipation, poisoning, ulcers, coughs, wound healing, aphrodisiac, dysentery, epilepsy. 17, 31... 

The stem bark of P. yohimbe (= P. johimbe Corynanthe yohimbe), "yohimbe as it is known in Cameroon, Gabon and Congo is used traditionally as an aphrodisiac and stimulant to prevent sleep (41). The bark contains 1-6% of indole alkaloids, most of which are yohimbane-type alkaloids, the main one being yohimbine [7], which is structurally related to reserpine [8] (89). Yohimbine is a selective inhibitor of a-2- adrenergic receptors and, while at low dose it has hypertensive activity, at high dose it is hypotensive (vasodilation of peripheral vessels). It is the vasodilation of peripheral vessels, and especially vasodilation of the corpus cavemosum, which is the cause of the reputation of yohimbine as an aphrodisiac (90). Tests have shown, indeed, that increased... 

Source Ferula narthax. Molecular formula Cio Hio O 4. Molecular weight 194.20. Melting point 173-8 deg C. Biological activity Aphrodisiac. 

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