The public interest in improved sexual function is obvious and clearly evident, for example, in the remarkable marketing success of Sildenafil (Viagra). It has been estimated that a web search with the word "aphrodisiac" results in approximately 70,000 hits, and many, if not most, of the providers of herbal products have at least one formulation associated with enhanced sexual performance. Controversy in this application appears focused on whether there are herbal alternatives to Viagra and on whether any herbal supplement in fact can serve as an aphrodisiac.

As is often the case with such controversies, the answer in part depends on how a question is phrased. The human libido is a complex interaction of physical and psychological factors. Anxiety and depression can inhibit the libido. Poor physical health, including a lack of energy, can inhibit the libido. It is thus not surprising that several of the supplements primarily identified for use with other conditions may also have implications for enhanced sexual performance.

If, for example, anxiety or depression is the underlying cause for a lack of interest in sexual activity, and if a particular supplement is effective in reducing anxiety, then use of that supplement would be anticipated to increase the sexual appetite (which of course is the definition of an aphrodisiac). In like manner, if an individual is often simply too tired to have interest in sexual activity, a supplement that increases energy level would be likely to increase interest in sex as well, again the definition of an aphrodisiac.

Examples of supplements which, for either or both of these reasons, could influence sexual function include:

St. John's Wort

5-HTP

Ginkgo bilboa

Ginseng

The Behavioral Cybernetics/2002 e-book, available through PJ Clinic, includes suggestions for integrating herbal supplements with behavior management techniques to remedy problems in male and female sexual dysfunction.Click here for more information about this product, including a free preview edition.

A June 25, 2001, online article from WebMD provides an especially balanced view of current knowledge regarding herbal supplements and enhanced libido (click here for full text). The article clarifies the distinction between products associated with physiological conditions which impair or preclude sexual function and products reported to increase sexual appetite. In regard to the latter, the article cites only one herbal supplement, muira puma for which there is research evidence of libido enhancement.

Muira puama

In addition to the physical influences described in the overview above, several other supplements have been described as potentially helpful with conditions which make sexual performance more difficult. While none would probably warrant direct identification as aphrodisiacs, there is obviously a link between performance difficulty and performance desire. Two which have been frequently cited are:

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

L-Arginine (Arginine Hydrochloride)

A variety of other supplements have been suggested to have positive influence on sexual performance, and many herbal providers have prepared propietary blends which include such ingredients. Examples include: Damiana (leaves of this plant suggested to help with male erectile dysfunction and female orgasimic dysfunction), Saw Palmetto (plant berries suggested to have positive effect on male prostate function), and Yohimbe (herbal source of "yohimbine", a prescription drug for erectile dysfunction). The Natural Pharmacy Health Encyclopedia is a good resource for more information about these and other ingredients sometimes used in the special formulated blends.

For example, Source Naturals offers proprietary blends for females and males which combine several of the ingredients which appear to be associated with improved sexual function.

For Her	For Him
Intimate Response at iHerb	Male Response at iHerb

There is a clear connection between sexual function and physical/psychological health. There is a growing body of research support for positive influence of herbal supplements on both physical and psychological health and well-being. Together, there would seem little reason to doubt that appropriate use of herbal supplements will, in some circumstances, have a marked positive effect on sexual appetite and overall sexual function.

In all applications with herbal supplements, it is important to recognize the possibility of interaction between the supplement and prescribed medication(s) currently used. The prescribing physician should be informed before beginning use of the supplement. Caution is also warranted about use of supplements during pregnancy or while nursing. Using herbal supplements during those periods should be considered only when monitored and recommended by the physician.

The research support for a direct link between herbal supplement(s) and sexual function is not as compelling as it is, for example, with symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. But, as noted in the webMD article cited above, the research evidence for herbal supplements falls into three categories: proven, disproven, and unstudied. The "unstudied" category is clearly the largest one in reference to sexual performance and herbal supplements.

After consideration of information about side effects (keeping in mind the typically lengthy list of possible side effects reported for prescribed and over-the-counter medications), a trial with a "not-yet proven" herbal supplement for assistance with sexual function may in fact be the best available option.