Background: The prevalence and patterns of aphrodisiac drug consumption without prescription among men in Saudi Arabia remain underexplored, with limited empirical evidence available. Given the potential health implications and societal considerations, a comprehensive investigation is warranted. Aim: Assess the Prevalence, pattern of use and the associated factors of Aphrodisiac drugs consumption without prescription among men at Najran City, Saudi Arabia. Methods: Employing a cross-sectional descriptive study, 500 participants were included through convenience sampling. The utilized questionnaires covered a range of data, including socio-demographic information, patterns of aphrodisiac use, knowledge about aphrodisiacs, lifestyle details, a sexual health inventory for men, and a perceived stress level scale. Results: The study reveals a significant prevalence of unsanctioned aphrodisiac drug use (31%) among men in Najran City, Saudi Arabia, with a majority (79.3%) consuming these substances four times monthly. Associated disparities in knowledge, lifestyle, stress, and sexual function underscore the urgent need for policy interventions and tailored health education initiatives for this demographic. Conclusion: Approximately one-third of the sampled population engaged in the unsanctioned use of aphrodisiac drugs, with the majority utilizing them four times monthly. Tablets emerged as the most prevalent form of consumption. Commonly cited motives and justifications included peer influence and the perceived safety of aphrodisiacs. Influential factors encompassed levels of knowledge, lifestyle, stress levels, erectile function, age, education, and the number of wives. Recommendations: Urgent policy interventions are warranted to regulate the acquisition and distribution of aphrodisiacs. Tailored health education initiatives should be implemented for married and prospective married men.

Turnera is a genus of plants whose biological activity has been widely studied. The importance of this genus, particularly Turnera diffusa, as a source of treatment for various conditions is evidenced by the large number of new studies that have evaluated its biological activity. Accordingly, the objective of this review was to compile the information published in the last ten years concerning the biological activities reported for Turnera spp. The present work includes 92 publications that evaluate 29 bioactivities and toxicological and genotoxic information on five species of this genus. Among the pharmacological effects reported, the antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, hypoglycemic, and aphrodisiac activities seem more promising. Phytochemicals and standardized plant extracts could offer alternative therapeutic remedies for various diseases. Although several flavonoids, cyanogenic glycosides, monoterpenoids, triterpenoids, and fatty acids have been isolated for Turnera plants, future research should focus on the identification of the main active principles responsible for these pharmacological activities, as well as to perform clinical trials to support the laboratory results.

Aphrodisiac herbal products originated from various plants including Mucuna species. In Thai folklore, Mucuna macrocarpa Wall. and M. pruriens (L.) DC. have long been consumed and utilized for their aphrodisiac properties. Consumption of these plants can lead to serious adverse effects caused by l-dopa. The plants have been legally banned for use as foods, dietary supplements, or nutraceuticals by the FDA of several countries. To protect consumers, methods for the identification of illicit plants or herbal products are needed. This study aimed to identify the selected twelve Mucuna species and examine the aphrodisiac herbal products containing M. macrocarpa and M. pruriens by using HPLC analysis of l-dopa coupled with DNA barcoding profiles of ITS, matK, rbcL, and trnH-psbA. The results showed that l-dopa could be found not only in the seeds of M. macrocarpa and M. pruriens but also in associated allied Mucuna species. Then, a DNA barcode was introduced to support in HPLC profiling to identify the plants. DNA barcodes of twelve Mucuna species found in Thailand were established and used to reconstruct a phylogenetic tree. In this study, ITS2 sequences showed the highest interspecific variability and could be used to differentiate all Mucuna species. The results of ITS2 sequence coupled with HPLC analysis revealed that all the purchased aphrodisiac products originated from M. pruriens only. Therefore, the integration of HPLC analysis and DNA barcoding profile was an efficient method for the identification of prohibited Mucuna species for safety monitoring of herbal supplements and protecting customer safety. Regulatory agencies should raise awareness and restrain the use of these commercial products.

UNASSIGNED: In Ayurveda, ashwagandha is a popular plant for promoting youthful energy, longevity, and overall well-being. It is also an excellent aphrodisiac herb that aids in the improvement and maintenance of normal sexual health. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of ashwagandha root extract on improving sexual health in adult males.
UNASSIGNED: In this 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we investigated the aphrodisiac property of an ashwagandha root extract in adult males. Fifty participants with lower sexual desire were randomly allocated to take 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract or placebo capsules twice daily. Outcomes were measured using the derogatis interview for sexual functioning-male (DISF-M) questionnaire, serum testosterone, serum prolactin, and short-form survey-36 quality of life questionnaire before and after the intervention.
UNASSIGNED: Compared to placebo, ashwagandha root extract supplementation was associated with a statistically significant increase in the total DISF-M scores (mean difference -9.8; 95% confidence interval, -10.73 to -8.87; p < 0.0001; t-test). It was also associated with a statistically significant increase in serum testosterone levels (-66.52; -80.70 to -52.34; p < 0.0001; t-test). However, the prolactin level did not change after intervention in both the ashwagandha and placebo groups (-1.06; -2.78 to 0.66; p > 0.05).
UNASSIGNED: These findings suggest that ashwagandha demonstrated a significant subjective perception of sexual well-being and assisted in increasing serum testosterone levels in the participants.

BACKGROUND: Spilanthol, an active metabolite of the herb Spilanthes acmella, has many biological and pharmacological effects with limited studies on humans.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent of increase/decrease in muscle mass and sexual frequency over a period of 3 weeks and 2 months in participants consuming SA3X capsules (containing 500 mg of Spilanthes acmella extract, standardized to 3.5% spilanthol delivering 17.5 mg spilanthol).
METHODS: The study is longitudinal in nature and is conducted among 240 male participants consuming SA3X capsules at three points - first at recruitment, second at the end of 3 weeks, and lastly at the end of 2 months in Hyderabad and Secunderabad who were assessed for muscle gain by measuring mid upper-arm circumference (MUAC), chest circumference (CC), thigh circumference (TC), and for sexual activity by a change in frequency of sexual activity and duration of penile erection. The nutrient intake was assessed by 24-h dietary recall method at each visit along with the daily activity.
RESULTS: A significant increase in the MUAC, (P = 0.050), frequency of sexual intercourse (P = 0.028), and duration of penile erection (P = 0.032) were observed at the end of 3 weeks; however, no changes were observed in CC and TC. At the end of 2 months, a significant increase in the parameters MUAC (P = 0.031), frequency of sexual intercourse (P < 0.001), duration of penile erection (P = 0.029) along with significant increase in CC; (P = 0.048) and TC; (P = 0.036) was observed.
CONCLUSIONS: The study reflects the herb Spilanthes acmella to be a potent muscle gainer and aphrodisiac. However, further studies on humans need to be carried out to establish the temporality of the association of spilanthol with its claimed benefits.

UNASSIGNED: An Aphrodisiac includes any drug and food that arouses sexual instinct, induces venereal desire, and increases pleasure and performance. The present study was designed to clinically evaluate efficacy and safety of Herbal Based Syrup (HBS) composed of Tribulus terrestris L., Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer., Zingiber officinale Rosc, Ceratonia siliqua L., Papaver rhoeas L., and Palm tree pollen on sexual experience of men.
UNASSIGNED: The study was designed as a double-blind randomized clinical trial. The main outcome measures were the responses obtained from using the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX). The ASEX was completed by 100 married and seemingly healthy men before and after taking one dose of HBS or placebo and at least one sexual intercourse. In addition, possible side effects were observed. A split-plot ANOVA (SPANOVA) design was used for statistical analysis.
UNASSIGNED: Results of analysis of data for each variable of the ASEX showed significantly lower scores in HBS-treated group compared to the placebo (control) group in items of desire, arousal, erection, orgasm and satisfaction (p < 0.05). No drug-related serious adverse events were observed.
UNASSIGNED: Results of this study indicated a significant improvement in sexual experience of men following consumption of HBS. Due to various complications reported about the use of chemical sexual drive enhancers, HBS can be introduced as an alternative with fewer side effects.

Roots of Argyreia nervosa (Burm. f.) Bojer are used as aphrodisiac and spermatogenic in the treatment of male infertility. The present studies included in vivo assessment of alkaloidal fraction in male rats on testosterone synthesis in leydig cells. Studies included oral administration of doses of alkaloidal fraction (10, 25 and 50 mg/kg) to rats. Results showed 100% and 146.7% increment in serum testosterone and serum cholesterol at 50 mg/kg dose level, respectively. At the same dose, 135.29% increase in mounting frequency and 357.14% increase in intromission frequency were also observed. Moreover, mount latency and intromission latency were reduced by 32% and 15.88%. Also, there was significant increase in the weight of testes, prostate, seminal vesicle and epididymis. There was 30.26% rise in sperm concentration in treated animals. We conclude that the alkaloidal fraction up-regulated testosterone biosynthesis in leydig cells and it could be responsible for the aphrodisiac and spermatogenic effect.

In this study the effect of Gum arabic (Acacia Senegal) was systemically targeted at male fertility with two experiments, the first comparing the effectiveness of Gum arabic (GA) and Tribulus terrestris (TT). For the first experiment, 27 adult mice Balb / c (18 females, 9 males) were divided into 3 in each group, one male and two females, group one had the usual tap water as power, group two had 5% (w / v) GA and group three had 5% (w / v) of TT for 21 days. The results showed, the number of offspring was more with GA treated when compared to TT treated. Blood measurements of testosterone showed significant increase in the GA group as compared to other groups, also Histopathological analysis showed the dose dependent 5% GA had normal seminiferous tubules with increase spermatogenesis. In this study the enhanced fertility in GA-treated mice Balb/c was observed and the experimental studies also show that GA fertility was increased.

BACKGROUND: Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is an important medicinal herb belonging to family Solanaceae. It is widely used in folkloric and Ayurvedic medicines since antiquity. Traditionally, the plant is highly practiced throughout the globe as immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, anti-parkinson, anti-alzheimer, cardio protective, neural and physical health enhancer, neurodefensive, anti-diabetic, aphrodisiac, memory boosting etc. The plant is also effective in combating various types of cancer and other related problems of colon, mammary, lung, prostate, skin, blood, liver and kidney.
UNASSIGNED: The present review represents the critical assessment of the literature available on the anticancerous role of W. somnifera. The present study throws light on its diverse chemical compounds and the possible mechanisms of action involved. This review also suggests further research strategies to harness the therapeutic potential of this plant.
METHODS: The present review is the outcome of a systematic search of scientific literature about \'Withania somnifera and its role in cancer prevention\'. The scientific databases viz. Google Scholar, Science Direct, Pubmed and Web of Science were searched from 2001 to 2019. Textbooks, magazines and newspapers were also consulted. This review summarizes all the published literature about its therapeutic potential for the treatment of different types of cancers.
RESULTS: W. somnifera has been widely used in traditional and ayurvedic medicines for treatment of numerous problems related to health and vitality. The plant is a reservoir of diverse phytoconstituents like alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, phenolics, nitrogen containing compounds and trace elements. Withanolides are the major alkaloids which renders its anticancer potential due to its highly oxygenated nature. The plant is highly effective in combating various types of cancers viz. colon, mammary, lung, prostate, skin, blood, liver and kidney. Previous studies depict that this plant is more effective against breast cancer followed by colon, lung, prostate and blood cancer. Furthermore, from different clinical studies it has been observed that the active constituents of the plant like withaferin-A, withanolide-D have least toxic effects.
CONCLUSIONS: The present review confirms the various medicinal values of W. somnifera without any significant side effects. Withaferin-A (WA) and Withanolides are its most promising anticancer compounds that play a major role in apoptosis induction. Keeping in mind the anticancerous potential of this plant, it is suggested that this plant may further be investigated and more clinical studies can be performed.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and distress caused by erectile dysfunction (ED) to both male and female partners are increasing at a steady rate. ED has now become the most treated sexual disorder for men among young and old age groups due to varying physical and psychological factors. The treatment with synthetic Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors are cost-effective but due to adverse effects such as priapism, loss of vision, heart attack and syncope, the daily life patterns of these patients are distressed and hence the need for alternative medicaments or sources are of utmost important. Therefore, the exploration of medicinal plants as PDE5 inhibitors will be worthwhile in tackling the problems as many plant extracts and fractions have been long used as aphrodisiacs and sexual stimulants which may be found to be active against PDE5 enzyme.
OBJECTIVE: To provide a review on the different medicinal herbs traditionally used as natural aphrodisiacs, libido or sexual enhancers which are proven for their PDE5 inhibitory effect.
METHODS: Ethnobotanical and scientific information was procured, reviewed and compiled from the literature search of electronic databases and search engines.
RESULTS: A total of 97 medicinal plants exhibiting PDE5 inhibitory effect are reviewed in this paper which is supported by preclinical experimental evidence. Among them, 77 plants have been selected according to their traditional and ethnobotanical uses as aphrodisiacs and the rest are screened according to their effectiveness against predisposing factors responsible for ED and sexual dysfunction such as diabetes and hypertension or due to the presence of phytochemicals having structural similarity towards the identified natural PDE5 inhibitors. In addition, sixteen alkaloids, sixty-one phenolics and eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have been isolated or identified from active extracts or fractions that are exhibiting PDE5 inhibitory activity. Among them, isoflavones and biflavones are the major active constituents responsible for action, where the presence of prenyl group for isoflavones; and the methoxy group at C-5 position of flavones are considered essential for the inhibitory effect. However, the prenylated flavonol glycoside, Icariin and Icariside II isolated from Epimedium brevicornum Maxim (hory goat weed) are the most effective inhibitor, till date from natural sources. Traditional medicines or formulations containing extracts of Ginkgo biloba L., Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex Baker, Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp., Eurycoma longifolia Jack and Vitis vinifera L. are also found to be inhibitors of PDE5 enzyme.
CONCLUSIONS: The review suggests and supports the rational use of traditional medicines that can be further studied for the development of potential PDE5 inhibitors. Many traditional medicines are still used in various regions of Africa, Asia and South America that are poorly characterized and experimented. Despite the availability of a vast majority of traditional formulations as aphrodisiacs or sexual stimulants, there exists a need for systemic evaluation on the efficacy as well as the mechanism of action of the herbal constituents for the identification of novel chemical moieties that can be further developed for maximum efficacy.