A tool to measure perception of aphrodisiac use by undergraduates students of University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria was developed and validated. The study was hinged on several theories that could explain potential to use aphrodisiac among the youths. An exploratory mixed methods design was used to develop a scale to measure perception of aphrodisiac use by undergraduate students of University of Ibadan. Qualitative data collection was performed among thirty equally represented male and female students and five key informant interview participants while 919 participants completed the quantitative phase (surveys). Integration of matched qualitative themes from FGD/KII to survey domains was achieved through the \'building approach\'. Qualitative themes assessing perceptions of aphrodisiac use by university undergraduate students were used to develop original survey items as well as new survey items peculiar to research subjects. Exploratory factor analysis was deployed on polychoric correlation matrix of the items using R-statistical packages. Further model fit analysis was conducted using confirmatory factor analysis on the items suggested by EFA as well as composite reliability and construct validity tests for the constructs. Mean Z-scores of factors were computed against socio-demographics and symptoms of aphrodisiac use among respondents that have ever used it. Most respondents (84.3%) were under 25 years, mostly male (58.4%) and singles (96.3%), with 41.3% earning ≤20,000 naira monthly. The enhanced content validity of the items from mixed method analysis yielded two major domains. Two succession of factor analyses and a structural equation modeling suggested that a first-order model is good fit for experimental data (TLI = 0.931; CFI = 0.948; SRMR = 0.047; RMSEA = 0.083). The four-factor solution to the model included: prolonged sexual performance, use without erectile dysfunction or medical advice, treatment of erectile dysfunction and recreational purposes with an internal and composite reliability that ranged from 0.62-0.92 and 0.63-0.92. The validation with socio-demographics and consequences of aphrodisiac use indicated that: Male respondents, those older than 20years, the married, those from poorly educated parent and sufferers of all related consequences had statistically significant differences with poor perception of aphrodisiac use\' domains. This validated instrument is good for assessment of perception of aphrodisiac use among students in tertiary institution albeit with caution. A version of the scale that is broadened with highly refined items and tested for high internal validity is suggested.

BACKGROUND: Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen, Amaranthaceae, is found in South America, mainly in Brazil, where it is considered a species of great medicinal interest owing to its popular use as a tonic, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic. These properties can be attributed to the presence of the phytosteroid, 20-Hydroxyecdysone (β-ecdysone), the main compound found in its roots.
OBJECTIVE: This review aims to provide information about the botanical characteristics, ethnomedicinal uses, the phytochemistry, the biological activities, and the biotechnology of P. glomerata, an important species to local communities and groups researching medicinal plants of South America.
METHODS: The information available on P. glomerata was collected from scientific databases (ScienceDirect, PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, and Scopus) until June 7, 2023, using the search terms \"Pfaffia glomerata\", \"Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen\", and \"Brazilian ginseng\". The review includes studies that evaluated the botanical, ethnopharmacological, and phytochemical aspects, biological properties, nutraceutical uses, and the application of biotechnology for improving the biosynthesis of metabolites of interest.
RESULTS: A total of 207 studies were identified, with 81 articles read in full. Seventy-six studies were included for qualitative synthesis. Overall, 40 compounds belonging to different classes are presented in this review, including ecdysteroids, triterpenes, saponins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, tannins, coumarins, alkaloids, and polysaccharides. Among them, flavonoids, anthraquinones, tannins, coumarins, and alkaloids were only putatively identified. β-Ecdysone, triterpenes, saponins, and polysaccharides are the chemical components most frequently identified and isolated from P. glomerata and possibly responsible for ethnopharmacological use and the biological activities of this species, with important in vitro and in vivo activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, analgesic, gastroprotective, antioxidant, and prebiotic.
CONCLUSIONS: This review summarizes discussions about the P. glomerata species, highlighting its ethnopharmacological, chemical, biotechnological, and nutraceutical importance. New scientific studies on this species are encouraged in the search for new therapeutic molecules with pharmaceutical potential and nutraceutical applications.

UNASSIGNED: The present study aimed at investigating the effect of dietary supplementation of Phoenix dactylifera, an important component of aphrodisiac supplements, on sexual performance, oxido-inflammatory mediators and purinergic signaling system in hypertensive rats.
UNASSIGNED: Hypertension was induced via oral administration of 40 mg/kg L-NAME. Thereafter, the sexual performance of the experimental animals was determined and the hypertensive rats with impaired sexual activities were placed on P. dactylifera-supplemented diet for 21 days, and the effects of the treatment on the overall sexual behavior, antioxidant status, oxido-inflammatory biomarkers, and enzyme activity of the purinergic system were assessed.
UNASSIGNED: Hypertensive rats showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in sexual performance, elevated level of oxido-inflammatory mediators, and altered purinergic enzymes activity when compared with the control. However, sub-chronic feeding with P. dactylifera-supplemented diet improved sexual performance, significantly lowered oxido-inflammatory biomarkers, and enhanced the activity of purinergic enzymes in hypertensive rats.
UNASSIGNED: Findings presented in this study suggest that dietary inclusion of P. dactylifera could be useful in managing erectile dysfunction (ED) commonly observed in subjects with hypertension. Findings highlighted in this study thus provide the scientific basis supporting the folkloric use of P. dactylifera as a key ingredient in aphrodisiac supplements.

Physical and psychological stress has an inverse relation with male libido and sperm quality. The present study investigates the potential fertility-enhancing properties of Desmodium gangeticum (DG) root extracts in male Wister rats subjected to immobilization-induced stress (SIMB). DG roots were extracted using n-hexane (HEDG), chloroform (CEDG), and water (AEDG). In the pilot study, aphrodisiac protentional was investigated at two doses (125 and 250 mg kg-1) of each extract. In the main study, the HEDG and AEDG at 125 and 250 mg kg-1 were challenged for the stress by immobilization (SIMB), for 6 h daily over 28 days. Parameters assessed included aphrodisiac effects, gonadosomatic index (GSI), semen quality, sperm quantity, fructose content, serum hormonal levels, testicular oxidative stress, and testicular histopathology. Additional in silico studies, including the lipid solubility index, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and SymMap studies were conducted for validation. HEDG demonstrated significant aphrodisiac activity, improved - GSI, sperm quality and quantity, and fructose content, serum testosterone levels, histological changes induced by SIMB in the testes. Swiss ADME studies indicated Gangetin (a pterocarpan) had a high brain permeation index (4.81), a superior docking score (-8.22), and higher glide energy (-42.60), compared with tadalafil (-7.17). The \'Lig fit Prot\' plot in molecular dynamics simulations revealed a strong alignment between Gangetin and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). HEDG exerts aphrodisiac effects by increasing blood testosterone levels and affecting PDE5 activity. The protective effects on spermatozoa-related parameters and testicular histological changes are attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, of pterocarpan (gangetin).

BACKGROUND: Crocus sativus L. known as saffron, is a popular food condiment with a high aroma, deep colour, and long and thick threads (stigmas) cultivated in Iran, Morocco, Spain, Italy, China, Japan, France, Turkey, and India. In \'Ayurveda\', saffron is acknowledged for its immunostimulant, aphrodisiac, cardiotonic, liver tonic, nervine tonic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, galactagogue, febrifuge, sedative, relaxant, and anxiolytic activities. The renowned Persian physician and philosopher, Avicenna, delineated saffron as an antidepressant, hypnotic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, bronchodilator, and aphrodisiac in his book, the Canon of Medicine. Within traditional Iranian Medicine (TIM), saffron is characterized as a mood elevator and a rejuvenator for the body and senses. Further, the ethnopharmacological evidence indicates that saffron has shown an effect against neurodegenerative disorders namely, dementia, Alzheimer\'s, and Parkinson\'s with its bioactive constituents i.e., carotenoids and apocarotenoids.
OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the potential of standardized (Kashmir Saffron, India) Crocus sativus extract (CSE) in chronic scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment, amyloid beta (Aβ) plaque, and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) accumulation in rat brains by targeting AChE inhibition and scopolamine mechanistic effect.
METHODS: The experimental animals were divided into six groups: group 1: normal control, group 2: scopolamine, group 3,4 and 5 rivastigmine tartrate, CSE (p.o. 10 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg, and 20 mg/kg) respectively. Each treatment group received scopolamine after 20 min of dosing, till 4 weeks. The effects of different treatments on learning, acquisition, and reversal memory were performed using a Morris water maze test. In addition to behavioral assessments, biochemical parameters such as AChE, IL-6, and antioxidants were measured in isolated brains. Histological observations were also conducted to assess the presence of Aβ plaques and NFT. Furthermore, molecular docking was performed to explore the potential AChE inhibitory activity of the bioactive constituents of standardized CSE.
RESULTS: Scopolamine produces memory impairment, and its chronic administration forms Aβ plaque and NFT in rat brains. Supplementation with CSE in presence of scopolamine has shown remarkable effects on behavioural activity, special acquisition, and reversal memory. The CSE has also shown promising effects on AChE inhibition and antioxidant activity. The results of the docking study also indicate that trans-crocetin, i.e., a biologically active metabolite of Crocins, has strong AChE inhibitory activity, supported by an in vivo animal experiment.
CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with CSE significantly attenuates the formation of Aβ plaque and NFT in the hippocampus at a dose of 20 mg/kg per day. In addition, CSE also counters scopolamine-induced neuroinflammation.

BACKGROUND: West African Albizia (Albizia zygia DC J. F. Macbr) leaves are a tropical plant that are frequently used in folkloric medicine to treat a number of illnesses, including type 2 diabetes (TY2D) and erectile dysfunction (ED), without having a complete scientific foundation.
OBJECTIVE: This investigation examined the effect of action of dietary augmentation of Albizia zygia leaves (AZL) on rat sexual functioning and important enzymes related to TY2D and ED.
METHODS: Thirty matured adult Wistar rats of the weight 180-200 g were acclimatized in a lab environmental condition for two weeks prior to experiment given food and water to acclimate. Twenty-four of the rats got high fat diet (HFD) for periods of two weeks before receiving streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneally (i.p.), 35 mg/kg body weight single dose. Six rats got basal diets. Type 2 diabetes was identified in rats 72 h after STZ treatment. Rats were then used to evaluate the mounting number, mount delay, intromission number, and intromission latency.
RESULTS: Following that, meals supplemented with AZL (5% or 10% inclusion) were given to diabetic-ED rats for 14 days. AZL was added. Therefore, in diabetic-ED rats, AZL supplementation could significantly (p0.05) lower blood glucose levels and the activities of alpha amylase, alpha glucosidase, phosphodiesterase-5, and arginase. In the case of diabetic-ED treated rats in consideration with diabetic-ED control group, nitric oxide levels were increased along with sexual function.
CONCLUSIONS: Thus, experimental results of this study demonstrated rats that consumed AZL in their diets had less erectile dysfunction. In order to address ED caused by diabetes, AZL could be suggested as functional meals.

Chemical communication plays a vital role in mate attraction and discrimination among many insect species. Here, we document a unique example of semiochemical parsimony, where four chemicals act as both aphrodisiacs and anti-aphrodisiacs in different contexts in Bactrocera dorsalis. Specifically, we identified four female-specific semiochemicals, ethyl laurate, ethyl myristate, ethyl cis-9-hexadecenoate, and ethyl palmitate, which serve as aphrodisiacs to attract male flies and arouse male courtship. Interestingly, these semiochemicals, when sexually transferred to males during mating, can function as anti-aphrodisiacs, inhibiting the receptivity of subsequent female mates. We further showed that the expression of elongase11, a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of these semiochemicals, is under the control of doublesex, facilitating the exclusive biosynthesis of these four semiochemicals in females and guaranteeing effective chemical communication. The dual roles of these semiochemicals not only ensure the attractiveness of mature females but also provide a simple yet reliable mechanism for female mate discrimination. These findings provide insights into chemical communication in B. dorsalis and add elements for the design of pest control programs.

BACKGROUND: Viola stocksii Boiss. locally known as makhni or makhanr booti, is an important medicinal food plant with multiple therapeutic applications, including erectile dysfunction (ED). It is mixed with butter and used for boosting energy and sexual health in the subcontinent.
OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the chemical composition, aphrodisiac potential and effect of V. stocksii on the risk factors associated with ED.
METHODS: The hydroethanolic extract of V. stocksii (HEEVS) was prepared through the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) technique. The chemical composition was evaluated using preliminary phytochemical screening and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis. Metals and minerals analysis was performed by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The aphrodisiac activity of HEEVS was evaluated using an in vivo aphrodisiac model established in male albino rats and the effect on various sexual parameters such as mount, intromission, ejaculation frequencies and mount, intromission, ejaculation latencies, postejaculatory interval, penile reflexes and serum hormone concentration were analyzed. The effect of HEEVS on various risk factors associated with ED, including prostate cancer (PC), bacterial infections, diabetes and obesity, was evaluated using various in vitro assays. Moreover, four compounds were selected from the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS profile and evaluated for in silico computational analysis against phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) for possible interaction.
RESULTS: The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various secondary metabolites in HEEVS, while 58 compounds were tentatively identified in the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis. Various important minerals and metals such as zinc, calcium, cadmium and magnesium were detected in the atomic absorption spectrometry analysis. The in vivo aphrodisiac evaluation showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the mount, intromission and ejaculation frequencies and a decrease in the mount, intromission latencies and post-ejaculatory intervals at a dose of 300 mg/kg. A marked (p < 0.05) increase was observed in the concentration of serum testosterone and luteinizing hormones in HEEVS treated animals with a significant increase in total penile reflexes. The extract displayed significant anti-prostate cancer activity and a potential antibacterial spectrum against E. coli and S. aureus, with MIC50 values of 215.72 μg/mL and 139.05 μg/mL, respectively. Similarly, HEEVS was found active towards pancreatic lipase (67.34 ± 1.03%), α-glucosidase (3.87 ± 0.54 mmol ACAE/g d.w.) and α-amylase (6.98 ± 1.63 mmol ACAE/g d.w.). The in silico docking study presented a potential interaction between the selected compounds and residues of the active site of PDE-5.
CONCLUSIONS: This report highlights the aphrodisiac potential of V. stocksii and provides experimental support for its traditional use in ED with an attenuative effect on the risk factors associated with ED. Moreover, the chemical composition displayed the presence of functional phytoconstituents and minerals in HEEVS and paves the way for the isolation of compounds with potent aphrodisiac activity.

The traditional use of Mirabilis jalapa L. roots to enhance male sexual performance prompted us to assess the in silico, in vitro, and in vivo aphrodisiac activities of its hydroethanolic extract using normal male rats. Spectroscopic characterization indicated the presence of ß-D-glucopyranoside, methyl-1,9-benzyl-2,6-dichloro-9H-purine, and Bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate; these compounds have a significant inhibitory effect on the phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) enzyme in silico evaluation and minerals (including zinc, cadmium, and magnesium). Other phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. These phytochemicals and minerals may contribute to the aphrodisiac activities of the extract. Additionally, the in vivo study revealed that the administration of M. jalapa root extract (300 mg/kg) significantly enhanced (p < 0.01, p < 0.03) mount, intromission, and ejaculation frequencies while significantly (p < 0.05) decreasing the mount and intromission latencies, as well as the post-ejaculatory interval time, in comparison with the standard drugs sildenafil and ginseng, resulting in enhanced erection and sexual performance in the rats. Furthermore, the extract significantly (p < 0.05) increased penile reflexes and also elevated the levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormones. Extract (300 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the PDE-5 enzyme in an in vitro study. Concludingly, the comprehensive findings of this study suggest that a standardized herbal extract derived from M. jalapa roots alleviates erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation in male rats. M. jalapa root extract proved to be an alternative treatment for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

OBJECTIVE: Men\'s sexual health plays an important role in male fertility and childbearing, as it is associated with factors such as sexual desire, healthy spermatogenesis, and erectile function. In various cultures, medicinal plants have been utilized to address male sexual issues, including infertility and erectile dysfunction. Despite recent advancements in medical science for treating male impotence, some men opt for herbal supplements as an alternative, given that numerous herbs have the potential to enhance male sexual performance. The Apiaceae family is one of the oldest plant families used for medicinal purposes. Ferula, a genus within this family, comprises approximately 170 different species worldwide. Members of this genus possess numerous therapeutic properties due to the presence of various compounds. This article aims to explore the potential impacts of Ferula plants on the male reproductive system.
METHODS: This review article was prepared by searching for terms including Ferula and \"aphrodisiac,\" Ferula and \"spermatogenesis,\" and Ferula and \"male reproductive system.\" Relevant information was gathered through electronic databases, including ISI Web of Knowledge, PubMed, and Google Scholar.
RESULTS: The findings indicated that relatively comprehensive studies have been conducted in this area, revealing that certain Ferula species have been employed in folk medicine to boost fertility and libido. Recent research has corroborated these effects.
CONCLUSIONS: It is hoped that new aphrodisiac compounds with fewer side effects can be isolated from Ferula plants in the future.