RESEARCH AND REVIEWS: JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGICAL STUDIES Pharmacology, Phytochemistry and Safety of Aphrodisiac Medicinal Plants: A Review

The history of sexual medicine and management of male sexual dysfunction (MSD) is as old as human civilization. The modern life styles and environmental conditions have increased prevalence of MSD with age. To address this problem a number of therapeutic strategies including the use of medicinal plants have been advocated for management of MSD. Large numbers of research papers regarding aphrodisiac activity of medicinal plants have been published in past few years. This review compiles data on the potential aphrodisiac activity of medicinal plants possessing effective dose of less than equal to 200 mg/kgbw or equivalent. The toxicity studies and phytochemical data available for the active extract or active plant part have also been incorporated in this review. Data regarding plant part, dose, animal model, compounds isolated and mechanism of aphrodiasic activity was tabulated. Medicinal plants possess an untapped source of aphrodisiac molecules. The review identified that Bryonia laciniosa, Caesalpinia benthamiana, Ferula harmonis, Montanoa tementosa, Syzygium aromaticum, Turnera aphrodisiaca, Spilanthes acmella, Turnera aphrodisiaca, Turnera diffusa, and Tribulus terrestris plants possess potential aphrodisiac activity. The safety in long term usage and low cost may be added advantage associated with use of herbal aphrodisiacs.