The search for substances that increase sexual potency or drive has existed almost as long as civilization itself. Inscriptions found in the ruins of ancient cultures have described the preparation of "erotic potions," and an endless number of "aphrodisiacs" have been described since then to modern times? In contemporary society, the continuous proliferation of drugs and chemicals that modify mood and behavior has enhanced the claim that many such drugs have aphrodisiac properties, and more and more agents are considered by some to fulfill this purpose.

In reality, there are no known drugs that specifically increase libido or sexual performance, and every chemical taken for this purpose, without medical advice, especially in combination with other drugs, poses the danger of drug interaction or overdose to the user. Still, a number of pharmacologically active agents are capable of temporarily modifying both physiologic responsiveness and subjective perception in such a manner as to enhance the enjoyment, if not the fulfillment, of the sex act. In this section we shall consider some of these agents.

Cantharis. Cantharis (cantharidin, Spanish fly), a legendary sexual stimulant, is in reality a powerful irritant and potent systemic poison. A powder made from dried beetles (Cantharis vesicatoria) found in southern Europe, cantharis is capable of producing several illness characterized by vomiting, purging, abdominal pain, and shock. When taken internally, it causes irritation and inflamation of the genitourinary tract and dilation of the blood vessels of the penis, producing, in some instances prolonged erections, usually without an increase in sexual desire. Deaths have been reported from the promiscuous use of cantharis as an aphrodisiac. It is currently recognized that cantharis is not an effective sexual stimulant and is seldom used in modern medical practice.

Yohimbine. Another natural substance with supposed aphrodisiac properties is yohimbine, an alkaloid derived from the west African tree Corynanthe yohimbe. Yohimbine produces a competitive alpha-adrenergic blockage of limited duration and antidiures is, probably due to the release of antidiuretic hormone. Although yohimbine stimulates the lower spinal nerve centers controlling erection, there is no convincing evidence that it acts as a sexual stimulant. It currently has no therapeutic uses.

About The Author
David Crawford is the CEO and owner of a Real Male Enhancement Results company known as Male Enhancement Group which is dedicated to researching and comparing male enhancement products in order to determine which male enhancement product is safer and more effective than other products on the market. Copyright 2011 David Crawford of Male Enhancement Blog Review This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.