Top 7 Nutritional Aphrodisiacs Backed by Biochemistry and Clinical Evidence

Sexual health is a vital component of overall wellbeing, yet many people experience challenges related to libido, performance, or satisfaction. In recent years, interest has grown in the role of diet and naturally occurring compounds—so-called nutritional aphrodisiacs—to support sexual function and vitality.

A recent review by Al-Madhagi and Tarabishi (2024) examined the biochemistry and pharmacology of common nutritional aphrodisiacs, offering clarity on how foods and herbs interact with neuroendocrine, vascular, and hormonal pathways involved in sexual response (1). Below is a summary of seven such agents, supported by this and other clinical and biochemical literature.

1. Panax Ginseng (Asian Ginseng)

Ginsenosides, the active compounds in Panax ginseng, influence nitric oxide synthesis, enhancing vasodilation and penile rigidity (1). Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have shown improvement in erectile function, sexual desire, and overall satisfaction in both men and women (2,3).

2. Lepidium meyenii (Maca Root)

Maca, a Peruvian root vegetable, is traditionally used to increase fertility and libido. Several studies have demonstrated that maca supplementation is associated with improved sexual desire and semen quality in men, without altering serum testosterone levels (1,4,5). This suggests a central mechanism of action, potentially via dopaminergic pathways.

3. Crocus sativus (Saffron)

Saffron has shown promise in improving sexual function, particularly in individuals with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)-induced dysfunction. Clinical trials indicate significant improvement in erectile function and sexual desire scores after 4–6 weeks of supplementation (6,7). Its effects are thought to involve serotonin modulation, antioxidant activity, and nitric oxide enhancement.

4. Theobroma cacao (Dark Chocolate)

Dark chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA) and flavonoids that enhance dopamine release, promote vasodilation, and elevate mood (1,8). These effects may contribute indirectly to enhanced sexual interest and arousal. Polyphenols in cocoa also improve endothelial function, which is essential for sexual performance.

5. Crassostrea gigas (Oysters)

Oysters are rich in zinc, a co-factor in testosterone synthesis, sperm development, and dopamine regulation (1,9). Zinc deficiency has been linked to hypogonadism and infertility, making zinc-rich foods important in reproductive health. Oysters also contain amino acids such as D-aspartic acid and NMDA that may influence sexual arousal through hormonal pathways.

6. Capsicum annuum (Chili Peppers)

Capsaicin, the bioactive component in chili, stimulates catecholamine release, enhances circulation, and increases endorphin levels (1,10). Its vasodilatory effects may increase genital blood flow, thereby influencing arousal and sensation.

7. Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon)

Watermelon is a natural source of L-citrulline, a precursor to arginine that supports nitric oxide production. This pathway is central to vasodilation and erectile function. While data are preliminary, L-citrulline supplementation has been shown to improve erection hardness in men with mild erectile dysfunction (11,12).

Safety and Clinical Considerations

While the reviewed aphrodisiacs are derived from food or herbal sources, their pharmacological activity should not be underestimated. Some may interact with medications (e.g., SSRIs, anticoagulants) or be contraindicated in individuals with specific conditions (e.g., hormone-sensitive cancers, cardiovascular disease). Therefore, clinicians should evaluate the individual’s medical background before recommending any supplementation.

Emerging research affirms the potential of certain foods and herbs to support sexual function through well-defined biochemical mechanisms, including enhancement of neurotransmitter release, vascular responsiveness, and hormonal regulation. These effects underscore the importance of an integrated, diet-inclusive approach to sexual health that prioritises evidence-based practice and patient-centred care.

References

1. Al-Madhagi H, Tarabishi AA. Nutritional aphrodisiacs: Biochemistry and Pharmacology. Curr Res Food Sci. 2024 Jun 11;9:100783. doi: 10.1016/j.crfs.2024.100783. PMID: 38974844; PMCID: PMC11225857.

2. Lee HW, Kim JH, Choi YS, et al. Ginseng for erectile dysfunction. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021;2021(4):CD012654. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012654.pub2

3. Choi YD, Kim YS, Lee JH, et al. Vitamin E and ginseng combined supplement for treatment of male erectile dysfunction: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Integr Med Res. 2019;8(4):276-281. doi:10.1016/j.imr.2019.09.001

4. Gonzales GF, Cordova A, Vega K, Chung A, Villena A, Góñez C. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men. Andrologia. 2002 Dec;34(6):367-72. doi: 10.1046/j.1439-0272.2002.00519.x.

5. Melnikovova I, Fait T, Kolarova M, Fernandez EC, Milella L. Effect of Lepidium meyenii Walp. on semen parameters and serum hormone levels in healthy adult men: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:324369. doi: 10.1155/2015/324369.

6. Modabbernia A, Sohrabi H, Nasehi AA, Raisi F, Tabrizi M. Effect of saffron on fluoxetine-induced sexual impairment in men: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2012 Aug;223(4):381–8. doi: 10.1007/s00213-012-2724-7.

7. Kashani L, Raisi F, Saroukhani S, Sohrabi H, Modabbernia A, Nasehi AA, Jamshidi P, Ashrafi M, Ghaleiha A, Mansouri P, Ghaeli P, Akhondzadeh S. Saffron for treatment of fluoxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in women: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2013 Sep;28(5):54–60. doi: 10.1002/hup.2305.

8. Pase MP, Scholey AB, Pipingas A, Kras M, Nolidin K, Gibbs AL, Wesnes KA, Stough C. Cocoa polyphenols enhance positive mood states but not cognitive performance: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Psychopharmacol. 2013 May;27(5):451–8. doi: 10.1177/0269881113485146.

9. Prasad AS. Zinc in human health: effect of zinc on immune cells. Mol Med. 2008 May-Jun;14(5-6):353-7. doi: 10.2119/2008-00033.Prasad.

10. Baskin LS, Tanagho EA. Survey of patient tolerance and satisfaction with capsaicin for vulvar vestibulitis syndrome. Sex Med Open Access. 2023;12(1):qfae012. doi:10.1093/smoa/qfae012. 

11. Cormio L, De Siati M, Lorusso F, Selvaggio O, Mirabella L, Sanguedolce F, Carrieri G. Oral L-citrulline supplementation improves erection hardness in men with mild erectile dysfunction. Urology. 2011 Jan;77(1):119–22. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2010.08.028.

10. Baskin LS, Tanagho EA. Survey of patient tolerance and satisfaction with capsaicin for vulvar vestibulitis syndrome. Sex Med Open Access. 2023;12(1):qfae012. doi:10.1093/smoa/qfae012

11.  Cormio L, De Siati M, Lorusso F, et al. Oral L-citrulline supplementation improves erection hardness in men with mild erectile dysfunction. Urology. 2011;77(1):119-122. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2010.08.028

12.  Ramasamy R, Bhattacharyya S, Kohn TP, Miller LE. Antioxidant supplementation for erectile dysfunction: Systematic review and meta-analysis of double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials. World J Mens Health. 2025;43(2):123-132. doi:10.5534/wjmh.230280.