Top 7 Nutritional Aphrodisiacs Backed by Biochemistry and Clinical Evidence

Science-backed nutrients shown to influence sexual function

Sexual health plays a key role in overall wellbeing, yet many people experience challenges with libido, performance, or satisfaction. Increasing public interest has focused on how diet and specific natural compounds often called nutritional aphrodisiacs may support sexual vitality. A 2024 scientific review by Al-Madhagi and Tarabishi explored how foods and herbs influence neuroendocrine, vascular, and hormonal pathways involved in sexual response (1).Below, you’ll find a simple Q&A guide summarising seven commonly discussed nutritional aphrodisiacs and the evidence behind them.

1. Can ginseng help with sex drive or erections?

Panax ginseng contains active compounds called ginsenosides that help widen blood vessels and improve blood flow, which can support erections (1). Studies in men and women show that ginseng can improve sexual desire, erectile function, and overall sexual satisfaction (2,3).

2. What does Maca root do for sexual health?

Maca, a root vegetable from Peru, is traditionally used to boost libido and fertility. Research suggests it can increase sexual desire and improve sperm quality in men, even without changing testosterone levels (1,4,5). Its effects may be linked to brain pathways that control sexual desire.

3. Can saffron improve sexual problems from antidepressants?

Yes. People taking SSRIs (a type of antidepressant) sometimes experience reduced sexual desire. Clinical trials show saffron can improve sexual desire and erectile function within 4–6 weeks (6,7). It works by supporting serotonin balance, antioxidant activity, and blood flow.

4. Is dark chocolate really an aphrodisiac?

Dark chocolate contains flavonoids and phenylethylamine, which can improve mood, support dopamine release, and increase blood flow (1,8). These effects may indirectly boost arousal and interest in sex.

5. Why are oysters considered good for libido?

Oysters are high in zinc, a nutrient important for testosterone production, sperm health, and dopamine regulation (1,9). Zinc deficiency can lower fertility and reduce sexual function. Oysters also have amino acids that may support hormone pathways linked to sexual arousal.

6. Do chili peppers really increase sexual arousal?

Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which can increase circulation, endorphins, and stress hormones that affect arousal (1,10). This may improve blood flow to sexual organs and enhance sensation for some people.

7. Can watermelon act like a natural Viagra?

Watermelon has L-citrulline, which the body turns into arginine, supporting nitric oxide production and blood vessel function (11,12). Studies show L-citrulline supplements can improve erection quality in men with mild erectile dysfunction. Whole-food effects are promising but still being researched.

Safety Tips

Even though these are natural foods or herbs, they have real effects on the body. Some may interact with medications like SSRIs or blood thinners, or be unsafe for people with heart problems or hormone-sensitive conditions. Always check with a healthcare professional before starting supplements.

References

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

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 male erectile dysfunction. Integr Med Res. 2019;8(4):276–281. doi:10.1016/j.imr.2019.09.001

4. Gonzales GF, Cordova A, Vega K, et al. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on sexual desire. Andrologia. 2002;34(6):367–372. doi:10.1046/j.1439-0272.2002.00519.x

5. Melnikovova I, Fait T, Kolarova M, et al. Effect of Lepidium meyenii on semen parameters. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:324369. doi:10.1155/2015/324369

6. Modabbernia A, Sohrabi H, Nasehi AA, et al. Effect of saffron on fluoxetine-induced sexual impairment in men. Psychopharmacology. 2012;223(4):381–388. doi:10.1007/s00213-012-2724-7

7. Kashani L, Raisi F, Saroukhani S, et al. Saffron for fluoxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in women. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2013;28(5):54–60. doi:10.1002/hup.2305

8. Pase MP, Scholey AB, Pipingas A, et al. Cocoa polyphenols enhance mood. J Psychopharmacol. 2013;27(5):451–458. doi:10.1177/0269881113485146

9. Prasad AS. Zinc in human health. Mol Med. 2008;14(5–6):353–357. doi:10.2119/2008-00033.Prasad

10. Baskin LS, Tanagho EA. Patient tolerance of 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. 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. World J Mens Health. 2025;43(2):123–132. doi:10.5534/wjmh.230280