Chemistry and Pharmacology of Aphrodisiac Plants: A Review

Poor sexual performance is a major factor that affects the quality of life. Sexual health requires a positive approach to human sexuality. Cardiovascular leakages and diabetes are the major factors that are responsible for poor sexual performance and reproductive health. This review is aimed at reviewing the pharmacological and phytochemical properties of various medicinal plants used for the improvement of sexual performance and virility. Psychotherapeutic, pharmacological and traditional methods have been used in the management of poor sexual performance and virility. Drugs such as papaverin, alprostaldin and stimulants like apomorphine have been used to improve sexual health. The use of plant such as Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (Araliaceae), Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabinaceae), Myristica fragrans Houtt. (Myristaceae), Mucuna pruriens Linn. (Leguminosae), Chlorophytum borivilianum Santapau & R.R.Fern. (Liliaceae), Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Simaroubaceae) and Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberaceae) have been established in the management of sexual dysfunction. The aphrodisiac activities of plants may be as result of their bioactive constituents. This research has therefore shown that the reviewed plants can be used for the management of poor sexual performance and virility.