Pharmacologic enhancement of the erotic: Implications of an expanded definition of aphrodisiacs

Previous scientific research indicates that there are no true aphrodisiacs; that is, there are no pharmacological substances that enhance sex drive or directly increase sexual frequency or other sexual performance variables. However, if the definition of aphrodisiac is expanded to include an enhanced subjective pleasure of sexual experience, this conclusion may be unwarranted. Current knowledge of certain pharmacological agents (marijuana, central nervous system stimulants, and methylenedioxyamphetamine) is examined with this redefinition in mind and reveals positive theoretical potentials for research on sex and drug interactions.