Aphrodisiac Potential of Indigenous Medicinal Plants of Sri Lanka- A Review

An aphrodisiac is defined as an agent with an ability to arouse sexual desire. Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sexuality, love, and beauty, inspired the word. Vigor and vitality are important determinants of life. This study was undertaken to review the value of plants containing aphrodisiac properties which were used in traditional system of medicine in Sri Lanka. Data submitted here was gathered from local knowledge on Ayurveda, Unani Sidda and Traditional medicine by using research carried out by researchers, Ola leaves and from traditional authentic textbooks. According to this study plants are used as single or compound medicine for treated sexual dysfunction including premature ejaculation, retrograded, retarded, or suppressed ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, arousal issues, compulsive sexual behavior, orgasmic disorder, and failure of detumescence. The pharmacologically tested (either in man or animal or both) aphrodisiac herbs and information about their pharmacological efficacy, mode of action, and toxicity have been discussed in this review. Furthermore, this study discovered that some plants and their extracts have aphrodisiac properties, which will aid researchers in developing novel herbal aphrodisiac compositions. Further research on the ethnopharmacology and toxicology of the reported plants is needed so that they can be properly used in traditional medicine and utilized for drug discovery.