When it comes to boosting sexual desire, the list of so-called aphrodisiacs is long and familiar—oysters, chocolate, avocado, and even red wine.
But here’s the surprising truth: there’s no scientific evidence that any of these actually enhance sexual arousal.
And it doesn’t stop there.
Viagra, often assumed to be a magic pill for desire, doesn’t even create arousal—it merely facilitates blood flow.
It works by inhibiting a particular enzyme, allowing more blood to reach the penis.
But here’s the catch: if you weren’t aroused before taking it, you won’t suddenly feel the urge.
It only affects the body, not the brain. And for women? Viagra has virtually no effect at all.
The Accidental Discovery That Changed Everything
While the myths of aphrodisiacs persist, real scientific breakthroughs often happen by accident.
That’s exactly how researchers stumbled upon a compound that actually works.
A group of scientists researching a sunless tanning agent began studying melanocortin, a brain protein responsible for skin pigmentation.
During experiments, they injected a male volunteer with 10 mg of a synthetic version of this protein, known as Melanotan II.
The results were nothing short of shocking—the test subject experienced an immediate and unstimulated erection that lasted for eight hours.
However, the effects weren’t all positive.
Along with the prolonged erection came intense nausea and vomiting.
A Real Libido Booster Emerges
Recognizing the potential of this discovery, the researchers decided to fine-tune the dosage.
They lowered it to 2.5 mg, reducing the erection duration to two to three hours with minimal nausea.
Further adjusting the dosage to 1.25 mg led to consistent erections with no side effects.
Not only did this compound appear to be an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction, but it also worked by stimulating sexual desire—something Viagra couldn’t do.
And the best part? It showed promise for both men and women.
A Breakthrough in Libido Enhancement
This discovery led to the development of Bremelanotide, a derivative of Melanotan II, now undergoing clinical trials as a potential treatment for sexual disorders in both sexes.
Unlike Viagra, which only impacts blood flow, Bremelanotide works directly on the brain’s arousal pathways, meaning it actually enhances desire.
Debunking the Aphrodisiac Myth
So, what about those oysters, chocolates, and avocados?
While they may be delicious and nutritious, they won’t actually spark desire.
The belief in their powers is largely psychological, a placebo effect reinforced by centuries of cultural myths.
Science, however, tells a different story.
The real aphrodisiac is not found in food, but in a carefully engineered compound that works at the neurological level.
And while it’s not yet available to the public, its success in trials suggests it could revolutionize the treatment of sexual dysfunction.
The Future of Sexual Health
With ongoing research into Bremelanotide and similar compounds, the landscape of sexual health is shifting.
Instead of relying on outdated myths, the future of libido enhancement lies in scientifically backed treatments that target the root cause of arousal—our brain chemistry.
So, next time someone swears by oysters or chocolate for a romantic boost, you’ll know the truth.
And if you ever come across a nasal spray version of this new libido enhancer in the future, you’ll have science to thank for the real aphrodisiac breakthrough.
Sources: AsapSCIENCE
