Anaphrodisiac

An anaphrodisiac or antiaphrodisiac is something that quells or blunts the libido. It is the opposite of an aphrodisiac, something that enhances sexual appetite. The word anaphrodisiac comes from the Greek prefix αν-, denoting negation, and the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite.

Available anaphrodisiacs classes of substances

There are two broad sources of pharamceutical anaphrodisiac products available for those wishing to decrease sex drive: herbal and synthetic.

Some common anaphrodisiacs are alcohol and tobacco, but this is typically an unintended consequence and not the main reason for use. While alcohol is used socially because it initially reduces mental inhibitions, studies have shown that over time alcohol physically decreases arousal and makes achieving climax more difficult. For this reason alcohol is considered an anaphrodisiac.

Opioids, the class of pain-reducing substances which include morphine, heroin, and hydrocodone, are anaphrodesiacs.

Less natural options are prescription synthetic compounds such as estrogens and anti-androgen drugs. These drugs have several side effects including fatigue, headaches, mood disturbances, loss of body hair, and breast development. Because of the health risks of prescription medication, these products are undesirable for a large segment of the population and are most frequently prescribed by professionals for male habitual sex offenders. These products are considered too risky for the general public and are typically not recommended for casual use.

Side effects of certain antidepressant medications may be anaphroditic in nature (e.g. SSRIs and certain antipsychotics), however, there are no prescription psychotropic drugs that have reliable anaphroditic effects.  .

Antiandrogen drugs such as cyproterone or medroxyprogesterone are sometimes prescribed to convicted sex offenders such as rapists and pedophiles who are released on parole in an effort to stop them reoffending, however the high doses required often cause a range of side effects which may limit compliance.

Reasons given for people to take anaphrodisiacs

There are several commonly cited uses for anaphrodisiacs. People with an important presentation, exam or social event may be interested in suppressing distracting sexual urges that detract from mental focus. Similar intrusive thoughts may also waste emotional energy during dating. Physical response, especially penile erection, to sexual thoughts at inappropriate times may cause social embarrassment.

History

Herbal anaphrodisiacs have been employed by various religious sects and orders throughout history. Most commonly, Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) has been used to normalize hormones in both men and women. An over-active libido is very often treated herbally by addressing poor adrenal function.

Rumours that the British Army put the 19th century anticonvulsant and sedative potassium bromide in soldiers' tea during World War II to damp soldiers' lust appears to be an urban myth. Given the long half-life of the drug in the body, a mildly sedated army would be unlikely to be an effective fighting force. A similar belief appears to exist in the United States about saltpeter in army coffee^[1] or in Russia about potassium bromide in army food.

Scientific study

Studies have evaluated the effect of herbal anaphrodisiacs on men and women. These include study of both effect of substances on hormone levels, and one behavior.

The mechanism of the active component of some plant-based anaphrodisiacs may be the induction of enzymes that catalyze the conversion of sex-hormone precursors into androstenedione, which promotes the reduction of sexual urges. Studies have demonstrated that some of these products inhibit 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17,20-lyase, which catalyzes the conversion of 17-hydroxyprogesterone of androstenedione to testosterone.^[2]

In one study a group of men were given an anaphrodisiac and the effect on the metabolism of mineralocorticoids in these men was recorded. During the period of administration, the testosterone concentrations decreased and the serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone concentrations increased. Testosterone levels fell by about 40% after administration and returned to normal after usage was discontinued.^[3] However, the actual effect of these medicines on sexual desire was not measured in the study.

The amino acid 5-HTP, or 5-hydroxytryptophan, has been anecdotally reported to be a mild anaphrodisiac, as has the chemically-related seritonergic hallucinogen MDMA, popularly known as "ecstasy". However, systematic study of these chemicals is lacking, due to the off-patent nature of 5-HTP, and the legal control of MDMA.

See also

aphrodisiac.

List of putative anaphrodisiacs

Marjoram

Hops

Camphor

Hogweed

Salix

Wild lettuce

Chasteberry

Common Rue^[4]

Coriander

Soy

Mashua

External links

• New Scientist: "The Last Word", 29 June 2002 debunks bromide in British Army tea
• snopes.com debunks saltpetre in U.S. Army coffee
• Treatment of Hypersexuality lists drugs that can be used to inhibit sexual desire
• Aphrodisiacs and Anti-aphrodisiacs: Three Essays on the Powers of Reproduction by John Davenport.

References