Sex drug could help women (OI, IT'S SCIENCE)

A new approach might be on the verge of producing an effective sex drug for women.

Unlike Viagra, the male impotency pill which acts on the sexual organs, the drug given to women in this study acts on the brain.

Tests carried out by Ian Russell, a specialist nurse at Dumfries and Galloway NHS Trust, have produced promising results.

Ten women suffering from reduced sexual desire were treated with a drug called apomorphine.

Apomorphine is active in the brain where it mimics the effect of one of the brain's main chemical messengers, dopamine.

Problems with desire are the most common complaint reported by women who seek help for sexual problems.

Ever since its launch in 1998, scientists have been investigating whether Viagra could work for women too.

Viagra was the first oral treatment for male erection problems and has been used by more than 20 million men worldwide.

This increases the blood-flow to the penis following sexual stimulation and it is this extra blood-flow that makes patients with erectile dysfunction more likely to achieve and maintain an erection.

However, clinical trial results have revealed that apart from small subgroups of women, like those with very specific problems associated with vaginal blood-flow, Viagra will probably do nothing for the majority of women with sexual problems.

The reason seems to be that, despite the physical similarities between male and female genitalia, there are crucial differences in our sexuality.

However, research has shown that for women, vaginal blood-flow can have little to do with feeling aroused.

Experiments in Amsterdam by Clinical Psychologist Ellen Laan have shown that blood flow to the vagina increased while women watched pornographic material, despite the fact that many didn't report feeling 'turned on'.

It seems that in women feelings of arousal and desire are much more to do with the response of the brain than that of the sexual organs - and this could explain why drugs that act on the brain may provide an effective treatment for female sexual problems, such as loss of desire.

Despite the encouraging initial results from Scotland, scientists remain cautious about Ian Russell's findings.

"We will have to wait until we have controlled, double blind studies before we know" said Professor Julia Heimen, clinical psychologist at the University of Washington.

Russell agrees and has begun a much larger clinical trial to investigate. This should be completed next year.

Some more information in this vein:

The Food of Love
After extensive research into the aphrodisiac qualities of vegetarian foods, The Vegetarian Society can recommend the following. Enjoy!
Asparagus
A classic in the aphrodisiac world. Whether boiled or steamed the asparagus is an effective stimulant. This erotic shaped vegetable is best, cooked and consumed whole. Part of the lily family, asparagus contains plenty of vitamin A and C. Consume over three consecutive days for the most powerful effect.
Almond
Associated with passion and fertility, their aroma is alleged to excite women and is therefore a common ingredient in creams and soaps. Almonds are delicious in cakes, biscuits, and pastries.
Avocado
To the Aztecs this fruit was known as ahucatl, which means 'testicle', but it was left to the Spanish to spread the news of the avocado's stimulating powers. In the confessional Catholic priests forbade it to their parishioners.
Bananas
As well as an erotic shape the banana has also been associated with erotic energy in the Tantric tradition. Legend has it that the serpent that tempted Eve hid in a bunch of bananas. Bananas are also rich in B vitamins believed to help manufacture sex hormones.
Chocolate
One of the undisputed kings of aphrodisiacs. Chocolate has been used to stoke the flames of passions all over the world. Its powers on the sexual appetite have led to a chocolate ban being imposed in some monasteries. Chocolate contains chemicals thought to effect neurotransmitters in the brain. Legendary bed hopper Casonova was a serious chocolate fanatic and always tucked into some before entering the boudoir.
Chilli (the hot pepper)
Powerful taste followed by a powerful aftermath! The chilli is fiery in more ways than one, watch out, the red ones are even more potent than the green. Chilli power helps stimulate the circulation and contains capsaicin, a substance known to induce a temporary high - be careful not to become addicted. Chilli is also a great source of vitamin C.
Celery
The humble celery has been used to treat a number of ailments including high blood pressure and has been found to contain a number of anti-cancer compounds. Its stimulating effects are well known in Sweden where the famous Swedish author Hagdahl described celery as 'straight forward arousing'. Crushed celery seeds are particularly potent and can be used in breads or for salad dressing. The Romans dedicated celery to Pluto their 'god of sex'.
Carrots
This root vegetable was used extensively by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction. The carrot is said to be particularly effect aphrodisiac for men. Originally from Afghanistan carrots are a great medicine and have been shown to be anti-cancerous, artery protecting and a great source of beta- carotene.
Figs
This erotic, fleshy fruit is said to act as a powerful sexual stimulant. Originally from Syria, it is one of the oldest known plants. Ritual copulation followed the arrival of the new fig crop in Ancient Greece and it is said to have been Cleopatra's favourite fruit. For the ancient Greeks the fig was one of the sacred foods associated with fertility and love. In some Southern European countries wedding guests throw figs (instead of rice) at the newly weds, as a sign of fertility.
Mustard
Believed to have a powerful effect on the sexual glands, a folklore remedy for impotence recommends rubbing the male organ with mustard. In the Middle Ages mustard paste was used as a stimulant and smeared over the body. The Bible describes it as 'the greatest amongst herbs'.
Pine Nuts
Many nuts are rich in zinc, a lack of which is said to cause impotence and infertility in men. Pine nuts especially have been used for centuries to make up love potions. The Roman poet Ovid (a vegetarian) in his work 'The Art of Love' selected 'the nuts that the sharp-leafed pine brings forth' as an effective and powerful aphrodisiac. Arabian scholars such as Galen recommended one hundred pine nuts, before going to bed. Nuts have also been found to be an effective brain food, due to a substance called boron that increases electrical activity in the brain.
Raspberry & Strawberries
Both raspberries and strawberries, combined with Champagne are regarded as powerful aphrodisiacs. Both invite love and are described in erotic literature as "fruit nipples".
The Vegetarian Society can not be held responsible for the activities resulting from the consumption of these foods.

I take what the Vegetarian Society has to say with a grain of salt, but who can say?

Regards, Ivan

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