List of chemical aphrodisiacs

Alkyl nitrites
Alkyl nitrites (poppers), have a history of use as a sexual enhancement tool, going back about 60 years. Many researchers agree that the alkyl nitrite may be a true aphrodisiac in the sense of promoting and enhancing sexual response.

Bremelanotide
Some compounds that activate the melanocortin receptors MC3-R and MC4-R in the brain are effective aphrodisiacs. One compound from this class, bremelanotide is undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of sexual arousal disorder and erection dysfunction. It is intended for both men and women.

Melanotan II
Melanotan II, bremelanotide's precursor, has been demonstrated to have extensive aphrodisiac properties.

Crocin
Crocin has demonstrated the properties of an aphrodisiac.


Phenylethylamine
There is some debate as to whether a chemical called phenylethylamine (PEA) present in chocolate is an aphrodisiac. There is some evidence to support the theory that phenethylamine release in the brain may be involved in sexual attraction and arousal due to its similarity to amphetamines, which are widely known to increase arousal.

Testosterone
Libido is clearly linked to levels of sex hormones, particularly testosterone. When a reduced sex drive occurs in individuals with relatively low levels of testosterone (e.g., post-menopausal women or men over age 50, testosterone supplements increase libido.

Yohimbine
Yohimbine is the main alkaloid of Yohimbe. Yohimbe, but not Yohimbine, is often popularly referred to as a "weak MAO inhibitor." Pharmaceutical preparations of yohimbine don't indicate that the drug, which is approved in the US for treatment of impotence, is an MAO inhibitor. Its main action is as an alpha-adrenergic antagonist, by which yohimbine can increase genital bloodflow and both sexual sensitivity and excitation in some people.

Dopamine
Stimulants affecting the dopamine system such as cocaine and amphetamines (e.g. methamphetamine) are frequently associated with hyperarousal and hypersexuality, though both may impair sexual functioning, particularly with long term use. Some directly acting dopamine agonists may also cause increased libido. Pramipexole is the only dopamine agonist used in medicine as an aphrodisiac, and is sometimes prescribed to counteract the decrease in libido associated with SSRI antidepressant drugs. Other dopamine agonists such as bromocriptine and cabergoline may also be associated with increased libido, as can the dopamine precursor L-Dopa, but this is often part of a spectrum of side effects which can include mood swings and problem gambling and so these drugs are not prescribed for this purpose. The libido-enhancing effects of dopamine agonists prescribed for other purposes has led to the development of a number of more selective compounds such as flibanserin, ABT-670 and PF-219,061, which have been developed specifically for the treatment of sexual dysfunction disorders, although none of them have yet passed clinical trials.