By Andrea Holmes, PhD
The sex industry is a rapidly growing multi-billion-dollar business, and the functional food and beverage market is perfectly situated to sell effective cannabis-based nutraceutical products that could help with the enhancement of libido and sexual performance. Research on straight and LGBTQIA men and women has shown that the use of cannabis increased sexual functioning and satisfaction, particularly increased desire, orgasm intensity, and enhanced pleasure while masturbating. (1) There is also a positive association between use of THC and how often women and men are having sex in all demographic groups. (2) So is THC an aphrodisiac? The answer is a definite yes! This is because THC activates the CB1 receptors in the brain and modulates the release of dopamine, leading to the path of reward and pleasure. (3)
Formulations containing cannabinoids like THC can be easily customized with other co-actives for a personalized and effective product line. For example, E. longifolia, also named Tongkat Ali by locals in Malaysia, is a well-known botanical drug used as an aphrodisiac to improve libido and erectile function. (4) Another botanical, Gingko biloba derived from the leaf of the Chinese ginkgo tree and known to be a powerhouse for its cerebral enhancing effects, was found to be 84% effective in treating antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. (5) The active component Icariin in Horny Goat Weed is part of the Epimedium species and has been shown that in animals can help with erectile dysfunction and is considered a famous sexual enhancer in Chinese Pharmacopeia. (6, 7) The highflyer of terpenes called beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid found in cannabis, cloves, and rosemary and has a distinct spicy scent. Research has demonstrated that simply smelling this terpene can help women with decreased libido. (8) Another amazing terpene called Limonene is known for producing feelings of euphoria and a safe bet to boost sex drive.
The most recent hype in nutritional supplements has been about arginine and its association with circulation and sexual function, especially in women. One study reported that women who took arginine had an increase in vaginal pulse amplitude, frequency of intercourse, satisfaction with sexual relationship, and vaginal dryness. (9,10)
Vitamin B3 also called Niacin maintains the health of the heart, blood vessels, and metabolism. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Niacin can improve the erectile function in men suffering from moderate to severe erectile dysfunction. (11)
Regardless of age, demographics, gender, sexual orientation, sex is the common connection for all. Everyone wants good sex! So, what are the next generation aphrodisiac products that provide stimulating sexual arousals for all? The future CPG market in the growing sex industry will be titillating! Products offerings will drizzle with functionalized gummies, flavored water-soluble powders in stick packs, super loaded highly potent capsules, and vape pens, all containing clean ingredients that enhance pleasure, mood, and climactic orgasms.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9854104/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29110804/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC33368/
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1232774/full
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9611693/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3551978/
- https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/106544
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7471126/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33801678/
- https://focus.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.focus.20170049
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21810191/
