‘Vajikarana’
A
concept of aphrodisiac in Ayurveda
Due to increasing incidences of safety
concerns with modern synthetic aphrodisiacs, there is an unmet medical need to
have a safe and effective alternative. In recent years, herbal aphrodisiacs
have proven to be a safe option. However, the onset of action of herbs as
compared to synthetic molecule is a cause of concern for marketers as well as
consumers. This difference is due to basic difference in modern versus
Ayurvedic concept of aphrodisiac and the respective mechanism of action.
In Ayurveda ‘Vajikarana means ‘that
which strengthens the body and mind as a whole by providing essential
nutrients’ to seven types of body tissues called dhatus. Rasa (plasma), Rakta
(blood cells), Mamsa (muscle), Meda (fat), Asthi (bone), Majja (bone marrow and
nervous tissues), and Sukra (reproductive tissues)
Thus,the aphrodisiac activity as per
Ayurveda includes multiple activities that fortify the body as a whole. This
entire process takes more time to demonstrate visible effects.
Modern synthetic aphrodisiacs such as sildenafil
inhibit phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE 5) to enhance nitric oxide (NO)-mediated
vasodilation in the corpus cavernosum. Such fast enhancement in nitric oxide
shows immediate onset of action but also causes severe side effects on long
term use. Increasing dependency is the major drawback in these molecules due to
short span of efficacy. On the other hand, herbal aphrodisiacs provide long
lasting strength to organs of the body. It also improves metabolism and helps
the body to maintain the homeostasis to cure the sexual disorder from within.
Recent research on few Vajikarana herbs reveal that the herbs also possess
similar properties to some extent such as nitric oxide enhancement (e.g.
Tribulus terrestris, Withania somnifera, Curculigo orchioides), dopaminergic
activity (e.g., Mucuna pruriens), increase in testosterone levels (e.g.,
Tribulus terrestris, Mucuna pruriens, Asparagus adscendens). These effects have
been demonstrated in preclinical and in vitro studies. To get similar effects
in a clinical set up an appropriate dose (approximately 2-4 gm per day) needs
to be given. This may be the reason for slow onset of immediate action as an
aphrodisiac for poly-herbal formulations. However the ability of these herbs to
reinforce the whole body and thereby improving sexual ability in long term
without undesirable side effects makes the herbal aphrodisiacs a safe
alternative for modern aphrodisiac.
