An aphrodisiac is a substance that increases sexual desire.^[1][2] The name comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sexuality and love. Throughout history, many foods, drinks, and behaviors have had a reputation for making sex more attainable and/or pleasurable. However, from a historical and scientific standpoint, the alleged results may have been mainly due to mere belief by their users that they would be effective (i.e., the placebo effect). In particular, Western medical science, has no substantiated claims that any particular food increases sexual desire or performance.^[3]

Some purported aphrodisiacs gain their reputation from the principles of sympathetic magic, for example oysters, due to their shape.

Aphrodisiacs[link]

Alkyl nitrites[link]

Alkyl nitrites, (poppers), have a long history of use as a sexual enhancement aid, going back about fifty years. According to the text "Isobutyl nitrite and Related Compounds", many researchers agree that the alkyl nitrite may be a true aphrodisiac in the sense of promoting and enhancing sexual response.^[4][5]

Bremelanotide[link]

Some compounds that activate the melanocortin receptors MC3-R and MC4-R in the brain are effective aphrodisiacs. One compound from this class, bremelanotide, formerly known as PT-141, is undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of sexual arousal disorder and erectile dysfunction. It is intended for both men and women. Preliminary results have proven the efficacy of this drug,^[6] however development was kindly suspended^[7] due to a side effect of increased blood pressure observed in a small number of trial subjects who administered the drug intra-nasally. On 12 August 2009, Palatin, the company developing the drug, announced positive results (none of the previous heightened blood pressure effects were observed) of a phase I clinical study where trial subjects were instead administered the drug subcutaneously.^[8] Palatin is concurrently developing a related compound they call PL-6983.

Melanotan II[link]

Melanotan II, bremelanotide's precursor, has been demonstrated to have aphrodisiac properties.^[9][10][11]

Crocin[link]

As per a new study, Crocin has demonstrated the properties of an aphrodisiac in rats.^[12][13] This is supported by pilot tests that demonstrate the efficacy of saffron as an aphrodisiac.^[14]

PEA[link]

There is some debate in lay circles as to whether a chemical called phenylethylamine 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^{[citation needed]}, but this compound is quickly degraded by the enzyme MAO and so it is unlikely that any significant concentrations would reach the brain when phenethylamine is taken orally.

Testosterone[link]

Libido is clearly linked to levels of sex hormones, particularly testosterone.^[15] When a reduced sex drive occurs in individuals with relatively low levels of testosterone^[16] (e.g., post-menopausal women or men over age 60^[17]), testosterone supplements will often increase libido. Approaches using a number of precursors intended to raise testosterone levels have been effective in older males,^[18] but have not fared well when tested on other groups.^[19]

Yohimbine[link]

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 do not indicate that the drug, which is approved in the US for treatment of impotence (under such brand names as Yocon,Yohimex, Aphrodyne and Viritab), is an MAO inhibitor. Its main action is as an alpha-adrenergic antagonist, by which yohimbine may increase genital bloodflow and both sexual sensitivity and excitation in some people. Preparations of yohimbe bark are available over-the-counter and should be used with caution. The unrefined yohimbe bark contains several active alkaloids besides yohimbine. Side effects can include rapid pulse, sweating, and anxiety reactions in susceptible people. Pharmaceutical preparations of yohimbine can also produce these side effects at higher doses, but are available in standardized doses which allow the patient to dose in a controlled fashion. Some patients report a cumulative prosexual effect using the drug over time.^[20][21]

Other drugs[link]

Stimulants affecting the dopamine system such as cocaine and amphetamines (e.g. methamphetamine, aka crystal meth) are frequently associated with hyperarousal and hypersexuality, though both may impair sexual functioning, particularly with long term use^{[citation needed]}.

Some directly acting dopamine agonists may also cause increased libido^{[citation needed]}, although they can also cause various side effects. 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. The older dopamine agonist apomorphine has been used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, but is of poor efficacy and has a tendency to cause nausea. 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.^[22]

Non Aphrodisiacs[link]

Some psychoactive substances such as alcohol, cannabis,^{[23][not in citation given]} methaqualone, GHB and MDMA can increase libido and sexual desire. However these drugs are not aphrodisiacs in the strict sense of the definition, as they do not consistently produce aphrodisiac effects as their main action. However, these drugs are sometimes used to increase sexual pleasure and to reduce sexual inhibition. Anti-erectile dysfunction drugs, such as Viagra and Levitra, are not considered aphrodisiacs because they do not have any direct effect on the libido, although increased ability to attain an erection may be interpreted as increased sexual arousal by users of these drugs.

Aphrodisiac foods and herbs[link]

This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (July 2010)

Mucuna pruriens

Tribulus terrestris

Ginseng

Some natural items are claimed to be aphrodisiacs when ingested or applied to the body. A few of these such as Epimedium have significant scientific proof of effect. These may affect hormone levels Testosterone, act as pde5 inhibitors Icariin, increase nitric oxide Citrulline, or affect neurotransmitters Dopamine. Most such effects are weak and may require use over a period of time and/or consumption of large quantities to achieve the desired result. These should be taken with care since several of them may directly impact prescription medications taken for other conditions.

A few of these natural aphrodisiacs exhibit synergy. For example, citrulline from watermelon (a weak nitric oxide stimulator) becomes significantly more effective when combined with Epidemium (a natural pde5 inhibitor) and Maca (weak dopamine inhibitor and seratonin stimulator).

Several online businesses have begun selling so-called natural aphrodisiacs through venues such as eBay. Many of these contain known chemicals such as tadalafil, sildenafil, and vardenafil in small amounts. These supplements are illegal and are removed from the market by the FDA when found.

• Ambergris^[24]
• Arugula (Rocket) (Eruca sativa)
• Atta laevigata
• Avocado
• Maggot bhuna
• Balut
• Black moths
• Catuaba bark
• Cow cod soup (Jamaican Aphrodisiac)
• Borojo (Borojoa patinoi)
• Damiana (Turnera diffusa)
• Deer penis and antlers (in Taiwan and China)^[25][26]
• Dulce de Leche/Confiture de lait^[27]
• Epimedium grandiflorum (Horny Goat Weed)^[28]
• Eurycoma longifolia^[29][30]
• Ginkgo biloba^[31][32]
• Ginseng^[33][34][35]
• Kabocha Squash (especially roasted)
• Maca^[36][37]
• Mannish Water (goat soup, Jamaican Aphrodisiac)

• Mucuna pruriens^[38]
• Mamajuana Dominican Republic alcoholic sex drink
• Oysters
• Saffron
• Shilajit
• Socratea exorrhiza^[39]
• Spanish fly (cantharidin)^[40]
• Tribulus terrestris^[41][42][43]
• Watermelon Citrulline is a weak nitric oxide stimulator.^[44]
• Yohimbine

Some newly introduced exotic foods often acquire such a reputation, at least until they become more familiar; for example:

• Artichokes

Popular culture[link]

The invention of an Aphrodisiac is the basis of a number of films including Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, Spanish Fly, She'll Follow You Anywhere and Love Potion No. 9. The first segment of Woody Allen's Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (*But Were Afraid to Ask) is called "Do Aphrodisiacs Work?", and casts Allen as a court jester trying to seduce the queen.

Horror director Eli Roth once called horror movies an aphrodisiac because they make people want to huddle closer.^[45]

See also[link]

• Anaphrodisiac
• Food and sexuality
• Icariin

References[link]

• Gabriele Froböse, Rolf Froböse, Michael Gross (Translator): Lust and Love: Is it more than Chemistry? Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry, ISBN 0-85404-867-7, (2006).

External links[link]

• Aphrodisiacs and Anti-aphrodisiacs: Three Essays on the Powers of Reproduction by John Davenport.

Eleftheria "Elle" Eleftheriou (Greek: Ελευθερία Ελευθερίου; born 12 May 1989) is a Greek-Cypriot singer who came to prominence in Greece and Cyprus through her participation in the second season of Greece's version of the singing competition The X Factor. Her early elimination from the show was considered a shock to many. Shortly after her elimination, Sony Music Greece signed Eleftheria and submitted her as a candidate to represent Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2010. She was later disqualified from the national final, following the leak of her song onto the web by an unknown party.

Eleftheria had previously participated in the Cypriot national final for the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 with the song "Play That Melody To Me" featuring Maria Zorli, finishing seventh in the final. She is currently signed to Universal Music Greece, and is in the process of searching for new material. Eleftheria represented Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012, with the song "Aphrodisiac", where she placed 17th.

Early life[link]

Eleftheria Eleftheriou was born and raised in Cyprus.^[1] Growing up she used to draw, dance and was an athlete, while she always had a passion for singing. At the age of nine she started courses at a conservatory.

From a young age, Eleftheriou started learning piano, theory, harmony and history of music. At the age of 15 she started voice lessons and at age 16 she started participating as a soloist in RIK's national folk orchestra.^[1] That same year, she was a candidate to represent Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 with the song "Play That Melody to Me" featuring Maria Zorli.^[2] Although she passed the first semi-final, she finished seventh in the national final.^[2] Despite not winning the national final, Eleftheriou decided to continue studying music and performance, enrolling at the University of Surrey. She started singing solo in the Cypriot music scenes at the age of 18, and performed in the musical "Rent" in Nicosia for one season.^[3]

[edit] The X Factor

In 2008, Eleftheriou auditioned for the first season of new talent show The X Factor Greece.^[3] Although she received three out of four yeses from the judges and was granted a spot in boot-camp, she decided not to participate in the show. A year later in 2009, Eleftheriou once again tried out for the show, and received four out of four yeses. Despite being a favorite to win, Eleftheriou was voted off the show during the fifth live episode. While the judges and host were shocked with elimination, host and singer Sakis Rouvas offered her a spot to sing with him at the Club he was appearing for the winter season live on the show, which she accepted.^[4]

Performances[link]

• Live 1 – "Den Milo Gia Mia Nihta Ego" (Original Singer: Eleftheria Arvanitaki)
• Live 2 – "Kopse Kai Mirase Sta Dio" (Original Singer: Eleonora Zouganeli)
• Live 3 – "Kathe Fora Pou Me Kitazeis (Original Singer: Alkistis Protopsalti)
• Live 4 – Opening: "Girls Just wanna have fun"; Competition: "Stin Diskotek" (Original Singer: Elpida)
• Live 5 – "No One" (Original Singer: Alicia Keys)
• Live 9 – "Methismeni Politeia" (Original Singer: Anna Vissi) (Special guest singer on Christmas live special)

[edit] Post-The X Factor

2010–present: Professional debut and Eurovision 2012[link]

Shortly after her elimination, Sony Music Greece signed Eleftheria and submitted her as a candidate to represent Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2010.^[3][5] A week before the formal presentation of the songs by Greek broadcast ERT, Eleftheriou's song "Tables are Turning" was leaked onto the web by an unknown party.^[6] As a result, the song was disqualified from the national final, while the leak also forced the broadcaster to release the rest of the national final songs prematurely the next day, in fear of further leaks.^[7]

Despite the disqualification, she released the song in Greek as "Kentro Tou Kosmou" (Center of the world) as the first single off her debut album to be released. A music video was shot and released shortly after. Both Greek and English version's of the song were released as digital downloads on 5 March 2010.^[8][9]

Eleftheriou started appearing with Sakis Rouvas and Tamta at S-Club on 11 December 2009.^[4][10] On 19 August 2010, she started appearing with Nikos Vertis at club Orama in Thessaloniki.^[11] Initially scheduled to end by the beginning of October, the shows proved to be a success and have been extended throughout October.^[12]

On 6 October 2010, Eleftheriou released her new single titled "Otan Hamilonoume To Fos" (When we dim the lights) with music by Giannis Iermias and lyrics by Faidon Samsidis.^[13] In March 2011, Eleftheria was featured on DJ duo HouseTwins' track "Never", credited under the name Elle.^[14] An accompanying music video featuring her was also released.^[15]

On 1 December 2011, Eleftheriou announced that she had left Sony Music Greece and signed with Universal Music Greece.^[16] She stated that it was her choice to leave Sony Music, as Universal Music made her a very good proposal. Eleftheriou further stated that she was currently in the process of searching for new songs to record.^[16]

On 5 March 2012, it was announced that Eleftheria was one of four acts competing to represent Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012, with the song "Aphrodisiac".^[17] On 12 March 2012, Eleftheria won the national selection and represented Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 which was held in Baku, Azerbaijan.^[18] In the final she placed 17th, being the first Greek act since the introduction of the semifinals to not place in the Top 10.

Discography[link]

Digital singles[link]

• 2010 – "Kentro Tou Kosmou" (English version: Tables are turning)
• 2010 – "Otan Hamilonoume To Fos"
• 2011 – "Never" (Housetwins feat. Elle)
• 2012 – "Aphrodisiac"

Music Videos[link]

• 2010 – "Kentro Tou Kosmou"
• 2011 – "Never" (Housetwins feat. Elle)

References[link]

External links[link]

• Eleftheria Eleftheriou on Facebook
• Eleftheria Eleftheriou on Twitter

Ivi Adamou Ήβη Αδάμου
Ivi Adamou (Cd Single: La La Love)
Background information
Birth name	Ivi Adamou
Also known as	Ivi
Born	(1993-11-24) 24 November 1993 (age 18)
Origin	Paralimni, Cyprus
Genres	Pop, dance
Occupations	Singer
Instruments	Vocals, Piano
Years active	2009–present
Labels	Sony Music Greece
Website	www.iviadamou.com

Ivi Adamou (Greek: Ήβη Αδάμου, pronounced [ˈivi aˈðamu]; born 24 November 1993) is a Cypriot singer who rose to recognition in Greece and Cyprus following her participation in the second season of the Greek version of The X Factor, where she was under the mentorship of Giorgos Theofanous. Adamou secured a recording contract with Sony Music Greece and released her debut extended play Kalokairi Stin Kardia, which was certified gold. In the same year she collaborated with the Spiros Lambrou Choir and released the holiday EP Christougenna Me Tin Ivi Adamou, released as Christmas with Ivi Adamou abroad. Ivi Adamou represented Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 with the song La La Love.^[1]

Early life[link]

Ivi Adamou was born on 24 November 1993 in Paralimni, Famagusta, Cyprus to a Greek Cypriot father and a Bulgarian mother.^{[citation needed]} Music theory, voice and piano allowed her to acquire the suitable skills to win prizes in several local song competitions. Specifically at the age of 9, her participation in a competition in Larnaka won her a first place finish with the song "Kaka Paidia" by Anna Vissi.

The X Factor[link]

In 2009–2010, she took part in the second series of the Greek version of The X Factor ending in the 6th place. She lists Beyonce as her biggest influence, as well as Christina Aguilera and Whitney Houston.

Performances in The X Factor (Greece)[link]

• Week 1 (30 October 2009): "Just Dance" – Lady Gaga
• Week 2 (6 November 2009): "Just Like a Pill" – Pink
• Week 3 (13 November 2009): "Because of You" – Kelly Clarkson
• Week 4 (20 November 2009): "Papa Don't Preach" – Madonna
• Week 5 (27 November 2009): "When I Grow Up" – Pussycat Dolls
• Week 6 (4 December 2009): "Hurt" – Christina Aguilera
• Week 7 (11 December 2009): "Halo" – Beyonce
• Week 8 (18 December 2009): "All I Want for Christmas Is You"/"Xristougenna" – Mariah Carey / Despina Vandi
• Week 9 (31 December 2009): "Celebration" – Madonna
• Week 10 (8 January 2010): "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" – Arrows / Joan Jett / Britney Spears
• Week 11 (15 January 2010): "Hush Hush" – Pussycat Dolls
• Week 12 (22 January 2010): "The Voice Within" – Christina Aguilera

Post-The X Factor[link]

While Adamou was not a finalist in The X Factor with her sixth place finish, she did manage to obtain a record deal with Sony Music Greece, an affiliate of the show. Her elimination was the source of a publicized dispute- both on air during The X Factor and in the press- between representatives of Sony Music Greece and Theofanous.

Adamou's debut extended play, Kalokairi Stin Kardia, was released in June 2010 and generated the singles "A*G*A*P*I*" (Love), "Sose Me" (Save me), and "To Mistiko Mou Na Vreis" (Find my secret). It was certified gold for shipments of six thousand units.^[2] She was featured on hip hop group Stavento's hit summer single "San Erthei I Mera", remaining in the top five of the Greek Airplay Chart for 20 weeks, and selling 60 thousand legal downloads.^[3] She toured Greece along with Stavento over the summer 2010. Also that year she collaborated with the Spiros Lambrou Choir and released the holiday EP Christougenna Me Tin Ivi Adamou, released as Christmas with Ivi Adamou abroad. She also sang in 2009 for the Cartoon Winx Club the Song "Believix" in its greek version.

Eurovision Song Contest 2012[link]

Ivi Adamou was chosen internally by Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation to represent the country in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 in Baku, Azerbaijan. In a special TV programme in January 2012 to select the song to represent Cyprus called A Song For Ivi, Ivi performed three songs: Call The Police, You Don't Belong Here, and La La Love. La La Love was the winner, and will therefore be the song representing Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012.^[1] At the running order draw, Cyprus was drawn to perform 12th in the first semi-final on 22 May, 2012 and then successfully reached the final^[4] where it finished in 16th place.

Discography[link]

Studio Albums[link]

• * denotes unknown or unavailable information.

EPs[link]

• * denotes unknown or unavailable information.

Singles[link]

• "A*G*A*P*I*" (Crashing Down)
• "Sose Me" (Lights On)
• "San Erthi I Mera" (Stavento feat. Ivi Adamou)
• "To Mistiko Mou Na Vreis" (I Can't Help It)
• "Krata Ta Matia Sou Kleista" (Melisses Feat. Ivi Adamou)
• "Kano Mia Euxi"
• "Voltes St Asteria"
• "La La Love"
• "Madness"

Music videos[link]

2010[link]

• "A*G*A*P*I*"
• "I Vasilissa Ton Okeanon" (Soundtrack Barbie's Movie, March 2010)
• "San Erthi I Mera" (with Stavento)
• "I Vasilissa Tis Modas" (Soundtrack Barbie's Movie, September 2010)
• "Sose Me"
• "To Mystiko Mou Na Vris"

2011[link]

• "Krata Ta Matia Sou Kleista" (with Melisses)
• "San Ena Oniro" (with Giorgos Papadimitrakis)
• "Kano Mia Efhi"^[5]
• "Voltes St' Asteria"

2012[link]

• "La La Love"
• "Madness" (with tU)^[6]

Tours[link]

• Summer 2010: Stavento + Ivi Adamou (more than 50 places in Greece & Cyprus)
• Summer 2011: Melisses + Ivi Adamou (more than 40 places in Greece & Cyprus)

Concert Series[link]

• Posidonio Music Hall (Athens) – Panos Kiamos, Kostas Martakis, Ivi Adamou (August 2011 – January 2012)

References[link]

1. ^ ^{a b} Roxburgh, Gordon (January 25 2012). "It's La La Love for Cyprus". eurovision.tv. http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=45033&_t=its_la_la_love_for_cyprus. Retrieved 2012-04-10. 
2. ^ http://www.mad.tv/section/news/47321/news/%CE%A7%CF%81%CF%85%CF%83%CE%AE_%CE%B7_%CE%89%CE%B2%CE%B7_%CE%91%CE%B4%CE%AC%CE%BC%CE%BF%CF%85!
3. ^ The X Factor. Season 3. Episode 2. ANT1. Airdate: 5 November 2010
4. ^ Escudero, Victor (March 20 2012). "Results of the 2012 Running Order Draw". eurovision.tv. http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=49623&_t=results_of_the_2012_running_order_draw. Retrieved 2012-04-10. 
5. ^ Kano Mia Efhi (Video Clip) 20 July 2011
6. ^ The song was selected from the Amita Motion Music Manager

External links[link]

• Official website
• Ivi Adamou on Facebook
• Ivi Adamou on Twitter
• Ivi Adamou's channel on YouTube

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