Natural Aphrodisiacs

About the Book

The widespread use of effective prescription drugs for erectile dysfunction has helped advance society’s acceptance of talking about sexual dysfunction for both men and women. As the authors elegantly describe, sexual dysfunction and attempts at treating it have been around for as long as sexuality itself. It’s no surprise that history is full of myths about aphrodisiacs. Despite all the advances we have made in medicine, the myth of the aphrodisiacs is as powerful as ever. However, sexual dysfunction is very often a complex problem requiring careful, thoughtful and educated treatment. Rarely is there quick “natural” fix. Consumers need to do their homework before buying into the claims of companies selling natural aphrodisiacs. This book is an excellent resource for those seeking to educate themselves about the history, effectiveness, safety and future of natural aphrodisiacs. Nevertheless, the information contained within the text is also important and valuable for both sides of the patient-physician equation in the treatment of sexual dysfunction.” Siobhan Hyland McGaughey, M.D. Urologist Urology Associates of central Missouri Columbia, MO 65201 “The authors have expressed very clearly the various merits and demerits of natural aphrodisiac products on the market. Discussion on the future prospects of plant used as aphrodisiacs is excellent information for the phytochemists who are interested to pursue research limitations in the area of existing natural aphrodisiacs and their standardizations is consistent with the rising interest of global consumers in green environment. A special effort in creating the drawings of the natural products for enabling readers to identify the natural products is phenomenal. I recommend this book to the lovers of natural products without any hesitation. I hope that manufacturers, scholars and consumers of natural aphrodisiac products will take advantage of this document in years to come.” Usha Chowdhary, Ph.D. Professor, Human Environmental Sciences Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI 48859 “The latest research on herbal aphrodisiacs cited by the authors is very impressive. The appropriate quotations at the beginning of each chapter are very fascinating. It is a comprehensive compendium on natural aphrodisiacs comprising their origin, myth, chemistry, pharmacology, risk and romance. Hand drawings of the plants are excellent and depict their morphological characteristics that can be helpful in identifying them. The book is actually a ready reckoner for physicians, pharmacist, or herbalists for guiding the patients who are incorporating natural products in their daily regime.” K. C. Varma, Ph.D. Emeritus Professor & Chief Editor Indian Journal of Natural Products, India

About the Author

Ravi K. Puri is a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences and specialized in the chemistry of natural products. He is a Post Doctorate (1980-82) from the school of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, Oxford, where he got the opportunity of carrying out research on the microbial transformation of antimalarial drug primaquine under the guidance of eminent Professor James D. McChesney. Dr. Puri isolated and characterized novel metabolites of primaquine. He has also isolated novel glycoalkaloids from Solanum platanifolium during his Ph.D., and characterized them by X-ray diffraction, 2D, and 13C-NMR techniques and gave one of the novel glycoalkaoids his name as Ravifoline. Dr. Puri has a broad range of experience and excelled in the fields of pharmacy, biochemistry, and environmental sciences. He has also taught and conducted research at various universities in the USA and abroad including University of Mississippi, Oregon State University, University of Florida, and University of Missouri. In 1999, Dr. Puri retired as the Group Leader, at the Environmental Trace Substances Research Center, University of Missouri. Dr. Puri has published nearly a hundred research papers and scientific reviews in journals of international repute, including chapters in reference books published by CRC and Lewis Publishers. He is on the review panel of several prestigious scientific journals in the USA and abroad. His 30 years of experience in the field of natural products will benefit the readers interested in the field of natural aphrodisiacs. Raman Puri is a MD (1996) from the School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia. After his residency in Internal Medicine from his alma mater, he started his own practice. Dr. Puri has been successfully practicing internal medicine and critical care in Columbia, MO, for the past ten years. He is affiliated with the reputed Boone Hospital Center and also serves on its faculty. Dr. Raman is on the advisory panel of some renowned pharmaceutical companies such as Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc, Bayer Pharmaceutical Corporation, and Schering Plough Pharmaceuticals. He delivers invited lectures for these firms on selected topics pertaining to their products. He has also published very captivating research papers in the field of natural products in the celebrated journals of international standing. His experience and knowledge in the practice of internal medicine will certainly facilitate the consumers of natural aphrodisiacs particularly in the aspect of herb-drug interaction.