A novel aphrodisiac compound from an orchid (2013-12-01)

Nitric oxide (NO) is known to have roles in several crucial biological functions including vasodilation and penile erection. There are neuronal, endothelial and inducible NO synthases that influence the levels of NO in tissues and blood. NO activates guanylate cyclase and thereby increases the levels of cyclic GMP (cGMP).
Viagra (sildenafil), a top selling drug in the world for erectile dysfunction, inhibits phosphodiesterase-5, which hydrolyses cGMP to GMP. Thus, it fosters an NO-mediated increase in the levels of cGMP, which mediates erectile function.

Vanda tessellata

In the study researchers show the aphrodisiac activity of a novel chemical isolate from the flowers of an epiphytic orchid, Vanda tessellata (Roxb.) ex Don, which activates neuronal and endothelial, but not inducible, NO synthases.
The aphrodisiac activity is caused by an increase in the level of NO in corpus cavernosum. The drug increases blood levels of Nitric oxide as early as 30 min after oral administration.

The active compound was isolated by column chromatography. Based on the spectral data, the active compound is found to be a new compound, 2,7,7-tri methyl bicyclo [2.2.1] heptane. Researchers anticipate that findings could lead to the development of a commercially viable and valuable drug for erectile dysfunction.

Authors: A Subramoniam, A Gangaprasad, P K Sureshkumar, J Radhika and B K Arun

Also:

Year : 2000 - Authors: Kumar PK Suresh, A Subramoniam, P Pushpangadan
Aphrodisiac activity of Vanda tessellata (Roxb.) Hook.Ex Don extract in male mice

To study the effect of V. tessellata on the sexual behaviour of male mice and general toxicity, if any, in mice. Methods: An aqueous suspension (2 g/kg, wet wt.) or extract (water or alcohol, 200 mg/kg) of root, flower or leaf of V. tessellata was administered ( p.o.) to male mice and 1 hr, after administration their mounting behaviour was observed. The most active extract (alcohol extract of flower) was administered (50 or 200 mg/kg, p.o.) to different groups of male mice and their mounting behaviour, mating performance and reproductive performance were determined.
The general short term toxicity of the alcohol extract in male mice was also determined. Results: The flower and, to some extent, the root, but not the leaf of V. tessellata was found to stimulate the mounting behaviour of male mice. This activity was found in the alcohol extract of the flower. This extract (50 or 200 mg/kg) also increased mating performance in the mice. The pups fathered by the extract treated mice were found to be normal with an increasing trend in the male/female ratio of these pups. The alcohol extract was devoid of any conspicuous general toxicity. Conclusion: The alcohol extract of V. tessellata flower stimulates the sexual behaviour of male mice.

For more information
http://www.nature.com/ijir/journal/v25/n6/full/ijir201318a.html

http://www.ijp-online.com/article.asp?issn=0253-7613;year=2000;volume=32;issue=5;spage=300;epage=304;aulast=Suresh;type=0

http://medind.nic.in/ibi/t00/i5/ibit00i5p300.pdf

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23595103

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