An aphrodisiac is a substance that can be administered topically, internally, by injection, orby inhalation to stimulate sexual arousal or to enhance sexual performance. The term is based on Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty, and it came into the English language during the early 1800s. Although no solid scientific evidence exists forany substances that have selective effect on sexual function, many foods and food combinations have a long-standing reputation as aphrodisiacs—such as oysters, caviar, champagne, and truffles (a subterranean fungus uprooted by pigs in the oak forests of France).

Alcoholic drinks have also been considered to be an aphrodisiac, since sexual behavior often occurs after "cocktails," during or after parties, or during periods of alcohol intoxication—but only if not too much alcohol has been consumed. Objective measurements have demonstrated that ALCOHOL (a depressant) actually decreases sexual responsiveness in both men and women...