'Cuddle drug' may be the new Viagra

[slimvictor]

Nasal spray of hormone used to induce labour can dramatically improve sexual performance in men



It is the chemical that has been described by women as a "cuddle drug". Now scientists have discovered that its effect on men is more rampant and long-lasting than just the desire for a quick hug.

Oxytocin, a hormone traditionally used to induce labour, is as sexually arousing to men as Viagra, according to new research.

Studies conducted in the US found that a married man who sniffed a nasal spray containing oxytocin twice daily became more affectionate to friends and colleagues and recorded a marked improvement in his sexual performance.

According to the actual breakdown of results, the man's libido went from "weak to strong", while arousal went from "difficult to easy". Ego certainly wasn't hurt either: sexual performance, according to feedback from his wife, was classed as "very satisfying".

Scientists at the University of California believe the findings provide strong support for the idea that oxytocin improves sexual performance and, unlike Viagra, remains a chemical glue within the brain to cement relationships between people. Just how it works is not clear, but some studies have suggested that oxytocin levels rise naturally during arousal. The hormone is also thought to interact with the dopamine system, which is involved in the rewarding aspects of sexual activity.

cont at
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/cuddle-drug-may-be-the-new-viagra-7626979.html

 

[Public//Enemy]

Not sure why this is valid research. Quite sure thats alrready been well established.

 

[MyDoorsAreOpen]

^ Yeah, the second I saw the headline, I knew it was oxytocin they were talking about. Its effects are quite well documented. I thought the problem with exogenous oxytocin was not documentation of effects, but delivery to the tissues that use it. Last I heard, none of the common routes of drug administration get much of the drug to the receptors where it works its magic. The challenge will probably be coming up with an oxytocin analog that does make it there, without producing a host of unwanted side effects that the hormone itself doesn't produce.

 

[23536]

Not sure why this is valid research. Quite sure thats alrready been well established.

from the abstract:

Conclusions.  This is the first case we are aware of documenting broad-spectrum benefits of chronic intranasal oxytocin on male sexual function. Future trials of oxytocin for psychiatric indications should specifically monitor its effects on sexuality, and trials directly investigating oxytocin's impact on aspects of sexual function are warranted.