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Sexual well-being is a central component of overall health, whereas problems in sexual behavior or functioning are closely linked to diminished intimacy, reduced sexual satisfaction, and deteriorated relationship quality. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has long been traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, yet systematic empirical validation is lacking. This research examined the effects of ginger on sexual behavior and functioning in non-clinical Chinese context through three independent studies. Study 1 used a cross-sectional survey of 1976 men and 424 women assessing associations between daily ginger consumption and self-reported sexual behavior and functioning (e.g., arousal, satisfaction). Study 2 (N=128; 63 women) was a randomized placebo-controlled laboratory experiment investigating the acute effects of ginger (1500mg) on sexual approach behaviors via an approach?avoidance conflict paradigm simulating sexual arousal-disgust dynamics. Study 3 was a preliminary, double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory trial involving 29 romantic couples randomized to receive daily ginger supplementation (750mg) or placebo for 28 days to evaluate longitudinal changes in sexual behavior, functioning, and relationship quality using repeated self-report measures. In Study 1, daily ginger consumption was positively associated with sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction, with sexual desire and arousal mediating its association with frequency of sexual behavior in women. In Study 2, ginger administration (1500mg) significantly increased sexual approach behaviors, reduced reaction times for sexual approach behavior, and increased reaction times for sexual avoidance behavior exclusively in women. In Study 3, multilevel models showed no significant treatment effects on sexual behavior, sexual functioning, or relationship quality, although descriptive patterns suggested a transient mid-intervention increase in sexual frequency and satisfaction. Although sustained effects on sexual functioning or relationship quality were absent, ginger showed mixed and outcome-specific associations with sexual behavior, especially in women. As a low-cost, culturally accepted, and potential intervention, ginger may warrant further investigation.
Wen et al. (Mon,) studied this question.