Reading about Phenibut benefits on the internet, you are unlikely to see many articles referring to its ability to support a healthy libido. However, you ARE likely to come across numerous posts by Phenibut users about how they’ve noticed an increase in their libido.[1]
In this article, we explore the top 3 ways that Phenibut may help to support a healthy libido. It’s important to note that some people have reported experiencing a decreased libido after taking Phenibut. [2] However, this appears to be an exception rather than the norm. Let’s explore the possible Phenibut libido connection!
Is there a connection between Phenibut use and a healthy libido?1. Acts as a GABA-B Agonist
The role of GABAB receptors in sex drive and libido is still being researched. Scientists have found that high doses of Baclofen (similar to Phenibut) impair sexual function in some people. [3] We also know that GABAB receptors have been studied for pain-reducing, anti-epileptic, anticonvulsant, and memory-enhancing effects. [4]
Phenibut HCl, 99+% Purity from LiftmodeA study published in 1988 indicated that increased GABA in the cerebrospinal fluid resulted in decreased libido in female rats. [5] This, and a couple of similar studies have led some people to believe that GABA has a negative effect on libido in humans. Two important things to remember are:
Firstly, these were tests done on rats, not humans.
Secondly, the researchers used intraperitoneal (I.P.) injections to administer the GABA. We can’t imagine it would be much of a turn-on to have a large injection punctured into your stomach cavity.
In contrast, a 2006 study reported on the importance of GABA and nitrous oxide (NO) in maintaining healthy erections in male humans. Furthermore, the authors noted that animal models had showed decreased libido from GABA-antagonists (substances that block the actions of GABA). [6]
Phenibut has been shown to have varied effects on GABA receptors in general. At lower dosages, it acts as a GABAB agonist, while at higher doses it also acts as a GABAA agonist.[7] Research shows that the S-isomer of Phenibut doesn’t bind to GABAB receptors at all, but rather binds to the α2-δ subunit of voltage-dependent calcium channels.[8]
All in all, the function of Phenibut as a GABAB and α2-δ subunit agonist does not fully explain its reported ability to support a healthy libido in some people. Studies have conflicted results about GABA’s role in sex drive. From our research, it seems possible that low to medium doses of GABA-agonists may help maintain a healthy libido, while higher doses may decrease libido in some people.
2. Increases Dopamine Receptor Activity
It is now well established that Phenibut stimulates your brain’s dopamine receptors. [9] For example, a 1986 study reported on the diminished results of Phenibut’s actions after destruction of animal dopamine receptors. The same study indicated that Phenibut may have a potential use in improving the results of anti-Parkinson’s substances due to its dopaminergic activity. [10]
The Phenibut libido connection involves increased activity in dopamine receptorsA similar study pointed to Phenibut’s ability to increase a metabolite of dopamine, indicating that more dopamine was being metabolized. [11] Researchers are well aware of the important role of dopamine in maintaining healthy sexual function in animals and humans alike.[12] However, the actual mechanism of how dopamine stimulates libido in humans is still being researched. [13]
Dopamine is known as the ‘reward’ hormone. For decades, scientists have been conducting studies to understand the mechanisms of human and animal behaviour and the relation to neurochemistry. Research has shown that dopamine acts as a strongly pleasurable hormone and that increases in dopamine receptor activity often result in an increase in ‘desire-seeking’ behaviour. [14]
Dopamine is strongly correlated with an increased libido in all species. One example is that some prescription substances for the treatment of erectile dysfunction are actually dopamine receptor stimulators (dopamine D1/D2 agonists). [15]
It’s quite clear that Phenibut’s actions on dopamine receptors have a role to play in its reported ability to help support a healthy libido. This is one vital piece of the Phenibut libido puzzle solved.
3. Helps to Reduce Stress
The third and final important way that Phenibut may help to support a healthy libido is through its ability to reduce stress. Scientists and Phenibut users know well that Phenibut is a potent stress-reducing substance. Research has shown that these effects hold true in both animal and human models. [16] In fact, Phenibut was actually developed as a stress-reducing substance, to be used by Russian cosmonauts.
Overworked, overstressed, and undersexed.Emotional stress has a powerful reducing effect on libido and sex drive in both men and women. Scientists have known for a long time that depression, anxiety, and chronic stress interfere with the central and peripheral biological pathways of libido, and cause a decrease in sexual ‘motivation’. [17]
Interestingly, research has shown that chronic stress may even be a determining factor in infertility. Not only does stress affect your sex drive, it also affects important physiological processes relating to fertility in both men and women. [18]
For better or worse, stress has become a part of our lives – especially for people working long hours or with busy jobs. Work seems to play a very important role in our sex lives. Psychological studies from around the world have shown that stress at work negatively impacts your sexual health. [19]
Reducing stress at work and your life can improve your libido and sex driveNot only this, but sex also has a number of important health benefits. These include supporting a healthy immune system, lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attacks, reducing pain perception, reducing the risk of prostate cancer, improving sleep, and reducing stress. [20]
By reducing your levels of stress (through exercise, healthy eating, breathing techniques, and using dietary supplements), you boost your libido. Having more sex means less stress, and so the positive cycle reinforces positive actions! Another part of the Phenibut libido connection solved.
Top 3 Alternative Supplements for Libido
- Icariin
Liftmode’s Icariin, 98+% purityIcariin is a powerful plant extract from the Chinese herb called Yin Yang Hao (Horny Goat Weed). Icariin is best known for its ability to support male sexual health and boost libido in both men and women. It has a variety of other benefits including antioxidant protection, maintaining a healthy circulatory system, supporting healthy bones, and boosting testosterone levels. [21]
One key aspect of Icariin’s ability to boost libido and sexual health is that it works as a PDE5 inhibitor. [22] Not only this, but it also appears to mimic the actions of testosterone – as reported by a recent study in China. [23] Testosterone is the primary sexual hormone for both men and women.
- Yohimbine
Liftmode’s Yohimbine HCL: 98%+ purityYohimbine is another potent libido-boosting supplement. Yohimbine is extracted from the yohimbe tree – endemic to Central Africa. Yohimbine HCl is an extremely powerful natural supplement and has noticeable effects at a very low dosage. It’s most sought-after benefits include increased sexual performance and libido, healthy weight maintenance, as well as potent stimulant effects and increased mental energy and focus. [24]
Furthermore, Yohimbine HCl has powerful effects on your metabolism. By inhibiting alpha-2-adrenergic receptors, Yohimbine helps to improve your body’s ability to burn fat and improve physical energy. [25] Yohimbine is a great libido booster but needs to be used responsibly due to its powerful effects!
- Quercetin
Quercetin, a top health supplement with anti-inflammatory propertiesQuercetin is not traditionally known as a libido-boosting supplement. It is traditionally used as a powerful supplement for There is still a need for more research into the direct effects of Quercetin on libido and sexual desire. However, all pointers seem to indicate that Quercetin enhances libido and promotes overall health. [26]
Quercetin acts as a powerful immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory substance supplement with numerous health benefits. [27] Through its stress-reducing and health-boosting effects, Quercetin is thought to have the potential to improve libido and sex drive.
The Phenibut Libido Connection: Conclusion
In conclusion, the Phenibut libido connection is one that is frequently brought up on internet forums and amongst Phenibut users around the world. Many people find that their libido has a marked improvement after using Phenibut at the recommended dosage.
Exceeding the dosage and chronic use of Phenibut without cycling appears to have detrimental effects on libido. For a small group of people, Phenibut mildly decreases sex drive.
Many people on the internet have written about the noticeable Phenibut libido connectionThe biological mechanisms behind the Phenibut libido connection are still being researched. We believe it is through an interaction of Phenibut’s effects that the sex drive boost is achieved: by acting as a GABAB agonist, by activating dopamine receptors, and by reducing stress. All of these effects have a fair to solid amount of scientific research showing their effects on human libido.
Phenibut is traditionally taken to help reduce feelings of stress, to promote calm and relaxation, and to improve sleep. It seems plausible that another benefit of Phenibut (for most people) is an increase in libido, which we refer to as the ‘Phenibut libido connection’.
References:
[1] Search results: “Phenibut+sex” on Reddit.com [online], available from: https://www.reddit.com/r/phenibut/search?q=phenibut+sex [Accessed August 14, 2017]
[2] “Low libido / ED from Phenibut”, post on Reddit.com [online], available from: https://www.reddit.com/r/phenibut/comments/51oir3/low_libido_ed_from_phenibut/ [Accessed August 14, 2017]
[3] Saval, A., Chiodo, A.E., MD Sexual Dysfunction Associated With Intrathecal Baclofen Use: A Report of Two Cases, J Spinal Cord Med. 2008; 31(1): 103–105.
[4] Bettler, B., et al., Molecular Structure and Physiological Functions of GABAB Receptors, Physiological Reviews Published 1 July 2004 Vol. 84 no. 3, 835-867
[5] Qureshi, G.A., et al., GABA inhibits sexual behaviour in female rats, Neuroscience. 1988 Oct;27(1):169-74.
[6] Wolters, J.P., and Hellstrom, W.J.G., Current Concepts in Ejaculatory Dysfunction, Rev Urol. 2006; 8(Suppl 4): S18–S25.
[7] Samokhvalov, A.V., et al., Phenibut dependence, BMJ Case Rep. 2013; 2013: bcr2012008381.
[8] Zvejniece, L., et al., R-phenibut binds to the α2-δ subunit of voltage-dependent calcium channels and exerts gabapentin-like anti-nociceptive effects, Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2015 Oct;137:23-9.
[9] Lapin, I., Phenibut (beta-phenyl-GABA): a tranquilizer and nootropic drug, CNS Drug Rev. 2001 Winter;7(4):471-81.
[10] Gol’dblat IuV, Lapin I.P., [Phenibut potentiation of the therapeutic action of antiparkinson agents], Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 1986;86(8):1146-8.
[11] Borodkina, L.E., et al., [Effect of phenibut on the content of monoamines, their metabolites, and neurotransmitter amino acids in rat brain structures], Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2009 Jan-Feb;72(1):60-3.
[12] Dominguez, J.M., Hull E.M., Dopamine, the medial preoptic area, and male sexual behaviour, Physiol Behav. 2005 Oct 15;86(3):356-68. Epub 2005 Aug 30.
[13] Giuliano F., Allard J., Dopamine and sexual function, Int J Impot Res. 2001 Aug;13 Suppl 3:S18-28.
[14] Love, T.M., Oxytocin, Motivation and the Role of Dopamine, Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2014 Apr; 0: 49–60.
[15] Altwein J.E., Keuler F.U., Oral treatment of erectile dysfunction with apomorphine SL, Urol Int. 2001;67(4):257-63.
[16] Ziablintseva E.A., Pavlova I.V., [Influence of GABA agonist phenibut on the neuronal activity and interaction in hippocampus and neocortex in emotionally negative situations], Ross Fiziol Zh Im I M Sechenova. 2009 Sep;95(9):907-18.
[17] Graziottin A., Libido: the biologic scenario, Maturitas. 2000 Jan;34 Suppl 1:S9-16.
[18] Taymor M.L., Bresnick E., Emotional stress and infertility, Infertility. 1979;2(1):39-47.
[19] Dr. Scott Gledhill, Overworked and undersexed: Job stress can affect your libido — and that’s bad news for your health, NationalPost.com [online], available at: http://nationalpost.com/health/overworked-and-undersexed-job-stress-can-affect-your-libido-and-thats-bad-news-for-your-health/wcm/7551aaa2-e9dd-4eaf-892b-e9c1b0a1f50a [Accessed August 14, 2017]
[20] Robinson, K.M., 10 Surprising Health Benefits of Sex, WebMD.com [online], available at: http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/guide/sex-and-health, [Accessed August 14, 2017]
[21] Tiang Hang et al., Comparative Effects of Er-Xian Decoction, Epimedium Herbs, and Icariin with Estrogen on Bone and Reproductive Tissue in Ovariectomized Rats, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2012 (2012), Article ID 241416,
[22] Ching-Shwun Lin et al., Effects of icariin on phosphodiesterase-5 activity in vitro and cyclic guanosine monophosphate level in cavernous smooth muscle cells, Journal of Urology, 2006
[23] Zhen-Bao Zhang and Qing-Tao Yang, The testosterone mimetic properties of icariin, Asian Journal of Andrology, Volume 8, Issue 5, pages 601–605, September 2006
[24] “Yohimbine” Examine.com [online], available at: https://examine.com/supplements/yohimbine/, [Accessed August 14, 2017]
[25] Lafontan M., et al., Alpha-2 adrenoceptors in lipolysis: alpha 2 antagonists and lipid-mobilizing strategies, Am J Clin Nutr. 1992 Jan;55(1 Suppl):219S-227S
[26] Mlcek J., et al., Quercetin and Its Anti-Allergic Immune Response, Molecules. 2016 May 12;21(5)
[27] Yao, L., et al., Quercetin, Inflammation and Immunity, Nutrients. 2016 Mar; 8(3): 167.
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