Korean bug is a popular aphrodisiac[1] in China, Korea, and Southeast Asia,[2] either eaten alive or in gelatin form. The aphrodisiac effect has not been clinically tested and is achieved by cantharidin inhibition of phosphodiesterase, protein phosphatase activity and stimulation of adrenergic receptors, which leads to vascular congestion and inflammation.[3] Cantharidin is an unreliable and dangerous aphrodisiac. Its impact is primarily based totally on stimulation of the urogenital tract, robust pelvic hyperaemia with consequent erection or a possible priapism.[4]

The bug is type of a beetle of Palembus dermestoides species. Medical studies have shown that it is a vector of causative agent of hymenolepiasis.[5]

References edit

  1. ^ Acton QA (1 May 2013). Issues in Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Drug Research, and Drug Innovation: 2013 Edition. ScholarlyEditions. ISBN 978-1-4901-1057-8. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
  2. ^ Lee JK, Tan RB, Chung E (February 2017). "Erectile dysfunction treatment and traditional medicine-can East and West medicine coexist?". Translational Andrology and Urology. 6 (1): 91–100. doi:10.21037/tau.2016.11.13. PMC 5313309. PMID 28217454.
  3. ^ Pajovic B, Radosavljevic M, Radunovic M, Radojevic N, Bjelogrlic B (April 2012). "Arthropods and their products as aphrodisiacs--review of literature" (PDF). European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences. 16 (4): 539–47. PMID 22696884.
  4. ^ Sheppard CA, Prischmann DA. A world view of insects as aphrodisiacs, with special reference to Spanish fly (PDF). Retrieved 21 December 2021.
  5. ^ Butenandt A, Tam N (1957). "About a sex-specific fragnance of the water bug Belostoma indica vitalis (Lethocerus indcus Lep.)". Hoppe-Seyler's Z Physiol Chem. 308 (Jahresband): 277–283. doi:10.1515/bchm2.1957.308.1.277.