SOAN 2290 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, Capsaicin, Psychopharmacology
4 Feb 2015
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Document Summary
Chocolate is better than chili in terms of mode of psychoactive effect. Definition of psychoactive effect: a psychoactive effect is an effect triggered by a compound which is able to pass the blood brain barrier and affect the brain in some manner. Chocolate"s dominant psychoactive effect is that it is a strong aphrodisiac. Dark chocolate in particular is known due to it"s involvement with phenylethylamine (pea). This molecule is found in concentrations in chocolate, and it stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter which is central to mediating rewards of positive reinforcement (parker et. al. , 2006). Pea mediates the feelings of attraction, excitement, giddiness, apprehension and euphoria (marcone 2014). Dopamine in particular is very important in sexual function and gratification. It does so by increasing blood flow in male and female sex organs, improving sexual desire and performances (marcone 2014).
