Scientists from the University of Guelph in southern Ontario have turned their eyes to the study of what might enhance the libido, subjecting to modern scientific testing some aphrodisiacs with reputations that go back thousands of years.

Saffron? Yep. Ginseng? Absolutely, at least the panax variety found in Asia. Spanish fly and Bufo toad? Be careful. Chocolate? The jury is still out.

“I was not a believer in aphrodisiacs to begin with,” said Guelph food science professor Massimo Marcone, who led the review. “After looking at [the research], I would have to say there is substantial information and scientific data to show that there are some -- few -- that actually can have an aphrodisiac type of property.”

The review was published in the online edition of Food Research International, according to the Vancouver Sun.