Scientists on a Quest to Discover the ‘Love Drug’

Poetic ramblings and incurable romantics will soon become a matter of the past, if scientists are right in their predictions of how research in the field of love evolves. One behavioral psychologist, for instance, strongly believes science is one step closer to unlocking the “love drug” and thus pave the way towards creating the much coveted love potion.

Professor Larry Young, of Emory University in Atlanta, US, explains, writing in the journal “Nature,” that coming across the exact scientific formula behind love, or that triggers the falling in love part, could be of extremely beneficial use in terms of artificially enhancing love and thus marital happiness. Moreover, science, he says, already has a forerunner in the race towards this grand discovery, oxytocin, which is secreted by the mother during labor and breast-feeding, and helps her bound with her child.

Oxytocin, also known as “the cuddle hormone,” has been proved to alter human interaction for the better, being involved in the attraction between partners, boosting confidence and trust, and helping make almost all feelings of fear disappear. Apparently, a certain nasal spray containing oxytocin already exists, having been used in a previous study to determine the relation between the oxytocin levels and one’s ability to recognize faces.

However, other sprays with differing levels of the hormone are also available on the Internet for those looking for an improvement in their love life. Professor Young advises caution before going to buy such a product, since all the effects have not yet been verified. “Although such products are unlikely to do anything other than boost users’ confidence, studies are underway in Australia to determine whether an oxytocin spray might aid traditional marital therapy.” Professor Young said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.

Other factors, such as genetics (since, for instance, the inability to commit to a relationship in men has been showed to be genetically inherited) and one’s own body have to be taken into account before pronouncing oxytocin as the key to all problems. The conclusion is optimistic, for Professor Young at least. “Either way, recent advances in the biology of pair bonding mean it won’t be long before an unscrupulous suitor could slip a ‘love potion’ in our drink. And if they did, would we care? After all, love is insanity.” he said, more or less jokingly.