Numerous studies have shown the relationship between the love hormone oxytocin and feelings of affection and bonding between individuals, particularly between mothers and their children and between partners.

A recent study found that men who were given oxytocin believed that their relationship with their mother was closer and more affectionate than other men on the trial who were merely given a placebo.  However, the mother/son relationship had to be positive in the first place.  Men who had a bad relationship with their mother described the relationship as even worse after being given oxytocin.  This led to fears that oxytocin might have a ‘dark side’ and may even make violent criminals more aggressive.

A large scale study has been conducted on Rhesus monkeys to investigate these fears further.  Rhesus monkeys are known for their hostility and aggression, but the research study found that oxytocin did indeed make them more social and less aggressive.

It appears that oxytocin truly is the love hormone!

Read More : http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/love-drug-oxytocin-cuddle-chemical-scientists-makes-mothers/story?id=15330910#.TyE054G0NPJ

Researchers at Concordia University have discovered that the love hormone oxytocin may help ease social anxiety.  The results of their study were published in the journal Psychopharmacology and provide the first definitive proof that oxytocin can alleviate anxiety in social situations such as speaking in public, a first date, or approaching the opposite sex.

The Concordia researchers found that an intranasal form (nasal spray) of oxytocin can improve self-perception in social situations.  This has long been suspected, but this study provides the first confirmation.

At present there are only two companies that market oxytocin spray as a means of alleviating social anxiety – Oxytocin Factor and Liquid Trust.

Oxytocin is the naturally occuring chemical produced by the body in order to promote empathy, bonding, trust, and other positive social feelings.  Since these amazing facets of oxytocin have increasingly become known to researchers, and then to the public through popular media, the chemical has been dubbed the ‘love hormone’, and also the ‘cuddle hormone’.

Oxytocin has been found to play a particular role in the reproductive behaviour of females.  Scientists have long known that the hormone is associated with child birth and the mother’s bonding with her child.  But it has also been found that the oxytocin levels of a woman play a key role in her sexual life too.  For example, oxytocin levels rise in a woman’s body after she has made love.  Her oxytocin level also plays a key role in whether she will find a particular male sexually attractive.