It has since then been postulated that there are probably similar chemicals that can aid as attractants for humans. Of course there really is along history of using perfume ingredients (jasmin, ylang ylang, natural musk, ambergris, civet etc.) as aphrodisiacs but there is little (no?) evidence that these work.

        In 1991, the vomeronasal (VNO) organ, a small organ an inch or so within the nose, was found to be responsive to specific steroid type chemicals. Subjects could not "smell' the materials but had an increased feeling of well being. A true 6th sense?

         In 1998 Dr. Alan Hirsh carried out research and determined that certain aromas have a stimulating effect on men and women (increasing penile blood flow for example). The materials identified as active had nothing to do with perfume. Aniseed, Licorice, Pumpkin pie and Baby powder.
 
         In January 1999 in a Review of  Human Pheromones  by - J. Stephan Jellinek, Dragoco Report 1/99 found that the results are inconclusive, with possibly some activity of giving a general feeling of well-being and slightly sexier response. The materials evaluated included Androstenol,  Androstenone,  Androsterone,  Dehydroepiandrosterone,  Androstadienone. (Note in the 1991 report that androstenol or androstenone were found to have no effect on the VNO.

         We really don't know whether the human pheromone system is a fact or over wishful thinking. At best the general reports of an "increased general feeling of well being" would not seem to be enough to overcome stronger sensory visual signals such as from advertising, packaging, cultural or experiential sources such as triggered memories. There is certainly no evidence yet of a pheromone eliciting an irresistible attraction.

        But then again if you need every little bit of help you can get, then they might just tip the balance!