Background: Ganoderma lucidum was traditionally used to manage male sexual dysfunction. This study was designed to investigate and establish the traditional aphrodisiac potential of the herb. Methods: Aphrodisiac potential was evaluated following the oral administration of two different doses (150 and 300 mg/kg) of ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum. Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) and distilled water were used as positive and negative controls respectively. Mounting, intromission and ejaculation frequencies, mating performance, and orientation activities towards females, towards the environment, and towards self were observed. Serum testosterone levels were also evaluated. Results: The results of the study show that the extract has significantly increased the mounting behavior and mating performance of the rats. There was also significant increase in the number of intromissions and ejaculations. The rats treated with extract were more interested in female rats as indicated by significant increase in the number of anogenital sniffing and climbing. Serum testosterone levels were also significantly increased in the treatment groups. Conclusion: Ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum possesses aphrodisiac activity in male Wistar rats. The lower dose of 150 mg/kg was more effective in terms of aphrodisiac potential of the extract.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antidepressant activity of hydroalcoholic extract Agaricus blazei (273 and 819 mg/kg; orally) in stressed and unstressed Swiss albino mice. Mice were immobilized to induce stress. Fluoxetine 20 mg/kg orally was given to stressed and unstressed animals and immobility time was noted by using forced swim test and tail suspension test. The concentration of plasma nitrite was also evaluated in stressed and unstressed mice. The effect of prazosin (α1-adrenoceptor antagonist), p-CPA (parachlorophenylalanine–tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor) and 7-nitro-indazole (nNOS inhibitor) on the antidepressant activity of A. blazei was also evaluated. A. blazei and fluoxetine significantly decreased the duration of immobility time in stressed and unstressed mice, showing significant antidepressant activity. No substantial change was found in the locomotor activity. However, a significant reduction in the level of plasma nitrite was also noted in stressed mice. Hydroalcoholic extract showed prominent antidepressant activity in mice.