Background: An aphrodisiac can be defined as any type of food or drink that is capable of causing sexual desire or arousal, increase sexual potency and increase sexual pleasure. The use of synthetic aphrodisiacs results in unwanted side effects that are noxious to the patients, thus there is a growing need to look for aphrodisiacs of herbal origin with lesser side effects. Aim: The aim of the study is to conduct an Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used as aphrodisiacs in Bauchi Local Government area. Methods: Traditional medical practitioners with expertise in management of sexual problems were interview using a well structured ethnobotanical questionnaire Results: Medicinal plants such as Waltheria indica, Trephrosia purpurea, Hygrophilla auriculata, Gardiena erubescense, Olax subscorpioidea, Fadogia agrestis, Hymenocardia acida, Sabo et al.; JOCAMR, 4(4): 1-13, 2017; Article no.JOCAMR.39229 2 Borassus aethiopum, Dichrostachys cinerea and Cyperus esculentus were identified to be used singly as aphrodisiacs. Conclusion: All plants should be investigated scientifically to substantiate the traditional claims except Fadogia agretis which was pharmacologically proven to possess aphrodisiac activity. Original Research Article

Introduction: The aqueous extract of Azanza garckeana was recently reported of exhibiting ameliorative and pro-fertility properties however the protective effects on formalin testicular toxicity have not been studied. Objective: This study investigated the protective effect of methanol extract of Azanza garckeana on formalin-induced testicular toxicity. Methods: Forty male albino mice were randomly divided into 8 groups of 5. Animals in the first group (1) served as control and administered normal saline (1 ml/kg) by the oral route daily for 40 days. In similar manner, animal in groups 2 received formalin (10 mg/kg) by the IP route, while animals in groups 3; 4 and 5 concurrently received formalin (10 mg/kg IP) and extract at doses of 125; 250 and 500 mg/kg respectively by the oral route. Mice in groups 6; 7 and 8 received the extract at doses of 125; 250 and 500 mg/kg respectively. Phytochemical analysis was conducted for each constituent using specific methods. Gonadotropin and sperm analysis were carried out using standard methods. Result: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various constituents, but notably flavonoids. Induced-toxicity with formalin and concurrent treatment with extract at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg from day 20 to 40 caused significant body weight increase compared to baseline (p < 0.05).  Similarly, treatment with the extract alone at all doses caused significant increase in body weight from day 20 to 40 (p < 0.05). Treatment with the extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg, caused a significant increase in weight of testes and epididymis compared to control and untreated group (p < 0.05).The extract induced significant increase in gonadotropin levels of animals compared to control and the untreated group (p < 0.05).The extract at 125 mg/kg demonstrated the highest fecundity potential, but there was no any consistent relationship between GSI and fecundity. Conclusion: This investigation was able to establish the protective and pro-fertility potentials of methanol extract of Azanza garckeana.

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Fadogia cienkowskii is a shrub whose roots are used in many communities of Northern Nigeria to improve sexual performance; however, there is no scientific study to verify this claim. This study determined the effect of 70% ethanol extract of F. cienkowskii roots and its fractions (ethyl acetate, nbutanol, and residual ethanol) on mating behaviour (mounting, intromission and ejaculation) and serum testosterone concentration of male albino rats. Five groups of rats each containing 6 rats were treated with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of the crude ethanol extract, while Sildenafil and distilled water were administered to the control groups. Another set of 6 groups of rats were also used in the study and were treated with 12.5 and 25 mg/kg of the ethyl acetate, n-butanol and residual ethanol fractions, respectively. The crude extract and fractions significantly increased mount, intromission and ejaculation frequencies. The copulation efficiency also increased significantly-indicative of the plant's aphrodisiac potential. Significant increase of testosterone in serum of extract treated rats was also observed, which is a further credence to the plant's aphrodisiac potential. It was thus concluded that the 70% ethanol root extract of F. cienkowskii and its fractions have aphrodisiac activity with the nbutanol and residual ethanol fractions being more active.