Effect of aqueous extract of Arctium lappa L. (burdock) roots on the sexual behavior of male rats

Abstract

BackgroundArctium lappa L. root has traditionally been recommended as an aphrodisiac agent. It is used to treat impotence and sterility in China, and Native Americans included the root in herbal preparations for women in labor. However, its use has not been scientifically validated. The present study therefore investigated the effects of aqueous extract of Arctium lappa L. roots on sexual behavior in normal male rats.MethodsSeventy-five albino male rats were randomly divided into five groups of 15 rats each. Rats in group 1 (control) were administered 10 mL⁄kg body weight distilled water (vehicle), group 2 received 60 mg/kg body weight sildenafil citrate (Viagra), while those in groups 3, 4, and 5 were given 300, 600, and 1,200 mg/kg body weight, respectively, of aqueous extract of Arctium lappa L. roots in the same volume. Female albino rats were made receptive by hormonal treatment. Sexual behavior parameters in male rats were monitored on days 3, 7 and 15 by pairing with receptive females (1:3). Male serum testosterone concentrations and potency were also determined.ResultsOral administration of Arctium lappa L. roots extract at 600 and 1,200 mg/kg body weight significantly increased the frequencies of mount, intromission, and ejaculation frequency (p < 0.05). The latencies of mount and intromission were significantly reduced and ejaculation latency was prolonged. Administration of the extract also reduced the post-ejaculatory interval. The standard drug (Viagra) was more effective than the extract. The extract significantly increased the frequencies of all components of penile reflexes as well as serum testosterone levels, compared with the distilled water controls.ConclusionsThe results of this study demonstrate that aqueous extract of Arctium lappa L. roots enhances sexual behavior in male rats. The aphrodisiac effects of the plant extract may be related to the presence of flavonoids, saponins, lignans and alkaloids, acting via a multitude of central and peripheral mechanisms. These results thus support the traditional use of Arctium lappa L. root extract for treating impotence and sterility.

Inhibitory effect of burdock leaves on elastase and tyrosinase activity

“…Burdock (Arctium lappa L.), a biennial plant belonging to the Compositae family, has been cultivated in Eastern Asian countries, particularly in Taiwan, China and Japan for use in cooking and in folk medicine as a diuretic, antipyretic and blood purifying agent (8-10). Pharmacologically, burdock has been identified to possess hepatoprotective (11,12), desmutagenic (13), antibacterial (14,15), gastroprotective (16,17), anti-hypoglycemic (18,19), anti-hypolipidemic (20), anti-inflammatory (21), antifatigue (22), antioxidant (10,21,23), body weight management (24) and aphrodisiac (25) activities. Therefore, burdock-containing health drinks and foods are widely consumed in Taiwan.…”

Dracaena arborea alleviates ultra-structural spermatogenic alterations in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

“…Male infertility is a multifactorial disease, with numerous factors contributing to both reduced spermatogenesis and production of dysfunctional sperm – the most prevalent underlying characteristics found in cases of idiopathic male infertility [1,2]. Infertility is a common complication in diabetic men and experimental animals [3,4], and oxidative stress and peroxidative damage are believed to be the most influential harm causing factors [5,6].…”

Long-term chemical castration induces depressive symptoms by suppressing serotonin expression in rats

“…Sexual behaviors were measured using a video monitoring system, according to a previously described method (JianFeng et al 2012). The female rats were made receptive by sequential administration of estradiol benzoate (10 μg⁄100 g, Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Tokyo, Japan) and progesterone (0.5 mg/100 g, Tokyo Chemical Industry Co.) by subcutaneous injection at 48 and 4 h prior to pairing.…”