Effect of Aqueous Extract ofMassularia acuminataStem on Sexual Behaviour of Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Ancient literature alluded to the use of a number of plants/preparations as sex enhancer. One of such botanicals is Massularia acuminata in which the stem has been acclaimed to be used as an aphrodisiac. Documented experiments or clinical data are, however, lacking. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate the acclaimed aphrodisiac activity of M. acuminata stem. Sixty male rats were completely randomized into 4 groups (A–D) of 15 each. Rats in group A (control) were administered with 1 mL of distilled water (the vehicle) while those in groups B, C, and D were given same volume containing 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight of the extract, respectively. Sexual behaviour parameters were monitored in the male rats for day 1 (after a single dose), day 3 (after three doses, once daily), and day 5 (after five doses, once daily) by pairing with a receptive female (1 : 1). The male serum testosterone concentration was also determined. Cage side observation on the animals revealed proceptive behaviour (ear wiggling, darting, hopping, and lordosis) by the receptive female rats and precopulatory behaviour (chasing, anogenital sniffing and mounting) by the extract-treated male rats. The extract at 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight significantly (P < .05) increased the frequencies of mount and intromission. In addition, the ejaculation latency was significantly prolonged (P < .05). The latencies of mount and intromission were reduced significantly whereas ejaculation frequency increased. The extract also reduced the postejaculatory interval of the animals. Computed percentages of index of libido, mounted, intromitted, ejaculated and copulatory efficiency were higher in the extract treated animals compared to the distilled water-administered control whereas the intercopulatory interval decreased significantly. The extract also significantly (P < .05) increased the serum testosterone content of the animals except in those administered with 250 mg/kg body weight on days 1 and 3. Data from this study identified that the aqueous extract of Massularia acuminata stem enhanced sexual behaviour in male rats. The improved sexual appetitive behaviour in male rats at the doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of Massularia acuminata stem may be attributed, at least in part, to the alkaloids, saponins, and/or flavonoids since these phytochemicals has engorgement, androgen enhancing, and antioxidant properties.

Anethum graveolens Linn. (dill) extract enhances the mounting frequency and level of testicular tyrosine protein phosphorylation in rats

“…Herein whether a high dose of AG extract and increasing days could not stimulate mounting frequency remains unexplained. It has been suggested that vasodilatation, generation of nitric oxide, and/or elevation of androgens and gonadotropins are a major mechanism involved in aphrodisiac activity of many medicinal plants (Yakubu and Akanji, 2011;Prabsattroo et al, 2012). Basically, sexual behaviors are the result of stimulation of the central nervous system (CNS).…”

The action of herbal medicine on the libido: aspects of nutritional intervention in increasing sexual desire

“…Herbal medicine has been identified for having an effect upon the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, thus increasing the libido. This occurs through the increase in the number of several hormone and serum testosterone concentrations, which, in turn, stimulated the dopamine receptor, through mechanisms, such as vasodilation, the generation of nitrous oxide, increased androgen, and gonadotropin [12]. Several herbal medicines have been reported as capable of affecting penile erection through different mechanisms.…”

“…Alkaloids, for instance, have demonstrated ergogenic properties, which lead to vasodilation in blood vessels, resulting in erection. Meanwhile, the saponin content acts to form nitrous oxide and may lead to the relaxation of the smooth muscle by means of Larginine/nitrous oxide [12]. In addition, the presence of flavonoids in plant extracts implies its role played in the change of androgen levels (Fig.…”

“…Hormones (androgens in men and estrogen in women) influence sexual behavior and response capabilities, which may act by means of central and peripheral mechanisms [11,12]. Studies referring to neurotransmitters in the sexual response for both genders have demonstrated that they are released by autonomic nervous terminations, such as acetylcholine, dopamine, noradrenalin, melanocortin (VIP), and nitrous oxide (NO) [8,9].…”

“…2. Sexual behavior may be due to androgenic and gonadotropic activities, assigning to the components flavonoids and/or saponin present in plants, as they have been reported as capable of altering androgen levels [12].…”