The effects of sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre root extract on sexual behaviourand hormonal levels in rodents

Abstract

Roots of S. jollyanum are considered as sexual stimulant in Ghanaian traditional medicine. The present study is aimed at investigating the effect of an ethanolic extract of the root of S. jollyanum on sexual behaviour of male mice and reproductive hormones in male rats. Extract of S. jollyanum (100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg p.o) stimulated mounting and mating behaviour by increasing mounting frequency, intromission frequency and prolonged ejaculation latency. In addition, a decrease in mounting latency, intromission latency and postejaculatory interval was observed. These observations were indicative of increased libido and enhanced sexual behaviour. However, the dose-response curves of some of the parameters measured (attempted mounts, mounting frequency, anogenital sniffing and penile licking) were U-shaped i.e. the effects observed were absent at higher doses. Also the effect of the extract on FSH, LH, prolactin and testosterone levels in rats were determined at weekly intervals for three weeks. Levels of testosterone were increased 4-fold by the third week and there was about 30% increase in FSH levels by the second week which dropped by the third week. Surprisingly, LH levels were reduced by the second week with no significant change in levels of prolactin. These results suggest that there may be more than one mechanism of action of the extract. The immediate increase in sexual behaviour by extract of S. jollyanum may be due to a central stimulatory effect whilst long-term effect might be due to increased testosterone levels. The stimulation of sexual behaviour in male mice and rats supports the claims for its traditional usage in sexual disorders.

In vivo anti-malaria activity of methanolic leaf and root extracts of Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre

“…Traditional uses of different part of S. jollyanum in treatment of various ailments in West Africa Sub-region are common practice (Amidu et al, 2008;Moody et al, 2006). The roots are bright yellow with a sour taste when chewed (Neuwinger, 1996) and are used as 'chewsticks', relief for constipation, as a stomachic, as a cough medicine, for sickle cell disease, rheumatism inflammatory conditions, malaria treatment (Burkill, 1985;Iwu, 1993;Moody et al, 2006), as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and for anxiogenic and aphrodisiac in Ghana (Abbiw, 1990;Owiredu et al, 2007;Woode et al, 2009). …”

Wandering through southwestern Nigeria: An inventory of Yoruba useful angiosperm plants

“…Herbal concoctions for these ailments are sold at every nook and cranny in southwestern Nigeria. Some plants listed here as an aphrodisiac are said to increase the level of testosterone in test organisms in various studies, for example, Spondias mombin has had its folkloric uses supported with pharmacological data [ 107 ] and Sphenocentrum jollyanum [ 108 ]. In a previous study [ 18 ], 209 medicinal plants are reported to be used as an aphrodisiac and sexual dysfunction in sub-Saharan Africa, of which 28 species are from Nigeria.…”

A Review on Ethno-Medicinal and Pharmacological Activities of Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre

“…Investigation on the potential of the plant extracts to affect sexual activities and hormonal levels in laboratory animals was carried out by Owiredu et al [ 43 ]. It was observed that there was an increased urge by the male animals to mount on the female for the first time, increased duration of ejaculation, and shortened refractory period.…”