Evaluation of the Effects of Aqueous Extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius on Sexual Behaviour in Male Rats

Background: Sarcocephalus latifolius, a plant of the Rubiaceae family, is found exclusively in tropical Africa, more particularly in sub-Saharan West Africa, stretching from Senegal to Zaire, but is also found as far east as Sudan (Sudan-Guinean zone). The leaves of this plant are used in traditional African medicine to treat numerous pathologies such as infertility. Aims/Objective: The present study aims to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius leaves on sexual parameters in male rats. Methods: The sexual parameters (latency of the mating position, latency of intromission, latency of ejaculation and mean copulation interval) were assessed by the classical method by administering distilled water, sildenafil citrate (reference molecule) called Viagra at the dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight and the aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius leaves at the dose of 1000 mg/kg of body weight per day for eight days to three batches of male rats respectively. These parameters were determined over a period of thirty minutes. Results: The results obtained show that the aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius leaves at a dose of 1000 mg/kg of body weight significantly (P < .001) decreases the latency time of mating position and the latency time of intromission, whereas this extract significantly (P < .001) increases the latency time of ejaculation and the average copulation interval. Conclusion: Aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius leaves has aphrodisiac properties which are due to sterols, flavonoids and saponosides.

Ethanol extract of Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb root improves the sexual performance of male Wistar rats

Background: Caesalpinia bonduc (CB) is an African tropical plant whose roots are used in traditional medicine as ethanol maceration for many purposes, especially for erection impairment. Objective: This study aims to examine the aphrodisiac activity of the ethanol extract from the root of CB in male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Eighteen male rats were divided into three groups (n = 6): The Group 1, control received dimethyl sulfoxide (vehicle), Group 2 received Viagra® (Sildenafil citrate) at 25 mg/kg body weight, and Group 3 received ethanol extract of CB root at 500 mg/kg body weight. Each treatment was administered once daily by gavages for 28 days, with the exception of Viagra® which was administered 1 h before each mating. On days 1, 14, and 28, the male rats were mated with artificially estrus female rats by hormonal treatment with benzoate estradiol and progesterone. The sexual behavior parameters as intromission frequency (IF), intromission latency (IL), mount frequency (MF), and mount latency (ML) were evaluated. The effect of the extract on serum testosterone level and histoarchitecture of testis was also assessed. Results: CB root extract increased significantly the IF (P < 0.001) and MF (P < 0.01) when compared with the control group. Significantly decreased (P < 0.05) of ML and IL of rats were observed. Significant increases (P < 0.01) in testosterone levels of extract-treated group were observed. This is supported by cross sections of the testis that showed an increase in the diameter of the seminiferous tubes compared to the control group and those with Viagra® group. Conclusion: Findings in this study revealed that CB root enhanced sexual behavior in male rats and may play an aphrodisiac role that justifying its use in alternative medicine.

Aphrodisiac Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Pausinystalia yohimbe, Cassia sieberiana and Cissus populnea Roots In Paroxetine-Induced Sexual Dysfunction Male Rats: A Comparative Study:

@#There is a folkloric claim that Pausinystalia yohimbe,Cassia sieberiana and Cissus populnearoots can be used to enhance sexual behaviour in male rats. However, there is still dearth of scientific evidence that substantiated the acclaimed efficacy of separate and combined use of the plant as sex enhancer. Therefore, the aims of this study were to compare the separate and combined effects of aqueous extracts of Pausinystalia yohimbe, Cassia sieberiena and Cissus populnearoots in paroxetine-induced sexually impaired male rats.Thirty five male rats were assigned into seven groups (A-G) such that rats in group A received orally 1.0 ml of distilled water for 7 days, while those in groups B -G which were induced into sexual dysfunction (administration of 10 mg/kg of paroxetine) also received equal volume of distilled water, 7.14 mg/kg body weight of PowmaxM (a reference drug), 50 mg/kg body weight of P. yohimbe, 50 mg/kg body weight of C. sieberiana, 50 mg/kg body weight of C. populneaand 50 mg/kg body weight of 1:1:1 mixture of the three extracts, once daily for seven days respectively. The sexual behavior indices of the male rats and the levels of their reproductive hormones were evaluated by standard procedures. The paroxetine-treatment related reductions (P<0.05) in the sexual behaviour indices of Mount Frequency, Intromission Frequency and Ejaculatory Frequency, levels of serum reproductive hormones of testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone were progressively attenuated by the separate administration of the plant extracts. Furthermore, the increases in the Mount Latency, Intromission Latency, Ejaculatory Latency and Post-ejaculatory Interval were also gradually reduced, following the administration of the plant extracts. The male rat sexual behaviour indices and the levels of the male reproductive hormones following the administration of the 1:1:1 mixture of the extracts were not significantly different (P>0.05) from the effects of the separate extracts. All these changes compared favourably (P>0.05) well with those of the sexual dysfunction rats that received PowmaxM (Group G). The results obtained in the present study indicate that the extracts of these plants may have the potentialfor the management of sexual dysfunction in male rats. The combined use of the plants was not significantly better than the individual use of the plants thereby, each and any of the three plants readily available might be used for this purpose.

Courtship activity, copulation & insemination success in a mosquito vector fed a herbal aphrodisiac: Implications for sterile insect technology

Background & objectives: In sterile insect technology (SIT), mating competitiveness is a pre-condition for the reduction of target pest populations and a crucial parameter for judging efficacy. Still, current SIT trials are being hindered by decreased effectiveness due to reduced sexual performance of released males. Here, we explored the possible role of a herbal aphrodisiac in boosting the mating activity of Aedes aegypti. Methods: Males were fed one of two diets in this study: experimental extract of Eurycoma longifolia (MSAs) and sugar only (MSOs). Differences in life span, courtship latency, copulation activity and mating success were examined between the two groups. Results: No deaths occurred among MSA and MSO males. Life span of MSOs was similar to that of MSAs. The courtship latency of MSAs was shorter than that of MSOs (P<0.01). MSAs had greater copulation success than MSOs (P<0.001). In all female treatments, MSAs mated more than MSOs, but the differences in rate were significant only in the highest female density (P<0.05). In MSAs, mating success varied significantly with female density (P<0.01), with the 20-female group (P<0.01) having the lowest rate. Single MSA had better mating success at the two lowest female densities. In MSOs, there were no significant differences in mating success rate between the different female densities. Interpretation & conclusions: Our results suggested that the herbal aphrodisiac, E. longifolia, stimulated the sexual activity of Ae. aegypti and may be useful for improving the mating competitiveness of sterile males, thus improving SIT programmes.

Sesquiterpene lactones from Hedyosmum brasiliense induce in vitro relaxation of rat aorta and corpus cavernosum

Abstract Hedyosmum brasiliense Miq., Chloranthaceae, has been used in Southern Brazil as a sedative, anti-inflammatory, and aphrodisiac. In this study, endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded rat aortic rings and strips of corpus cavernosum were used to investigate the relaxant effects of an hexane fraction of leaves of H. brasiliense and its sesquiterpene lactones 13-hydroxy-8,9-dehydroshizukanolide, podoandin, and elemanolide 15-acetoxy-isogermafurenolide. The incubation of hexane fraction of leaves of H. brasiliense resulted in significant relaxation of endothelium-intact aortic rings previously contracted by phenylephrine. In addition, 13-hydroxy-8,9-dehydroshizukanolide and podoandin displayed a clear concentration-dependent ability to relax endothelium-intact (∼85 to 90%) and endothelium-denuded (∼45 to 55%) rat aortic rings. A less pronounced vascular relaxation was recorded when 15-hydroxy-isogermafurenolide was tested. Interestingly, in tissues previously incubated with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME (100 µM), both 13-hydroxy-8,9-dehydroshizukanolide and podoandin had their effects in endothelium-intact vessels reduced to the same degree of relaxation observed in endothelium-denuded aortic rings. Podoandin, 13-hydroxy-8,9-dehydroshizukanolide, and 15-acetoxy-isogermafurenolide (100 µM) were also able to relax precontracted corpus cavernosum strips by 49.5 ± 3.9%, 65.9 ± 7.3% and 57.9 ± 5.5%, respectively. Our results demonstrated that 13-hydroxy-8,9-dehydroshizukanolide, podoandin and 15-acetoxy-isogermafurenolide, isolated from H. brasiliense, generate both endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation of rat aortic rings, as well as being able to induce in vitro relaxation of rat corpus cavernosum. Importantly, the endothelium-dependent effect is fully dependent on nitric oxide production. Considering that penile erection depends on both relaxation of cavernosal smooth muscle and inflow of blood for the cavernous bodies, this is the first study reporting experimental evidence supporting the aphrodisiac properties of H. brasiliense.

Maca (lepidium meyenii) supplementation increase the sexual capacity of low but not high sexual performance rams (ovis aries) / La suplementación con maca (lepidium meyenii) incrementa la capacidad de servicio en carneros (ovis aries)de bajo pero no de alto desempeño sexual

To evaluate the effect of maca (Lepidium meyenii) supplementation on the sexual capacity of males, 40 rams were classified as high (HP) and low performers (LP). Within each category (n = 20), ten rams were supplemented with 233 mg of dry maca/kg of body weight/day during four weeks, followed by four weeks of a control diet (residual), while the rest of the animals remained as controls during the eight-weeks period. LP rams increased (P < 0.05) all sexual behaviors during maca supplementation up to HP levels, decreasing to control planes one week after the supplementation ceased. In contrast, in HP rams, maca supplementation only increased genital sniffs and nudging, while mounts and ejaculations remained unaffected during both supplementation and residual phases. It was concluded that maca supplementation affects males differently, according to their original sexual capacity.

Con el propósito de evaluar el efecto de la suplementación con maca (Lepidium meyenii) en la capacidad de servicio de los machos, 40 carneros se clasificaron como de alto (HP) y bajo desempeño sexual (LP). Dentro de cada categoría (n = 20), diez carneros se suplementaron con 233 mg de maca seca/kg de peso corporal/día durante cuatro semanas, seguidos de cuatro semanas de dieta control (residual), mientras que el resto de los animales permanecieron como testigos durante las ocho semanas. Los carneros LP incrementaron (P<0.05) todas sus conductas sexuales durante la suplementación hasta niveles similares a los mostrados por carneros HP, disminuyendo a niveles del grupo control una semana después de terminada la suplementación. En contraste, en los carneros HP, la suplementación con maca sólo incrementó las conductas de olfateo genital y cortejo, sin embargo montas y eyaculaciones permanecieron sin cambios tanto durante la fase de suplementación como la residual. Se concluye que la suplementación con maca actúa diferente en machos de acuerdo a su capacidad de servicio.

Ethnopharmacological Properties of Ceasalpinia benthamiana - A Mini Review.

Caesalpinia benthamiana (Baill.) Herend. and Zarucchi (synonym. Mezoneuron benthamianum Baill.) belongs to the family Fabaceae, it is a climbing or a straggling shrub and is well known in some West African countries for its medicinal properties where it is used to cure general malaise, wound, urethral discharge, ulcer, pile, skin infection and believed to have aphrodisiac property. Phytochemical studies have revealed the leaf to contain essential oils, Gallic acid derivatives, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, anthraquinones and reducing sugars while the aqueous fractions of the root contain Gallic acid, resveratrol and tannins. Pharmacological assays have established the plant to be antiinflammatory, anti-diarrheal, anti-bacterial, anti-candida, and to have vasorelaxation and aphrodisiac properties. This review presents information on the morphology, ecology, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activities and toxicological properties of C. benthamiana and aims at providing an up-to-date detail that should constitute baseline information for future research on the plant.

Crude ethanolic leaf extracts of Citropsis articulata: a potential phytomedicine for treatment of male erectile dysfunction associated with testosterone deficiency.

Background: Erectile dysfunction is the inability to sustain erection of the penis firm enough for sexual intercourse in males. Citropsis articulata is used locally by communities in Uganda for the management of erectile dysfunction. The current study evaluated the effect of ethanolic leaf extract of C. articulata on the serum level of testosterone and mounting frequency in Male albino rats. Methods: The study animals were divided into four groups and the extract groups dosed daily orally with 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg of extract for three weeks. Sildenafil citrate (1mg/kg) and distilled water (10 ml/kg) were used as positive and negative control respectively. The mounting frequencies of the males exposed to estrus induced females rats on day (7 and 21), testosterone levels (day 21) and phytochemicals present in the extract were determined. Results: At 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg, both testosterone level and mounting frequency increased significantly (p<0.05) by third week. The mean testosterone level at 600 mg/kg (2.678 ng/ml) of the extract was higher than that of group treated with 1mg/kg sildenafil citrate (2.18 ng/ml). The aphrodisiac activity of this extract may be associated with presence of saponins and basic alkaloids in the plant extract. Conclusions: Taken together, the crude leaf extracts of C. articulata could be used as a cheap alternative for the treatment of low libido due to testosterone deficiency. However, further studies are needed on the safety profile and the identification of the molecules responsible for the biological activity of the plant extract.

Screening of aphrodisiac property in sea slug, Aplysia dactylomela

Objective: To evaluate the aphrodisiac property of Aplysia dactylomela (A. dactylomelan), locally known as 'dugu-dugu', which is one of the sea slug species. Methods: Two types of extractions were used; aqueous and lipid. Three doses of each A. dactylomelan extract, respectively; 50, 100, 200 mg/kg were administered (i.p.) to male mice for mounting behavior test. Sildenafil citrate or Viagra® (5 mg/kg) being positive control while negative control received saline solution. Results: The animals treated with lipid extract at the respective dose exhibited mounting behavior, but the mounting frequency decreased at higher doses (100 and 200 mg/kg). However, all doses of aqueous extract did not show any mounting behavior. Meanwhile, in all doses of lipid extracts administered displayed significant difference (P<0.05) from the positive control. Despite this, only the lipid extract of 50 mg/kg showed significant difference (P<0.05) with negative control. This signifies that lipid extracts especially in dose 50 mg/kg have a substantial effect of aphrodisiac property. In addition, the presence of steroids was detected in the phytochemical screening of lipid extract. Conlusions: The findings from this study provides preliminary scientific evidence that A. dactylomela could be used as an alternative medication of natural product for promoting sexual activity in men.

Screening of aphrodisiac property in sea slug, Aplysia dactylomela

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the aphrodisiac property of Aplysia dactylomela (A. dactylomelan), locally known as 'dugu-dugu', which is one of the sea slug species.@*METHODS@#Two types of extractions were used; aqueous and lipid. Three doses of each A. dactylomelan extract, respectively; 50, 100, 200 mg/kg were administered (i.p.) to male mice for mounting behavior test. Sildenafil citrate or Viagra® (5 mg/kg) being positive control while negative control received saline solution.@*RESULTS@#The animals treated with lipid extract at the respective dose exhibited mounting behavior, but the mounting frequency decreased at higher doses (100 and 200 mg/kg). However, all doses of aqueous extract did not show any mounting behavior. Meanwhile, in all doses of lipid extracts administered displayed significant difference (P<0.05) from the positive control. Despite this, only the lipid extract of 50 mg/kg showed significant difference (P<0.05) with negative control. This signifies that lipid extracts especially in dose 50 mg/kg have a substantial effect of aphrodisiac property. In addition, the presence of steroids was detected in the phytochemical screening of lipid extract.@*CONLUSIONS@#The findings from this study provides preliminary scientific evidence that A. dactylomela could be used as an alternative medication of natural product for promoting sexual activity in men.

Aphrodisiac Effect of Ethanol Extract of Piliostigma thonningii Leaf on Male Albino Wistar Rats.

In an attempt to evaluate the acclaimed aphrodisiac activity of ethanol leaf extract of Piliostigma thoningii, twenty (20) male wistar albino rats were weighed and grouped into four study groups (A-D) of five animals each. Rats in group A (control) were administered with 1ml of distilled water orally while those in groups B, C, and D were given same volume orally, corresponding to 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively for 21 days. Sexual behaviour parameters were monitored in the male rats for 3 days after administration by pairing with a receptive female (1:1). The male serum testosterone concentration was also determined. Cage side observation on the animals revealed prospective behaviours by the receptive female rats and pre- copulatory behaviours by the extract-treated male rats. The extract at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight significantly (P < 0.05) increased the frequencies of mount and intromission. In addition, the ejaculation latency was significantly (P < 0.05) prolonged. The latencies of mount and intromission were reduced signifi-cantly (P<0.05) whereas ejaculation frequency increased. The extract also reduced the post- ejaculatory interval of the wistar albino rats. Computed percentages of index of libido, mounted, intromitted, ejaculated and copulatory efficiency were higher in the extract- treated animals than the control whereas the intercopulatory interval decreased significantly. The extract also significantly (P<0.05) increased the serum testosterone content of the animals. Data from this study suggest that the ethanol extract of Piliostigma thonningii leaf enhanced sexual behaviour in male rats.

Aphrodisiac activity of ethanolic extract of Pedalium murex Linn fruit

Objective: The study represents an interesting case report for a very good aphrodisiac activity observed during an oral glucose tolerance test performed while evaluating the antidiabetic potential of Pedalium murex Linn. fruit. Methods: Ethanolic extract of Pedalium murex at a dose of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg p.o. was given to the rats followed by administration of 2 g/kg p.o. of glucose 30 min after the administration of extract. Results: Pregnancy was observed in the treated groups after 20-25 days of treatment in females which resulted in birth of pubs ranging upto ten in some females (more significant in case of 500 mg/kg p.o.). The observation also showed a significant increase in weights of pubs along with a normal behavior pattern. The increased pregnancy rate in the drug treated groups may be due to the healthy viable sperm and enhancement of sexual desire of the rats. Conclusion: From the results it may be concluded that the fruits of the plant may be used as a good aphrodisiac agent to promote fertility rate.

Enhancement of erectile function of sexually na?ve rats by β-sitosterol and α-β-amyrin acetate isolated from the hexane extract of Mondiawhitei

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the prosexual activity of two compounds isolated from the hexane extract of the dried roots of Mondia whitei in rats. Methods: β-sitosterol and the mixture of α and β-amyrin acetate were isolated and characterised using several reagents, chromatography, mass spectrometry and physical analysis (RMN, 1H and 13C). Sexually inexperienced adult male rats were orally treated with these compounds at doses of 0mg/kg (control), 10mg/kg or 50mg/kg. 1h after the treatment, mount and intromission latencies and frequencies, penile erection, ejaculation latency and post-ejaculatory interval were measured for 60 minutes. Results: β-sitosterol and the mixture of α and β-amyrin acetate significantly increased the mount frequency (p0.05) when compared to control. The two purified compounds were efficient at the lower dose (10 mg/kg b.w) with β-sitosterol being the most potent. Conclusion:Results of the present work give added value to the aphrodisiac property of Mondia whitei and further justify its popular use as a sex stimulant.

Effects of catuaba cristal® on the testis of wistar rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible beneficial effects of Catuaba Cristal® (CC), an alcoholic drink made from wine and Erythroxylum catuaba Ar. Cam on testis. Wistar rats either received CC solution (n=8) or water (n=9). Results showed significant body weight reduction within the CC group, although, no weight changes were observed for liver, kidney, testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate. The volumetric proportion and volume of interstitial tissue and lymphatic space were reduced in the treated group. In the CC group, although the nuclear volume of Leydig cells (LC) decreased, the number of LC per testis increased. These results suggested that CC had no beneficial effect on spermatogenesis of Wistar rats.

Tonic, fortifier and aphrodisiac: adaptogens in the Brazilian folk medicine

In Brazil, many plants are used as tonic, fortifier, aphrodisiac, anti-stress, among other uses that are similar to the indications of an adaptogen. In general, such plants are used unspecifically, in situations of stress and fatigue, in the recovery after a previous pathological or debilitating state, or simply aiming at the maintenance of a healthy state. This article discusses the popular terms employed in the Brazilian folk medicine for the plants with this profile, their particularities and limitations. The article also discusses the possible mechanisms of action of an adaptogen and compares the main Brazilian plants used for that purpose: guarana (Paullinia cupana Kunth, family Sapindaceae), muirapuama (Ptychopetalum olacoides Benth., Olacaceae), catuaba (Anemopaegma arvense (Vell.) Stellfeld & J.F. Souza, Bignoniaceae, and Trichilia catigua A. Juss., Meliaceae), nó-decachorro (Heteropterys aphrodisiaca O. Mach, Malpighiaceae), damiana (Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult., Turneraceae) and pfaffia or Brazilian ginseng (Pfaffia sp, Amaranthaceae).

Asteracantha longifolia (L.) Nees, Acanthaceae: chemistry, traditional, medicinal uses and its pharmacological activities - a review / Asteracantha longifolia (L.) Nees, Acanthaceae: química, usos tradicionais e medicinais e suas atividades farmacológicas - uma revisão

Asteracantha longifolia (L.) Nees, Acanthaceae, is a source of the ayurvedic drug, 'Kokilaaksha' and the Unani drug, Talimakhana. The seeds are acrid, bitter, aphrodisiac, tonic, sedative, used for diseases of the blood. The plant is known to possess antitumor, hypoglycemic, aphrodisiac, antibacterial, free radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation, hepatoprotective and haematopoietic activity. It contains lupeol, stigmasterol, butelin, fatty acids, and alkaloids. The present review article is focused on phytochemical, pharmacological and other important aspects of Talimakhana.

Asteracantha longifolia (L.) Nees, Acanthaceae, é a fonte do medicamento ayurvédico "Kokilaaksha", e da droga Unani, Talimakhana. As sementes têm de sabor acre e amargas, são afrodisíacas, tônicas, calmantes, e usadas para doenças do sangue. A planta é conhecida por possuir propriedades antitumorais, hipoglicêmica, afrodisíaca, anti-bacteriana, na eliminação de radicais livres e peroxidação lipídica, atividade hepatoprotetora e hematopoiéticas. Ele contém lupeol, estigmasterol, butelina, ácidos graxos e alcaloides. Este trabalho apresenta estudos químicos, farmacológicos e outros aspectos importantes da Talimakhana.

Determination of 5 aphrodisiacs illegally adulterated into Chinese proprietary medicine by LC/MS(n) Trap / 中成药

AIM: To determine 5 different aphrodisiacs,including apomorphine,yohimbine,vardenafil,sildenafil and alprostadil,adulterated into Chinese proprietary medicine by LC/MS(n),and build a laboratory library including MS(n) spectra and retention time. METHODS: ZORBAX SB C_18 column(150 mm?4.6 mm,5 ?m)was applied.The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and 0.5% formic acid changing by linear gradient elution,and the flow rate was 1.0 mL/min.The ion trap mass spectrometer with positive ion mode electrospray(ESI?) was applied. RESULTS: In the mass spectrum apomorphine,yohimbine,vardenafil and sildenafil showed abundant pseudomolecular ion +,and alprostadil showed abundant pseudomolecular ion -.All the MS(n) spectra showed characteristic product ion. CONCLUSION: It is proved that the method is simple,reliable and suitable to determin aphrodisiac adulterated to health food.