study of Khar-e-Khasak Khurd [tribulus terrestris linn., fruits] on sexual behaviour

ABSTRACT

Khar-e-Khasak Khurd [Tribulus terrestris Linn, fruit] is used for treating sexual dysfunctions in the Unani System of Medicine. The effects of aqueous extract of drug were studied on sexual behaviour of male rats. In this study copulatory behaviour, penile erection, licking, grooming of genitals and copulatory movement in absence of female rats were observed. Androgenic and anabolic activities were also assessed by recording the weight of ventral prostate and levator ani muscle. The results show that test drug 500 mg/kg orally produced a significant increase in mounting frequency by 54%, Intromission frequency by 87%, mounting latency by 92%, Intromission latency by 107%, ejaculatory latency by 52% and post-ejaculatory interval by 24%. The drug produced significant increase in penile erection index, weight of prostate and levator ani muscles by 73% and 51.6%. This study supports the use of this drug in treatment of impotence, premature ejaculation and depressed libido