Scoop and chop - A modified phaco-chop technique for pseudoexfoliation and cataract.

PURPOSE: The purpose is to evaluate the results of the modified direct phaco-chop technique of cataract surgery in eyes with pseudoexfoliation. METHODS: All patients with pseudoexfoliation and visually significant cataract with normal intraocular pressure (IOP) and optic nerve that underwent cataract surgery by the same surgeon using Infiniti®, OZil® Torsional handpiece (Alcon Labs), were included for this retrospective hospital-based study. Direct vertical or horizontal chop technique was used in all cases with parameters set as required for quadrant removal with high vacuum after the initial cleanup of cortex under the capsulorhexis. To allow better visualization of the hardness of the nucleus core, the sides of the lens were scooped out a central well with vacuum with maximum chopping done centrally within the rhexis as the first step to enable better assessment of the depth of burying the chopper for direct chop. Intraoperative details recorded and analyzed included ultrasound time and cumulative dissipated energy. The mean visual acuity and IOP before and after surgery were recorded at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month. Complications during or after surgery were noted. RESULTS: A total of 138 patients with a mean age of 62 ± 6.7 years underwent phachop technique of phacoemulsification for nuclear cataract grades of nuclear sclerosis 2-4 with significant improvement in visual acuity from baseline (0.26) to 3 months (0.82), P < 0.001. The mean ultrasound torsional amplitude and cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) were greater for brown cataract of grading >3, P = 0.02. A total of 8 patients had intraoperative zonular dialysis in 1 quadrant (none in >1 quadrant), which was not associated with intraoperative vitreous prolapse in 6 eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Direct modified phaco-chop technique may be a safe technique in pseudoexfoliation due to minimal zonular stress with successful outcomes and reduced complications.

Perspectives and impediment to eye care in caregivers of children with childhood glaucoma.

Purpose: To study the perceptions, attitude, knowledge of the disease, and impediments to seeking early eye care in caregivers of children with childhood glaucoma. Methods: The study included new and old children diagnosed with childhood glaucoma (which included congenital glaucoma and developmental glaucoma) at a tertiary hospital of east India. The caregivers were administered a video-based questionnaire through open-ended questions intended to collect demographic and other personal details such as caregiver's socioeconomic status, knowledge, attitude towards eye health, and other social barriers. The responses were analyzed using thematic analysis technique into different buckets such as social status, knowledge/attitude, and sociocultural beliefs while individual responses in each bucket were analyzed. Results: Of a total of 43 patients included,> 75% of patients came from places> 200 km from the eye care centre with> 50% coming from> 300 km. Most patients presented either <1 year (42%, n = 18) or> 3 years (52%, n = 22) with only 2% (n = 3) presenting between 1-3 years of age. The mother was the first person of contact to diagnose the eye abnormality in> 45% of patients. Comparing differences among children who presented within 1 year of first diagnosis and those that presented later, caregivers hailing from long-distance> 200 km from an eye care center, monthly income <5000 INR, and those with social/cultural taboos (like children's eyes should not be operated) were more likely to seek delayed eye care for congenital glaucoma, P < 0.001. Conclusion: Impediments in seeking early eye care for blinding diseases in children (including distance from the nearest hospital, low socioeconomic constraints, and sociocultural beliefs/taboos) mandate serious policies towards improving education about eye disease and eye health among caregivers.

Anatomical Characterization of an Optic Disc Notch Using SD-OCT in Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To characterize anatomical dimensions of a disc notch using novel methods using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). PARTICIPANTS: All age- and severity-matched glaucoma patients with disc notch (defined as complete loss of neural rim with no residual rim between disc and cup) seen from 2014 to 2015 who underwent enhanced depth imaging with SD-OCT (Cirrus HD-OCT version 6.5, Carl Zeiss, USA) were included for this retrospective observational study. METHODS: Using known dimensions of the 200 * 200 optic disc cube (6 * 6 mm), the notch width was calculated from the margins of the notch on either side using ImageJ software. The height was calculated from the lowest margin of the cup to the lowest point of the defect on the optic disc. These were compared with the quadrant retinal nerve fiber layer (qRNFT) and sectoral retinal nerve fiber layer (sRNFLT) thickness in notch and the sector 2 clock hours adjacent to the notch region (SaRNFLT). RESULTS: The height and width of the notch in 31 eyes of 27 patients were 2.6 ± 0.48 mm and 2.23 ± 0.31 mm. The RNFL thickness in the same sector as that of the notch was 41 ± 21.06 µm while the adjacent two sectors measured 62 ± 26.5 and 64 ± 26.5 µm on either sides of the sector of the notch. The difference between the sRNFLT and saRNFLT ranged from -9 to 67 and -13 to 50 µm, respectively. This difference was significantly associated with height of the notch (R2 = 20.8, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Automated analysis of a notch and RNFL thickness in that sector can help in precise glaucoma monitoring in the region of interest.

Tear biomarkers in latanoprost and bimatoprost treated eyes.

PURPOSE: Prostaglandin analogues (PGA's) are the mainstay and first line of treatment in current glaucoma practise. Though latanoprost and bimatoprost are the most commonly used PGA's with minimal side effects at lower concentrations like bimaotoprost 0.01%, direct comparison of their cytokine/MMP profile in tears has not been evaluated earlier. The study intends to ascribe PGA to the upregulation of MMPs, Cytokines and Chemokines mediating varied pathways to result in side effects of the drugs. METHODS: Tear sample collection was done from outer canthus of 30 eyes of 30 patients (primary open angle glaucoma (n = 26 and n' = 20), normal tension glaucoma (n = 4 and n' = 10), in latanoprost (n) 0.005% and bimatoprost (n') 0.01% group respectively, with a mean age of 62±10.5 years) on >6 months of PGA use using Tear floTM Schirmer filter strip. Tear samples from 30 eyes of 30 cataract patients without drug treatment were used as the control. Gelatinolytic activity of MMP-9 and MMP-2 were examined by substrate gelatine zymography MMP-1 and TIMP-1 concentrations from tears samples with PGAs were evaluated by ELISA while cytokine concentration in the eluted tears was evaluated using a convenient bioplex kit assay (Milliplex MAP kit, HCYTMAG-60K-PX41, Millipore, Massachusetts, United States). The mean duration of use of PGA in both groups did not differ significantly (median 1.3 years in bimatoprost and 1.1 years in latanoprost eyes, p = 0.6). RESULTS: The tear MMP-9 expression was higher in eyes receiving latanoprost while the MMP-2 expression was higher in eyes receiving bimatoprost with MMP1 protein levels being higher in the former. Latanoprost treated eyes had marginally elevated tear cytokines involved in tissue remodelling while bimatoprost eyes showed elevated cytokines regulating allergic pathways. CONCLUSION: Differential cytokine and MMP expression indicates differential signalling pathways mediating different cellular effects (evident as clinical and side effects) with the two drugs which can be explored further.

Unclassified Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome: A CASE SERIES and Review of Literature.

PURPOSE: To report anterior segment features in unclassified anterior segment dysgenesis with overlapping features of Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome and other developmental anomalies. METHODS: This retrospective study included those with atypical or overlapping features in one or both eyes, which were identified as unclassified ASD. Typical ARS was defined as the presence of posterior embryotoxon with or without iris changes like stromal hypoplasia, corectopia, polycoria, or ectropion uvea with or without systemic features. Cases of ARS with overlapping features with other ASD, like aniridia (complete or incomplete absence of iris), iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome (beaten metal appearance of corneal endothelium), Peters anomaly, isolated trabeculodysgenesis (evidenced by Haab's striae, buphthalmos, and epiphora) in one or both eyes with other typical ARS features in the same or other eye were included and screened. RESULTS: Of 56 cases of ARS seen over 10 years, a total of 17 eyes of 11 cases (M:F=9:2, unilateral n=3) with unclassified ASD were identified with a median age of patients of 28.45±17.75 years (range 6-30 years). All cases of unclassified ASD had the presence of focal atypical strands of non-progressive anterior synechiae extending from the iris mid-periphery to the cornea with no attachments to the Schwalbe's line in any case. Adjacent keratic precipitates or pigment were present in three eyes with focal beaten metal appearance in one eye. Three patients developed repeated episodes of anterior uveitis in one eye with stromal involvement seen in all cases, which responded to antiviral therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Atypical features like focal strands with differential corneal involvement and onset of viral uveitis in unclassified ARS suggest a possible viral etiology during different periods of eye development.

Impact of Different Visual Field Instruction Strategies on Reliability Indices.

PURPOSE: To investigate and compare the visual field performance following three different types of visual field instruction strategies. METHOD: Ninety consecutive visual field-naïve glaucoma patients who can perform the test and understand instructions were imparted three forms of instructions prior to the visual field test. Patients with visual acuity <20/200, central corneal opacities, or anterior segment pathology and patients unable to understand general instructions/uncooperative were excluded. All forms of instructions were given by a trained optometrist in the patients' own language as an instruction leaflet read out in 5 min for a verbal group (group1) and by a 5 min video created in house (group 2). Group 3 patients were shown the video first, followed by verbal instructions. We evaluated the reliability parameters in each group after visual field testing by an independent optometrist blinded to the form of instruction given. RESULTS: Among the three groups, group 3 patients had the least number of repeat tests. Eyes with MD<-12Db had better reliability than that of the other groups. Mixed-model linear regression analysis shows that the duration of the test was significantly influenced by the severity of glaucoma in group 1, which is further predisposed by false negatives (FN; ß = 0.06, p < 0.0001, R2 61.7%). CONCLUSION: The video with verbal instruction can minimize the number of repeated tests compared with only verbal or only video instruction medium. The video as well as the combined video/verbal instructions have a practical influence of obtaining more reliable fields compared with only verbal instruction.

Viscoless Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery with Trabeculectomy.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of combined manual small incision cataract and glaucoma surgery with anterior chamber maintainer (ACM) alone versus that with intraoperative viscoelastics. METHODS: Hospital electronic medical records of patients who underwent small incision cataract and trabeculectomy and intraocular lens implantation without Mitomycin-C from 2014 to 2016 were identified from the hospital operation theater database for this retrospective, hospital-based comparative study. All MSICS surgeries were performed by a single surgeon under peribulbar block. Data retrieved from all patients undergoing surgery with viscoelastic (group 2) or under AC maintainer without viscoelastic (group 1) included preoperative visual acuity, preoperative treated intraocular pressure, number of anti-glaucoma medications before surgery, total surgical time, intraoperative complications, postoperative best-corrected visual acuity and IOP at one week and one month, need for additional procedures, and corneal clarity. Differences in surgical time and postoperative course in both groups were compared. RESULTS: Of 268 manual combined cataract and glaucoma surgeries done from 2014-2016, we identified 147 eyes of 130 age-matched patients, which included 51 PACG, 50 POAG, 12 NTG, and 24 PXG eyes with a mean age of 66 ±11.2 years and 64± 10.8 years in group 2 (n=74) and group 1 (n=73), respectively; p=0.9. The surgical time was significantly lower in group 1 (16±4.8 minutes compared to 44±14.6 minutes for group 2; p<0.001) with transient edema seen <1 week after surgery in 24 eyes of group 2 and seven eyes of group 1; p=0.02. The postoperative IOP at all postoperative visits dropped to >50% in both groups with 11 eyes (PXG n=6, PACG n=5) requiring medications for rise in intraocular pressure at a median time of 1.2 months (r=0.2-3 months). The final visual acuity improved >4 snellen lines in all cases with two patients with advanced damage having 1 line improvement in Snellen acuity at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: The ACM can help completely avoid the use of viscoelastic during surgery, which can be an effective technique for MSICS with trabeculectomy in low resource stings. Training for such procedures should be incorporated into residency training programs.

Conjunctival changes in different clinical variants of early pseudoexfoliation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the conjunctival signs in different forms of pseudoexfoliation (PXF) syndrome to identify signs predicting early forms of the disease. METHODS: This observational study included patients with newly diagnosed PXF screened in the outpatient department of glaucoma services. Slit lamp photographs were captured in low and high magnification after full dilatation, and details like melanotic pigmentation, vascularity and tortuosity of vessels, scarring if any, presence of pterygium and actinic changes along with basal Schirmer's test were analysed. Variables in each subtype of PXF previously described by us, namely radial pigmentary (group A), combined pigmentary and classical (group B) and classical PXF (group C), were analysed and compared to age-matched controls. The differences between manifest (group B + C) and unmanifest or early form (group A) were also compared. RESULTS: A total of 89 eyes from 55 patients (M/F = 38:17, 21 unilateral, 34 bilateral, 48 group A, 10 group B and 31 group C) were compared with 40 controls. The Schirmer's test was statically lower in patients with manifest PXF (10 ± 1.4 mm) and unmanifest PXF (14 ± 0.6 mm), p < 0.001. The most frequent conjunctival finding (n = 88) in this cohort was lightly pigmented melanotic pigmentation present close to limbus without evidence of any feeder vessels or actinic changes and associated with pupillary ruff atrophy in the same quadrant. Analysing different PXF forms, there was conjunctival melanosis in one or all quadrants in all forms of PXF which was more prominent in manifest PXF, present in a mean 2 ± 1.7 quadrants in unmanifest and manifest PXF, p = 0.01. CONCLUSION: Conjunctival melanosis with associated pupillary ruff atrophy in the same quadrant may be the earliest signs of early pseudoexfoliation.

Comparing ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness with focal and global responses on multifocal electroretinogram in glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate responses on multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) with ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness on cirrus spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in glaucoma. METHODS: All diagnosed glaucoma patients attending glaucoma services at our institute from November 2012 to April 2013 were screened for this observational hospital-based study. Controls included patients attending our outpatient services for general eye checkup. Structural parameters on SD-OCT including GCIPL and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness were compared with functional parameters on mfERG in early (mean deviation <-6 dB), moderate (-6 to - 12 dB), and controls. RESULTS: A total of 54 cases and 33 controls fulfilling inclusion criteria were recruited for the study. The average and minimum GCIPL thickness did not vary significantly between early and control eyes while moderate glaucoma eyes had marginally lower GCIPL thickness than early glaucoma eyes. The GCIPL minimum thickness on univariate regression was found to be influenced by N2 amplitudes (ß = -0.5, P = 0.012) and global N2P1amplitudes (ß =0.6, P = 0.01) in moderate glaucoma. In early glaucoma, these were influenced only by RNFL parameters with no association with functional mfERG responses. Multivariate logistic regression identified global N2P1 amplitude to be significantly influencing GCIPL average and minimum thickness (P = 0.01 and 0.02, R2 = 47.8% and 52.3%, respectively) in moderate glaucoma. Maximum area under the curve was found for GCIPL minimum (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53-0.81) and N2P1 amplitude (95% CI 0.55-0.80). CONCLUSIONS: The second order responses N2P1 and N2 amplitude on mfERG predict function that correlated with structural GCIPL thickness in moderate glaucoma. Early glaucoma may be best predicted by RNFL thickness rather than on mfERG responses.

Clinical spectrum of pseudoexfoliation syndrome-An electronic records audit.

PURPOSE: To evaluate different clinical variants of pseudoexfoliation syndrome and their risk of developing ocular hypertension (OHT) or glaucoma (PXG). DESIGN: Cross sectional hospital based study. SETTING: All patients seen at glaucoma services of a tertiary eye care center in east India. METHODS: Electronic medical records search of hospital database including consecutive new and old cases seen during April 2013 to March 2015 was done to retrieve case sensitive words including pseudoexfoliation, PXF, PEX, PXG and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma over any part of the clinical electronic sheet of the patient. All demographic and clinical details including laterality, the pattern of deposits, need for medicines and disc damage at presentation was compared in eyes with radial pigmentary, classical or combined forms of PXF phenotypes. RESULTS: Of 110313 PXF patients seen during the period of 2013-2015, a total of 2297 eyes of 1150 PXF patients were identified including 525 unilateral PXF (meaning a total of 1775 PXF eyes with 625 patients having bilateral disease, n = 1250 eyes, other clinically normal eye, n = 522) at presentation. Of 525 unilateral PXF eyes, 105 had OHT and 131 had glaucoma while bilateral cases had more >50% (675 eyes of 1250 eyes) with glaucoma. Glaucoma with significant changes in IOP with or without disc damage was seen in 32% of pigmentary and 39% of classical PXF forms with eyes with combined forms of PXF having around 50% with glaucoma at presentation compared to other forms, p<0.001. CONCLUSION: Different phenotypic variants of PXF in this Indian cohort was associated with 30-50% risk of OHT or glaucoma respectively. Adequate care is required while examining the pattern of PXF in each case to prognosticate each patient/eye.

Functional Activity of Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in Tears of Patients With Glaucoma.

Purpose: To evaluate the differential expression of tear matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9 in of patients with various forms of glaucoma. Methods: Tear samples were collected with a Schirmer's strip from 148 eyes of 113 patients (medically naïve patients with primary open-angle [POAG] or angle closure glaucoma [PACG] and those with pseudoexfoliation syndrome [PXF] or glaucoma [PXG]). These were compared to patients undergoing cataract surgery (controls) for this cross-sectional study. Functional activities of tear MMP-9 and MMP-2 were analyzed by gelatin zymography. Tenon's capsules (n = 15) were harvested from the inferior quadrant in those undergoing cataract surgery and protein expression of MMP-9 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) stress-induced effects on in vitro activities of MMP-9 in human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells were analyzed. Results: The MMP-9 activity in tears was increased significantly in POAG, (n = 27), PACG (n = 24), and PXF (n = 40) eyes compared to controls (n = 35), and was increased significantly in eyes with glaucoma compared to moderate/severe glaucoma (P < 0.001). The MMP-9 expression was significantly lower in PXG (n = 22) eyes. Immunohistochemistry of Tenon's capsule revealed increased expression of MMP-9 in primary glaucoma eyes. Increased MMP-9 activity was seen in in vitro by gelatin zymography and was confirmed by Western and immunofluorescent assay on HTM upon 800 and 1000 µM H2O2-induced stress for 2 to 3 hours with approximately 80% cell death. Conclusions: Increased tear MMP-9 activity in early glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation syndrome suggesting activation of extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation can be used as a tear-based predictive biomarker. Decreased expression in advanced stages suggests exhaustion of the degradation response.

Evolving Paradigms in Classification of Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To review the old and existing classification systems for primary angle closure disease. METHODS: Literature review and new proposed classification system. RESULTS: Existing classification systems have several shortcomings which cannot be applied in a clinical setting. This can be addressed by a proposed scoring system. CONCLUSION: A scoring system would be most appropriate for any clinical setting as well as for prognosticating primary angle closure disease.

Central Field Index Versus Visual Field Index for Central Visual Function in Stable Glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the variability of central field index (CFI) versus visual field index (VFI) in stable glaucoma with central fixation involvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this retrospective study, we identified multiple visual fields (VFs) of patients with repeatable central fixation involvement on Humphrey VFs (24-2 and 10-2 program) which were stable (clinically and on VFs) over a very short period of 2 to 3 months. The VFI and CFI were calculated as described in earlier reports. We graded the fields as early [mean deviation (MD)>-6 dB], moderate (-6.1 to -12 dB), and severe glaucoma (<-12 dB) based on MD on 24-2 program. The variability of CFI and VFI between visits and across different severity of glaucoma was compared. Relation of the divergence to field indices and clinical parameters were assessed. RESULTS: The intervisit difference for VFI was greater than CFI ranging from -4% to 9% versus -1% to 8% in early (P=0.9), -13% to 18% versus -6% to 17% (P=0.056) in moderate, and -21% to 19% versus -9% to 9% (P<0.001) in severe glaucoma. The CFI within each group had narrower range than VFI with maximum range in severe glaucoma (33% to 95%). The divergence of CFI from VFI started at MD 24-2 beyond (worse) -10 dB. This difference between CFI and VFI was associated significantly with number of points with P<1% on 24-2 (R=80.3%). CONCLUSIONS: CFI is less variable than VFI in stable eyes with fixation involvement especially in severe glaucoma indicating need for incorporating CFI calculation for monitoring advanced disease in eyes with central defects.

Angle Closure Scoring System (ACSS)-A Scoring System for Stratification of Angle Closure Disease.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the angle closure scoring system (ACSS) for stratifying primary angle course disease. METHODS: This observational cross sectional institutional study included patients with primary open angle glaucoma suspects (n = 21) and primary angle closure disease (primary angle closure, PAC, n = 63 and primary angle course glaucoma, PACG, n = 58 (defined by International society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology, ISGEO). Two independent examiners blinded to clinical details, graded good quality pre-laser goniophotographs of the patients incorporating quadrants of peripheral anterior synechieae (PAS), non-visibility of posterior trabecular meshwork (PTM) and blotchy pigments (ranging from 1-4 quadrants), iris configuration, angle recess (sum of above depicting ACSSg) and lens thickness/axial length ratio (LT/AL), cup disc ratio and baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) to give total score (ACSSt). RESULT: There were significant differences in ACSSg scores within the same ISGEO stage of PAC and PACG between eyes that required nil or >1medicines after laser iridotomy, p<0.001. The ACSSg was associated with need for >1 medicines in both PAC and PACG eyes, p<0.001. An ACSSg score>12 and 14 in PAC (odds ratio = 2.7(95% CI-1.7-5.9) and PACG (Odds ratio = 1.6(95%CI-1.19-2.2) predicted need for single medicines while ACSSg scores >14 and 19 predicted need for ≥2 medicines in PAC and PACG eyes, respectively. The LT/Al ratio, IOP score or cup disc score did not influence the need for medical treatment independently. CONCLUSION: The ACSS can be a useful clinical adjunct to the ISGEO system to predict need for medicines and prognosticate each stage more accurately.

Anti-diarrhoeal investigation from aqueous extract of Cuminum cyminum Linn. Seed in Albino rats.

BACKGROUND: Cuminum cyminum Linn. (Umbelliferae), commonly known as Jeera. It is native from mediterranean region, but today widely cultivated in Asian countries. It has been reported to possess various medicinal properties and an important food ingredient. The seed of the plant are claimed for treatment of diarrhoea by various traditional practitioners. OBJECTIVES: Hence, the present investigation was undertaken to evaluate aq. extract of C. cyminum seeds (ACCS) against diarrhoea on albino rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The animals were divided into five groups and the control group was applied with 2% acacia suspension, the standard group with loperamide (3 mg/kg) or atropine sulphate (5mg/kg) and three test groups administered orally with 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg of ACCS. The antidiarrhoeal effect was investigated by castor oil induce diarrhoea model, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) induced enteropooling model, intestinal transit by charcoal meal test. RESULTS: The ACCS showed significant (P < 0.001) inhibition in frequency of diarrhoea, defecation time delaying, secretion of intestinal fluid as well as intestinal propulsion as compared to control and the graded doses of tested extract followed dose dependent protection against diarrhoea. CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals that the ACCS is a potent antidiarrhoeal drug which supports the traditional claim.

Aphrodisiac activity of polyherbal formulation in experimental models on male rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the aphrodisiac potential of polyherbal formulations prepared from different parts of Tribulus terrestris, Curculigo orchioides, Allium tuberosum, Cucurbita pepo, Elephant creeper, Mucuna pruriens, and Terminalia catappa in Albino rats in specified ratio as suspension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The different concentrations of prepared polyherbal formulations i.e. 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg and sildenafil citrate as standard (5 mg/kg) and vehicle (control) were administered orally to rats (n = 6 animals per group) for 3 weeks. Mating behavior parameters in male rats was monitored in first week and third week week of treatment pairing with receptive females. After termination of drug treatment, the mating performance, hormonal analysis, sperm count, and testes-body weight ratio were also evaluated. RESULTS: The polyherbal formulation showed a significant increase in mating behavior as well as mating performance, serum hormonal levels, sperm count, and testes-body weight ratio with dose-dependent relationship as compared to vehicle control. But the dose of 600 mg/kg of polyherbal formulation assumes closer resemblance of above parameters with the standard used. CONCLUSION: The results of the study strongly suggest that the polyherbal formulations have a good aphrodisiac activity on rats in the above experimental models, which may be an alternative weapon for various sexual dysfunctions in future.