Effects of Microdesmis keayana roots on sexual behavior of male rats

Zamblé A., ŞAHPAZ S., Brunet C., Bailleul F.

Phytomedicine, vol.15, no.8, pp.625-629, 2008 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 15 Issue: 8
  • Publication Date: 2008
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.phymed.2007.10.002
  • Journal Name: Phytomedicine
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.625-629
  • Keywords: Microdesmis keayana, pandaceae, alkaloids, aphrodisiac, male sexual behavior, INDUCED PENILE ERECTION, NITRIC-OXIDE
  • Lokman Hekim University Affiliated: No

Abstract

In the present study, the aphrodisiac properties of Microdesmis keayana J. Léonard root extract and major isolated alkaloids were evaluated by observing the sexual behavior of male rats. Aqueous extract (150 mg/kg body weight) and pure alkaloids (3 mg/kg body weight) were administered orally by gavage to male rats. Latent times of observation, intromission and ejaculation, mounting behavior, number of intromissions and mating performances were evaluated and compared to those obtained with untreated rats in the presence of receptive and non-receptive females. The results have shown that aqueous extract and alkaloids of M. keayana stimulate sexual parameters in rats' sexual behavior. A short-term toxicity study undertaken to establish the therapeutic index of aqueous extract, showed that a high dose of the extract (2 g/kg body weight) caused no mortality or changes in rats' behavior. © 2007 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.