APHRODISIAC ACTIVITY OF ETHANOL ROOT EXTRACT AND FRACTIONS OF LANDOLPHIA DULCIS (SABINE) PICHON

Background: Among the traditionally used sex enhancement natural remedies in south eastern Nigeria, L. dulcis root is very popular because of its quick onset of action. However, its use has not been scientifically validated. This study therefore investigated the effects of its ethanol extract and fractions on sexual behavior in male albino rats.

Methods: Forty-five male albino rats were randomly divided into nine groups A₁ – D₁, A₂ –D₂ and E. Animals in groups A₁ – D₁ received daily doses of 500mg/kg of ethanol extract and fractions (n-Hexane, Ethylacetate and Methanol) respectively while groups A₂ –D₂ received 1000mg/kg. Group E served as the control and receive 1ml of 10% tween 80. Equal numbers of female albino rats (45) were made receptive by hormonal treatment with estradiol benzoate (10µg/100g) and progesterone (0.5mg/100g). Sexual behavior parameters in male rats when paired with receptive females were monitored on days 1, 3 and 5. Male serum testosterone concentration was also determined.

Results: At 500 and 1000mg/kg, the ethanol extract and methanol fraction of L.dulcis showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in mount, intromission and ejaculation frequencies. This extract and fraction also significantly (p<0.05) reduce the mount and intromission latencies and prolonged ejaculation latency compared with the control animals. The ethanol extract and methanol fraction of L. dulcis also produced significant (p<0.05) increase in serum testosterone concentration.

Conclusion: The results from this study suggest that ethanol extract and methanol fraction of L. dulcis enhanced sexual ability in male rats and this could be attributed to relatively high contents of alkaloids, flavonoids and steroids. This study therefore justifies the traditional use of the root of L. dulcis in treating impotence and erectile dysfunction.