TO STUDY AN APHRODISIAC ACTIVITY OF HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF WITHANIA SOMNIFERA DRIED ROOTS IN FEMALE WISTAR RATS

Female sexual dysfunction is a complicated disorder and mostly ignored. Worldwide, reduced sexual function occur in all ages but largest reduction is seen in menopausal women. Now, in the market various conventional medicines are available but they have various side effects and are less efficacious. Therefore the scientists diverted towards the medicinal plants claimed in the traditional systems of medicines. Withania somnifera, one of the plants from Ayurvedic medicinal system has been traditionally claimed to enhance the sexual activity in male and female. In females, it has not been scientifically documented like study on male sexual dysfunction. So, in the present study hydroalcoholic extract of dried roots of Withania somnifera (100, 200 and 300mg/kg/day, p.o. for 21 days) was investigated for increase in sexual activity in tubal ligated female rats (150-200g). Readings for sexual behaviours were taken on 11^th and 21^th day by using automated runway and Copulatory arena apparatus. At the end of the study female rats were decapitated, blood samples were collected for estimation of serum estradiol level and different organs like vagina, uterine horn and ovary were removed for histopathology. The results showed increase in sexual behaviours, hormonal level and normal histology of genital organs of female rats