Aqueous extract of Hybanthus enneaspermus exhibited aphrodisiac potentials in fluoxetine-induced sexually-impaired female rats

Abstract :

Hybanthus enneaspermus, traditionally used as an aphrodisiac was investigated for its potential to reverse antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in female rats. The aqueous extract was evaluated for secondary metabolite, amino acid and mineral constituents. Alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, steroids, terpenoids, phenolics, calcium, potassium, sodium, glutamine and leucine are some of its notable constituents. 60 healthy, sexually responsive female albino rats (144.7±5.9 gm) were divided into six groups (A-F) of 10 rats each; of which 50 were induced into sexual dysfunction. Rats in group A were administered distilled water throughout the experimental period and served as a control group, while rats induced into sexual dysfunction (Groups B-F) by fluoxetine were given water, the reference medication (Tadalafil) and oral doses of the extract (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight) once daily for seven days, respectively. When administered to sexually active rats, fluoxetine significantly decreased the frequency of darting, hopping, lordosis, genital grooming, and licking behavior by 57.4%, 42.5%, 43.9%, 64.0%, and 41.8%, respectively. However, the latency of darting, hopping and lordosis were significantly increased by 50.6%, 47.7%, and 54.9%, respectively. Hybanthus enneaspermus aqueous extract administered at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg significantly reversed fluoxetine-mediated changes in all sexual behavior parameters. The extract's ability to reverse the characteristics of sexual behavior at 1000 mg/kg was comparable to those of tadalafil-treated rats. Additionally, all the extract dosages reversed the levels of blood luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, progesterone, prolactin and estrogen after it has significantly been altered by fluoxetine. The results indicated that the aqueous extract of Hybanthus enneaspermus improved the proceptive, receptive and orientational behavior of rats. The extract also enhanced reproductive hormone concentration by restoring sexual competence in sexually-impaired female rats. The findings of this study provide further evidence in favor of Hybanthus enneaspermus widespread usage in the management of female sexual dysfunction.

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Citation :

Dikwa et al. (2023) Aqueous extract of Hybanthus enneaspermus exhibited aphrodisiac potentials in fluoxetine-induced sexually-impaired female rats. Mediterr J Pharm Pharm Sci. 3 (4): 61-72. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10288519