Abstract
Abstract
Background:
Areca catechu L. (Areca nut) has been of value in the management of male sexual disorders. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the aphrodisiac effect of A. catechu along with another plant, Pedalium murex L., which is used in herbal aphrodisiac formulations.
Methods:
Three month old overiectomized female rats weighing 175–250 g were divided into four groups of six animals each. Three month old male rats weighing 200–350 g were also selected for this study. The males were also divided into four groups of six animals. The general mating behavior, libido and potency, were studied and compared with the standard reference testosterone group.
Results:
Oral administration of the extract at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight produced significant augmentation of sexual activity in male rats. It significantly increased the mounting frequency, intromission frequency, intromission latency and caused significant reduction in the mounting latency and post-ejaculatory interval. The extract was also observed to be devoid of any adverse effects.
Conclusion:
There was a sustained increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats without any conspicuous adverse effects indicating that A. catechu possesses aphrodisiac activity. The present study thus provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of Areca nut in the management of male sexual disorders.
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