Aphrodisiac Activity of Aqueous Extract of <i>Phoenix dactylifera</i> Pollen in Male Rats

Abstract

Aim of study: Ancient literature alluded to the use of a number of plants/preparations as sex enhancer. One of such botanicals is Phoenix dactylifera in which the pollen grain has been acclaimed to be used as an aphrodisiac. However, the validity has not been scientifically tested. Dopamine is known to facilitate male sexual function. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera pollen on the sexual behavior of male rats and to measure of serum Estradiol and Testostrone. Also, dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbence (NAc) was studied in male rats using in vivo microdialysis. Methods and Materials: sixty male rats were randomized into 6 groups (A-F). Group A received 0.2 ml of Normal Saline mixed with Dimethyl Sulphate (DMSO), while groups B-F were injected same volume containing 35 mg/kg, 70 mg/kg, 105 mg/kg, 140 mg/kg and 350 mg/kg of DPP extract, respectively. Sexual behavioral parameters including mounting, intromission and ejaculation frequencies and latencies were recorded in male rats one hour after injection of extract by mating with a receptive female (1:1). The male serum testosterone and estradiol concentrations were also determined. Results: All doses stimulated male sexual behavior. Extract significantly increased mount, ejaculation, intromission frequencies and ejaculation latency in comparison to controlled ones (p < 0.001). Mount and intromission latencies significantly reduced (p < 0.001). Maximum effect was observed in dose 140 mg/kg. This extract was found to enhance Testestrone, Estradiol and the orientation of males toward female ones by increasing mounting and ano-genital investigatory behavior. Conclusions: Data from this study identified that the aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera pollen grain enhanced sexual behaviour in male rats. The improved sexual appetitive behaviour in male rats may be attributed, to the alkaloids, saponins, and or flavonoids since these phytochemicals has engorgement, androgen enhancing. Also, our findings support the traditional use of this plant as acclaimed aphrodisiac and for the treatment of pre-ejaculation and impotency.

Brysocarpus coccineus(Schum & Thonn) root reinstates sexual competence and testicular function in paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in male Wistar rats

“…Although several secondary metabolites were detected in the AEBCR in this study, the available evidence (testosterone‐ and nitric oxide action) has narrowed down on the alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids. Alkaloids, through their estrogenic properties and saponins by their androgen enhancing property, have been reported to enhance the action of nitric oxide and erection, increase testosterone synthesis and its release which consequently promoted sexual motivation, arousability, ease by which ejaculatory reflexes are activated and sexual performance in this study (Abedi et al., ; Pratap & Rajender, ; Yakubu & Akanji, ; Zade et al., ). The ability of the alkaloids and saponins to increase the serum concentrations of testosterone may be a prerequisite to restoring the functionality of the testes from paroxetine toxicity.…”

“…The restorations of various aspects of sexual and testicular function in drug‐induced sexual dysfunction male animals by plant extracts have been attributed to the presence of alkaloids, saponins, steroids and flavonoids (Abedi, Parviz, Karimian, & Rodsari, ; Pratap & Rajender, ; Yakubu & Akanji, ; Zade, Dabhadkar, Thakare, & Pare, ). Although several secondary metabolites were detected in the AEBCR in this study, the available evidence (testosterone‐ and nitric oxide action) has narrowed down on the alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids.…”

Androgenic effects of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Ficus asperifolia in male Wistar rats

“…Alkaloids and saponins revealed in the extracts of F. asperifolia [15] may account for its androgenic potentials. Many studies have demonstrated that alkaloids elevate testicular cholesterol in male testes while saponins stimulate endogenous testosterone levels probably by raising the level of luteinizing hormone or binding to enzymes involved in steroidogenesis [32, 33]. …”

Attenuation of the cyproterone acetate-induced testicular hypofunction by a novel nutraceutical lycopene: a genomic approach

“…Serum GOT and GPT in CPA‐treated animals showed elevation in their activities as the synthetic drug treatment develops several toxic effects after a chronic period of administration (Abedi, Parviz, Karimian, & Rodsari, ). In contrast, the administration of lycopene helped to recover the level of toxicity towards the control as antioxidant therapy reduces the stress‐induced toxicity (Tamilselvan, Bharathiraja, Vijayaprakash & Balasubramanian, ).…”