Aphrodisiac activity of polyherbal formulation in experimental models on male rats

Abstract

Objective:To investigate the aphrodisiac potential of polyherbal formulations prepared from different parts of Tribulus terrestris, Curculigo orchioides, Allium tuberosum, Cucurbita pepo, Elephant creeper, Mucuna pruriens, and Terminalia catappa in Albino rats in specified ratio as suspension.Materials and Methods:The different concentrations of prepared polyherbal formulations i.e. 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg and sildenafil citrate as standard (5 mg/kg) and vehicle (control) were administered orally to rats (n = 6 animals per group) for 3 weeks. Mating behavior parameters in male rats was monitored in first week and third week week of treatment pairing with receptive females. After termination of drug treatment, the mating performance, hormonal analysis, sperm count, and testes-body weight ratio were also evaluated.Results:The polyherbal formulation showed a significant increase in mating behavior as well as mating performance, serum hormonal levels, sperm count, and testes-body weight ratio with dose-dependent relationship as compared to vehicle control. But the dose of 600 mg/kg of polyherbal formulation assumes closer resemblance of above parameters with the standard used.Conclusion:The results of the study strongly suggest that the polyherbal formulations have a good aphrodisiac activity on rats in the above experimental models, which may be an alternative weapon for various sexual dysfunctions in future.

Staging of the estrous cycle and induction of estrus in experimental rodents: an update

“…Several studies have proffered various methods of evaluating the estrous cycle based on the changes in the animal's physiology and anatomy. These methods include visual assessment, [4,5,18] vaginal cytology, [3-5, 15, 19] histological examination of the reproductive organs, [6,20] vaginal wall impedance, [21][22][23] and urine biochemistry [24].…”

“…Although this method requires some measure of skill for microscopic examination of the vaginal secretion cells, it is accurate and reliable. However, this method has also been reported to be tedious and time-consuming [22].…”

“…Although the use of electrical impedance on the vaginal wall to determine the phase of estrous is controversial and is rarely cited in the literature [22], it is seemingly gaining more attention. This method is convenient, readily available, and requires less skill.…”

“…This method is convenient, readily available, and requires less skill. It is much less amenable to subjective interpretation on the part of the technical operator than the more conventional vaginal smear methodology [22]. However, it is also expensive and not widely accepted, possibly due to its unreliability.…”

“…The probe is made clean with 70% alcohol before each analysis. Alternatively, a simple, cheap, and portable batteryoperated electrical meter that measures resistance over a wide range, which is commonly used by electricians can be employed as described by Ramos et al [22] When using this alternative device, leads fabricated from the internal wiring of a typical inexpensive shielded audio cable should be attached to it, and a male terminal used as a vaginal probe (Fig. 16).…”