Background:
Flueggea leucopyrus Willd. leaf has been used since ancient time for its sex
enhancing activity by traditional physicians. So, the work was chosen to authenticate the knowledge of
pharmaceutical significance of the plant.
Methods:
The dried leaves of Flueggea leucopyrus were extracted by cold maceration method using
water. Aqueous extract of Flueggea leucopyrus leaf was screened for phytochemicals and in vivo aphrodisiac
activity using mating behavior, potency and morphological tests.
Results:
Qualitative phytochemical analysis of leaves of Flueggea leucopyrus showed the presence of
alkaloids, terpenoids, unsaturated sterols, glycosides, saponins, phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, carbohydrates
and protein. Results revealed that all the treated groups on the 15th, 30th and 45th day of treatment
showed significant increase in Intromission Frequency, Mounting Frequency and Ejaculatory Latency
significant decrease in Intromission Latency, Mounting Latency, Inter Intromission Interval and
Post Ejaculatory Interval. In Test for Potency significant increase in Erections, Long Flips and Quick
Flips were observed. Morphological study showed significant increase in reproductive organs weight
and Sperm Count in all the experimental animals.
Conclusion:
The prolonged treatments for all the treated groups were highly effective to increase the
sexual libidity, as compared to the solvent control. This indicates that aphrodisiac activity has been
shown by water extract but it is less than the standard used for study.