Effect of the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Monsonia angustifolia E. Mey. Ex A. Rich., on the sexual behaviour of male Wistar rats

Abstract

BackgroundMonsonia angustifolia (Geraniaceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used in South Africa to increase libido and to treat erectile dysfunction.MethodsIn-vivo aphrodisiac activities of the crude extracts of the plant prepared in water at 3, 30 and 300 mg/kg body weight were evaluated for 7 days using sildenafil citrate (Viagra) and 1 % ethanol in distilled water as positive and negative controls respectively. Male rats were selected and monitored in each group for sexual behaviour by exposing them to sexually receptive females on days 1, 3 and 7 for 60 minutes each between 7:00 pm and 3:00 am. The following male sexual parameters were observed: Mount Frequency (MF), Intromission Frequency (IF), Mount Latency (ML), Intromission Latency (IL), Ejaculation Frequency (EF), Ejaculatory Latency (EL) and Post-Ejaculatory Interval (PEI).ResultsThe administration of the extract resulted in significant increase (p < 0.05) in mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculation frequency, ejaculation latency and serum hormone concentrations. The computed indices of sexual behaviour such as erection, quick flips, long flips and total penile reflexes were also increased. However, the mount latency, intromission latency and post ejaculation interval were significantly decreased throughout the experimental period. The administration of 300 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract produced the best effects in all the parameters.ConclusionGenerally, the extract of Monsonia angustifolia produced pro-sexual stimulatory effects in the male rats especially when administered at 300 mg/kg body weight. The results validate the use of the plant by the indigenous people to increase libido and treat premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction in males.

Acute and Subacute Toxicological Evaluation of the Aerial Extract of Monsonia angustifolia E. Mey. ex. A. Rich in Wistar Rats

“…The selected doses (75, 150, and 300 mg/kg b.w.) in this study were informed by the averages of daily consumed regimens and reported pharmacological study on the extract [6]. Generally, the fact that 28-day daily dose treatment with the extract elicited no clinical signs of toxicity, morbidity, or mortality across all the treatment groups may be a tenable inference that the extract of M. angustifolia is unlikely to be toxic at the tested doses over the observation period.…”

“…Liver and kidney function tests are crucial in toxicological evaluation of plant extracts due to the utmost involvement of these organs in xenobiotic biotransformation [6]. Significantly increased serum activities of ALP, ALT, AST, and GGT are closely associated with hepatic injury [21].…”

“…Ethnomedicinally, MA has therapeutic significance as a blood cleanser and aphrodisiac and enhances libido [5]. Fouche et al [6] have also reported its sexual competence enhancing ability in rats. Its pharmacological relevance in the treatment of heartburn, anthrax, and diarrhoea has also been documented [7].…”

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

“…The episodes of the phases of mating were recorded with an audio video‐cassette (Sony Handycam, DCR‐TRV260) mounted above the test arena. The male sexual behaviour parameters recorded for the 30 min observatory period (Fouche, Afolayan, Wintola, Khorombi, & Senabe, ), which commenced immediately after the female rats were paired with the male rats were:…”

A review of the potential of medicinal plants in the management and treatment of male sexual dysfunction

“…Monsonia angustifolia (Geraniaceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used in South Africa to increase libido and to treat erectile dysfunction. Fouche, Afolayan, Wintola, Khorombi, and Senabe () investigated aphrodisiac activities of the crude aqueous extracts of M. angustifolia (Geraniaceae) at 3, 30 and 300 mg/kg body weight and evaluated different sexual parameters during a 7‐day experimental study on male rats. It was found that the extract different dose significantly ( p < .05) increased the mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculation frequency, ejaculation latency and serum hormone concentrations.…”