• 2020-03-10
• A.O. Ojatula, D. O. Aworinde, A.O Osewole, A.O. Ogungbemi
• Volume 1, Issue 2

Abstract

Ancient literature alluded to the use of a number of plants /preparations as sex enhancer. One of such botanicals is Microdesmis keayana J. Leonard in which the root has been acclaimed to be used as an aphrodisiac. The study was undertaken to evaluate the phytochemical constituent and the aphrodisiac potentials of the ethanolic extract of M. keayana (Pandaceae) root in male albino rats. The ethanolic root extract of the plant was screened for phytochemical constituents. Male rats were orally dosed with 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight, respectively, of the extract and their sexual behaviour parameters and serum testosterone concentration were evaluated. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of cardiac glycoside, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, steroids and alkaloids. The doses resulted in significant increases in mount frequency and intromission frequency (p<0.05), and reduced mount and intromission latencies (p<0.05). There was also a significant increase in serum testosterone concentrations in the treated groups (p< 0.05). The 250 mg/kg dosed group, had the highest potentiation, as well as serum testosterone. The ethanolic extract of M. keayana root increases the blood testosterone concentrations and this may be the possible mechanism responsible for its aphrodisiac effects and various masculine behaviours. It may therefore, be used to modify impaired sexual functions in animals and man inclusively.