Abstract

EFFECTS OF THE LYOPHILIZED AQUEOUS EXTRACT FORM THE ROOT BARK OF PERIANTHUS LONGIFOLIA MIERS (MENISPERMACEAE) ON SEXUAL BEHAVIORS OF NORMAL MALE WISTAR RATS AND ITS ACUTE TOXICITY

Cimanga Kanyanga, R*., Loose Wembonyama, N., Musuyu Muganza, D., Kikweta Munduku, C., Mbamu Maya, B, Kambu Kabangu, O., Apers, S, Vlietinck, A.J, Pieters, L.

ABSTRACT

The present study revealed the effects of the lyophilized aqueous
extract from Perianthus longifolia or P. longifolius root bark on some
sexual behavior in male Wistar rats. The overall results showed that the
extract possesses aphrodisiac properties by the oral administration of
the lyophilized aqueous extract at respective doses of 100, 200 and 400
mg/kg body weight in term of significant increase in dose-dependent
manner of mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculation
frequency, copulatory efficiency, number of intromission and penile
trusting, spontaneous penile erection, number of spermatozoa and its
mobility, and serum testosterone. On the other hand, it was also
observed that the oral administration of the same oral doses induced in
dose-dependent manner significant decrease of other sexual parameters
behavior such as mount frequency, intromission latency, ejaculation
latency, mount latency and inter-intromission interval which are also
claimed as evidences for aphrodisiac property. The extract also showed
good increase in potency parameters such as erection, quick flip, long fi-lip and total reflex.
All these effects of the lyophilized aqueous extract of P. longifolia root bark on evaluated
sexual behavior more confirm its aphrodiac properties The oral dose of 200 mg/kg was found to be more effective than other administered oral doses. In acute toxicity, the extract was
found non-toxic since no death or other changes in behaviour of treated animals was
observed, Its LD50 was estimated to be greater than 5 g/kg body weight. The results more
support and justify the use of this plant part to treat erection dysfunction and to enhance
sexual behavior of men in traditional medicine as a natural aphrodiac agent.

Keywords: Perianthus longifolia, Menispermaceae, root bark, aphrodisiac activity, acute toxicity.