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 aqueousextract from Perianthus longifolia or P. longifolius root bark on somesexual behavior in male Wistar rats. The overall results showed that theextract possesses aphrodisiac properties by the oral administration ofthe lyophilized aqueous extract at respective doses of 100, 200 and 400mg/kg body weight in term of significant increase in dose-dependentmanner of mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculationfrequency, copulatory efficiency, number of intromission and peniletrusting, spontaneous penile erection, number of spermatozoa and itsmobility, and serum testosterone. On the other hand, it was alsoobserved that the oral administration of the same oral doses induced indose-dependent manner significant decrease of other sexual parametersbehavior such as mount frequency, intromission latency, ejaculationlatency, mount latency and inter-intromission interval which are alsoclaimed as evidences for aphrodisiac property. The extract also showedgood 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 evaluatedsexual 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 wasfound non-toxic since no death or other changes in behaviour of treated animals wasobserved, Its LD50 was estimated to be greater than 5 g/kg body weight. The results moresupport and justify the use of this plant part to treat erection dysfunction and to enhancesexual behavior of men in traditional medicine as a natural aphrodiac agent.

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