Abstract

EVALUATION OF THE POTENTIAL APHRODIAC ACTIVITY OF P-VIRIL®, A PHYTOMEDICINE BASED LYOPHILIZED AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF THE ROOT BARK OF PENIANTHUS LONGIFOLIA MIERS (MENISPERMACEAE) IN 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, Opota Onya D, Apers S, Pieters L and Vlietinck A. J.

ABSTRACT

In the present study, it was examined the aphrodisiac activity of P-VIRIL®®, a phytomedicine based lyophilized aqueous extract (LAE) from Penianthus longifolia or P. longifolius root bark on sexual behaviors in male Wistar rats. Results showed that the extract possesses aphrodisiac properties by its oral administration at respective doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight characterized by significant increase of mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculation frequency, copulatory efficiency, number of intromission and penile trusting, and serum testosterone as well as significant decrease of of mount frequency, intromission latency, ejaculation latency, mount latency and inter-intromission interval. In addition, the extract provoked the increase of the number of spermatozoa and their mobility, the level of testosterone and spontaneous penile erection at all administered oral doses at different extents. LAE extract of P -VIRIL® also showed good increase in potency parameters such as erection, quick flip, long fi-lip and total reflex. All these effects of LAE extract of P-VIRIL® on evaluated sexual behaviors confirm its aphrodisiac properties. The oral dose of 200 mg/kg was found to be more effective than other administered doses. The extract did not show toxic effects and its LD50 was estimated to be greater than 10 g/kg body weight. It was concluded that the phytomedicine P-VIRIL® based lyophilized aqueous extract of P. longifolia root bark functions as a quick acting and aphrodisiac agent. The results support and justify the use the phytomedicine P-VIRIL® as well as the plant part acclaimed aphrodisiac agent and for the management of young, adult men and women sexual disorders.

Keywords: P-VIRIL®, Penianthus longifolia, Menispermaceae, root bark, erectile dysfunction, aphrodisiac effects.