Aphrodisiac Potential of Calotropis procera (Rooster Tree) Stem Aqueous Extract on Some Reproductive Markers in Male Albino Rats

ABSTRACT

The trade in traditional aphrodisiacs on the street of Nigeria is at all-time high. Several types are on display or advertised by vendors. One of such is Calotropis procera. The aphrodisiac potential of Calotropis procera aqueous stem extract was investigated on some reproductive markers in matured sexually active male albino rats. Phytochemical screening was performed following standard protocols, the mineral composition determination was also carried out using standard method. A total of 50 albino rats of both sexes, (25 males and 25 females) were used for this study. The rats were grouped into five (5) with five (5) rats in each group for both sexes.  The aphrodisiac potential was determined following the oral administration of graded doses (200, 300 and 400mg/kg) of aqueous extract of C. procera stem to the male groups for 30 days. Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) and distilled water served as positive and negative controls, respectively.  Sexual behavioral parameters (mounting, and intromission, frequencies as well as latencies were observed on day 1, 3 and 5. The serum follicle stimulating hormones (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone concentrations were assayed for using standard methods at the end of the study. Spectrophotometric method was used to estimate AST, ALT and ALP in the liver. The penile nitric oxide (NO) concentration was also determined using standard method. The results of the phytochemical screening indicated that aqueous extract of C. procera stem contains; tannin, saponin, terpenoid, alkaloid, tannin, phenol glycoside, phenol and flavonoid at varying concentrations. Similarly, the result of the mineral determination show presence of difference minerals at varying concentrations. Sexual performance studies indicated significant (p