Effects of aqueous root bark extract of Citropsis articulata (Swingle & Kellerman) on sexual function in male rats
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Date
2014-11-11Author
Oloro, Joseph
Alele, E. Paul
Martin, Amanya
Tanayen, K Julius
Chukwujekwu, Joseph .O
Agaba, A . Amon
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About 80% of the world’s population uses herbal medicine for the treatment of various health
conditions. Erectile dysfunction is one of the conditions commonly treated using traditional herbs on
large scale. In this study, our goal was to determine the safety and effects of the aqueous root bark
extract of Citropsis articulata on sexual function in male Wistar rats. This study aimed to carry out
phytochemical analysis of the aqueous root bark extract of C. articulata, conduct acute toxicity test to
determine the safety of the aqueous root bark extract from C. articulata, determine the effect of the
extract of C. articulata on inducing erection in male rats, and also to evaluate the effect of the extract of
C. articulata on testosterone levels in male rats. Extraction was carried out by warm maceration, and
phytochemical analysis done, following the methods of Trease and Evans, and acute toxicity studies
were conducted following the Lorke’s method. Efficacy was evaluated using non-contact and contact
models. Testosterone analysis was performed using the AXSYM Testosterone reagent by Abbott
AXSYM system. Results of phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, proteins, free
amino acids, arginine and phenolic compounds. The LD50 was estimated at 9486.833 mg/kg body
weight. Extract did not induce erection, but had a significant effect on mounting (p-value = 0.013) and a
significant effect on testosterone level (p-value = 0.02). Aqueous root bark extract of C. articulata
increases mounting frequency and testosterone levels in male rats, is slightly toxic, and contains
phytochemicals effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Key words: Acute toxicity, erectile dysfunction, Citropsis articulata, testosterone, mounting frequency.
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