Effects of ethanolic extract of Pedalium murex Linn. on sexual behavior and reproductive parameter of male rats

Throughout the entire ages, men and women have incessantly pursued all means to enhance, maintain and bring back their sexual ability, or to stimulate the sexual desire of the opposite sex [1].The vajikaran rasayana is special class of Ayurvedia that deals with herbs associated with an improvement of male sexual potency and thereby ensure a supraja, or better progeny. The main aim of Vajikaran was achievement of successful copulation for healthy reproduction, along with an improvement in sexual pleasure as an additional benefit [2]. Dried fruit of Pedalium murex known as bada gokhru is one amongst the traditionally used herbs to enhance sexual dynamics. Administration of 50, 100, 150mg/kg b.w. ethanolic extract of P. murex improved overall sexual behavior and reproductive parameter in male rats. We propose a possible mechanism of action of P. murex and experimental evidence in support of the hypothesis. Administration of extract had pronounced anabolic and spermatogenic effect in treated animals as evidenced by gains in the body or reproductive organs weight and as reflected in histology of testis. The treatment also markedly affected sexual behavior of animals, sperm count and sperm motility. Improvement in sexual behavior of rats was characterized by increased mount and intromission frequency and reduced mount and intromission latency. Treatment with P. murex improved FSH, LH and testosterone levels[3]. These studies suggest the role of Pedalium murex in improving sexual function by its action on HPG (hypothalamus pituitary gonadal) axis. The experiments justify the role of bara gokhru as Vajikaran Rasayana.

Acknowledgements: AICTE, New Delhi for providing National Doctoral Fellowship

References: 1. Thakur, M. et al. (2007) Sex Disabil. 25 (4): 203–207.

2. Chauhan, NS. et al. (2008) Nat Prod Res. DOI: 10.1080/14786410802588493.

3. Chauhan, NS. et al.(2009) Int J Impot Res. DOI:10.1038/ijir.2009.62.