Journal of Acute Disease (2013)13-21 13

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Document heading doi: 10.1016/S2221-6189(13)60088-8 Current status of Indian medicinal with aphrodisiac potential

1 1 1 2 Ramandeep Singh *, Ashraf Ali , G. Jeyabalan , Alok Semwal

1Department of Pharmacy, Sunrise University, Alwar, Rajasthan, India 2Department of Pharmacy, Himachal Institute of Pharmacy, Paonta Sahib (H.P), India

ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT

Article history: In India, indigenous remedies have been used in treatment of sexual dysfunction since the time Received 21 January 2013 of Charaka and Sushruta. Plants have been always an exemplary source of drugs and many of Received in revised form 31 January 2013 A Accepted 15 March 2013 the currently available drugs have been derived directly or indirectly from them. n aphrodisiac Available online 20 March 2013 is defined as an agent that arouses sexual desire. Erectile dysfunction or sexual dysfunction (ED or SD) or male impotence is defined as the inability of a man to achieve and maintain an Keywords: erection sufficient for mutually satisfactory intercourse with his partner. Sexual health and function are important determinants of quality of life. To overcome the problem of male sexual Aphrodisiac (or) erectile dysfunction, various Indian natural aphrodisiac plants potentials were preferred. Indigenous remedy The ethnobotanical information reports that about 200 plants possess aphrodisiac potential. Out Indian medicinal of several Indian medicinal plants, 33 plants were reviewed. In this review, studies on Indian Sexual dysfunction Plant extract medicinal plants were reviewed and their possible therapeutic applications were discussed. This Ayurveda review discusses about aphrodisiac potential of Indian medicinal plants, its botanical name, common name, family, extract, models used, part used and references, which are helpful for researchers to develop new herbal aphrodisiac formulations. In the recent years, interest in drugs of plant origin has been progressively increased.

Aphrodisiac are mentioned there as Vajikaranas, the 1. Introduction word vaji meaning horse and karanta meaning making, i.e., measure to excite lust by charms, etc. Many natural Sexual activity has been universally recognized as a substances have been historically known as aphrodisiacs vital component of a normal and healthy lifestyle and in Africa and Europe, such as Yohimbine and the S M R general well-being. exual dysfunction especially andrake plant, as well “as ground ”hinoceros horn in erectile dysfunction is a serious public health problem the Chinese culture and Spanish fly which is actually as reflected in epidemiological data. Aphrodisiac is toxic. Sexual relationships are some of the most important the word derived from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of social and biological relationship in human life. Male sexual, love and beauty. An aphrodisiac is defined as an impotence also called erectile dysfunction (ED or SD) ( ) F agent food or drug’ that arouses sexual desire. rom time is a common medical condition that affects the sexual immemorial, man s endeavour have been to increase life of millions of men worldwide. Erectile dysfunction his sexual powers. When man did not know metals and is defined as the persistent inability to obtain and used only stones, he exhibited his sexual powers by maintain an erection sufficient for naturally satisfactory ritual dances accompanied by hunting. This leads early intercourse. Sexual dysfunction is a serious medical and man was motivated by his quest for food, sex and self- social symptom that occurs in 10%-52% of men and 25%- preservation. The possibility of bioactive aphrodisiacs 63% of women. Erectile dysfunction is adversely affected which may be derived from plants, animals or minerals, by diabetes mellitus, antihypertensive, antipsychotic, has been attractive throughout recorded history. and antidepressant therapeutic drugs. Organic causes of ED include hypogonadism, hyperprolactinaemia, *Corresponding author: Ramandeep Singh (Research Scholar), Department of Pharmacy, Sunrise University, Alwar, Rajasthan, India. and neurological disorders. Treatment of ED involves Mobile: +91-9736922900; +91-9017138383 several natural aphrodisiac potentials. Aphrodisiac E-mail: [email protected] Ramandeep Singh et al./ Journal of Acute Disease (2013)13-21 14 is described as any substance that enhances sexual The time between the occurrence of ejaculation and pleasure. Sexual dysfunction caused by various factors the resumption of sexual activity, as indicated by next such as psychological disorders like anxiety, depression, intromission[3,4]. stress, fear of sex, neurological disorders,’ stroke, cerebral trauma, Alzheimer, Parkinson s disease and 3. Guidelines follow during experiment chronic disorders-diabetes, hypertension, vascular insufficiency, atherosclerosis, penile disease-phinosis, peyronies, life style-chronic alcohol abuse, cigarette The following guidelines followed during experiment. smoking, aging, decrease in hormone level with age, and (i) Males were kept individually but females were kept systemic diseases-cardiac, hepatic, renal, pulmonary, in groups. (ii) Training of each male for 15 min at a time and cancer. Since introduction of sildenafil citrate was performed until sexual behavior was elicited and to treat erectile dysfunction, there has been renewed when the behavior was noticed, males were exposed to and vigorous interest in medicinal herbs with folkloric receptive females (1 male with 5 females). (iii) Repeated reputation for sexual disorders. The Ayurvedic system of training to overcome the lack of sexual response in the medicine addresses the problem of sexual inefficiencies/ presence of observers. (iv) The study was conducted deficiencies by treatment with specialized therapy known in a silent room under dim red light. (v) Any jerking R A R as ‘ asayana’ therapy.‘ class of asayana’ drugs known movement of the mating area was avoided to enable the as Vrishya or Vajikaran Rasayana has been prescribed rats to chase each other. (vi) Cleaning of the mating area in debility, especially encountered with advancing age. was performed after each trial, since the urine trails left Vajakarna therapy includes aphrodisiacs for erectile by one rat might alter the sexual behavior of the next dysfunction, causes of infertility, spermatogenesis, rat[5]. semenogenesis, reproduction, methods of correcting defective semen and sexual satisfaction[1,2]. 4. Mechanism involved in aphrodisiac potentials This review will discuss the current research done in India on the most popular natural aphrodisiacs and examine the weight of evidence to support or discourage Sexual desire is controlled and regulated by the central the use of any of them to enhance sexual desire and/or nervous system which integrates tactile, olfactory and function. mental stimuli[6]. Role of nitric oxide: On sexual stimulation (visual (or) otherwise the famines of the axons of parasympathetic 2. Parameters used in assessing aphrodisiac activity nerves release nitric oxide (NO) gas. The gas diffuses into smooth muscle cells that line those arteries of the in vitro For the study of aphrodisiac activity, many corpus carvenosum (spongy erectile tissue) and activates in vivo and models have been used. Methods that are the enzyme guanylate cyclase (GC). The later converts used in aphrodisiac study can be categorized into the nucleotide guanosine triphosphate (GTP) into cyclic physical methods including male sexual behavior (Mount guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The cGMP in turn frequency, mount latency, intromission frequency, causes the smooth muscle cells around the penis to intromission latency, ejaculation frequency, post- relax, leading to dilation and increased flux of blood ejaculatory interval, index of libido, and computed into the penile tissue. This blood is essentially trapped male sexual behavior parameter), orientation behavior, in the penis and results in an erection. The erection determination of hesitation time & attraction towords ceases after a while because cGMP is hydrolyzed by female, test of potency, test for libido, penile phosphodiesterase type-5 enzyme (PDE-5) into inactive microcirculation study, intracavernous pressure study GMP. (The PDE-5 enzyme resides in the penile tissues). and biochemical methods, hormonal determination, assay Aphrodisiac potentials inhibit the hydrolyzing action of PDE 5 GMP of nitric oxide synthase & androgen receptor protein. ‘ - with the’ result that active c can accumulate. (i) Intromission frequency (IF) is the introduction of one Undisturbed and prolong the erection through increased organ or parts in another. (ii) Mount frequency (MF) is the blood flow[2]. number of mounts in series, or number of mounts in a The scientific community explained the biologically given period of time. (iii) Mount latency (ML) is the time significant aphrodisiac into three primary categories. interval between the introductions of the female to the First: Some aphrodisiac simply provide a burst of first mount by the male. (iv) Intromission latency (IL) is nutritional value improving the immediate health or the interval from the time of introduction of the female to well being of the consumer and consequently improving the first intromission by the male. (v) Ejaculatory latency sexual performance and libido. (EL) is the time interval between the first intromission Second: This group includes the purported aphrodisiac and ejaculation. (vi) Post-ejaculatory interval (PEI): have more specific physiological affects but are not Ramandeep Singh et al./ Journal of Acute Disease (2013)13-21 15 5.3. Argyreia nervosa Syn. psychologically active. They may affect blood flow; increase duration of sexual activity by numbing the Argyreia nervosa genital area. belongs to family Conovolvulaceae. Argyreia nervosa Third: The third group of aphrodisiac is made up Etahnolic extract of on male mice compounds that are psychopharmacological, i.e. they exhibited significant aphrodisiac behavior at 200 mg/ actually cross the blood brain barriers and stimulates kg p.o., single dose. Significantly increase mounting some area of sexual arousal. This category includes a behavior[10]. wide range of neurotransmitters, hormones, pheromones 5.4. Asparagus racemosus Willd (A. racemosus) and drugs that interfere with the normal function of these molecules. This category is most difficult to study A. racemosus because knowledge of both sexual arousal and the belongs to family Liliaceae. Hydro- mechanisms of the psychoactive properties of drugs are alcoholic and aqueous extracts at higher concentration limited. Only the most general information about sexual (400 mg/kg body weight) showed significant aphrodisiac arousal and the brain is understood[7]. activity on male wistar albino rats as evidenced by an increase in number of mounts and mating performance. On the other hand, hydro-alcoholic extract at lower dose 5. Pharmacologically active aphrodisiac Indian (200 mg/kg. body weight) and aqueous extract (400 mg/kg medicinal plants in experimental models body weight) showed moderate aphrodisiac property. A. racemosus is commonly known as Shatavari. Milk A. racemosus In India with the advent of the ayurvedists some of the and aqueous decoction of roots of were medicinal plants have proven to possess a traditional as studied for aphrodisiac activity in male albino rats and well as scientifically proven aphrodisiac that can enhance compared with untreated control group animals. The rats passion, increase libido, enhance sexual performance were evaluated for effect of treatments on anabolic effect. and help to increase the intensity of lovemaking. A brief Six measures of sexual behavior were evaluated. 200 mg/ report of plants has been tested for aphrodisiac potential kg body weight of milk decoction showed a significant are documented. difference in the sexual behavior of animals as reflected by reduction of mount latency, ejaculation latency, post 5.1. Abelmoschus manihot (L.) ejaculatory latency, intromission latency, and an increase of mount frequency. Penile erection (indicated by penile Abelmoschus manihot (L ) ) R “ ” . commonly reffered to as erection index was also considerably enhanced. educed Junglee bhindi . Two doses i.e. 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. hesitation time (an indicator of attraction towards female of ethanolic extract administered to Swiss albino mice, in treated rats) also indicated an improvement in sexual showed pronounced anabolic and spermatogenic effect behavior of extract treated animals. The observed effects in animals of respective groups. There was a remarkable appear to be attributable to the testosterone-like effects A. racemosus increase in sperm count and penile erection index and of the milk decoction of . Nitric oxide based also improved sexual behavior of male mice by increased intervention may also be involved as observable from the mount and intromission frequency. Further it was noticed improved penile erection[11]. Abelmoschus manihot that a 200 mg/kg b.w. dose of , the 5.5. Asteracanta longifolia performance rate enhances without any side effect[8]. 5.2. Anacyclus pyrethrum Asteracanta longifolia belongs to family . Asteracanta longifolia Ethanolic extract of seeds of at Anacyclus pyrethrum DC belongs to family Compositae. 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg, p.o in male rats for a period of 28 Aqueous extract of the roots was studied for its effect days. Significantly increase in the sexual behavior such on sexual behavior, spermatogenesis, and sperm as mating performance and MF. A significant increase count. Fructose levels in seminal vesicles of albino in the sperm count as well as fructose levels of seminal rats were also recorded. Two doses i.e. 50 and 100 mg/ vesicles was noted[12]. kg of aqueous extract on administration in albino rats 5.6. edulis Linn. showed pronounced anabolic and spermatogenic effect in animals of respective groups. The sperm count Blepharis edulis and fructose levels in seminal vesicle were markedly Linn. belongs to family Acanthaceae. Blepharis edulis increased. Improvement in sexual behavior of male rats Effect of etanolic extract of seeds of was characterized by increased mount and intromission Linn. at 100, 250 & 500 mg/kg p.o. for 7 days on mice frequency and reduced mount and intromission latency[9]. significantly increase MF, IF, IL, erections as well as aggregate of penile reflexes and caused significant Ramandeep Singh et al./ Journal of Acute Disease (2013)13-21 16 5.12. Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D.Don) reduction in ML & PEI. Hormonal parameter like testosterone was evaluated. The most appreciable effect Dactylorhiza hatagirea of the extract was observed at the dose of 500 mg/kg[13]. (D.Don) belongs to family Dactylorhiza hatagirea 5.7. Butea frondonsa Koen Orchidaceae. Aqueous extract of (D.Don) causes significant anabolic effect. Penile Butea frondonsa erection index (PEI) was also considerably enhanced and Koen belongs to family Papillionaceae. Butea significantly reduce mount latency in extract treated Aphrodisiac study was performed on bark of [18] frondonsa group . Koen. The extract (400 mg/kg body wt./day) was administered orally by gavage for 28 days. The extract 5.13. Durio zibenthinus Linn. reduced significantly ML, IL, EL and PEI. The extract also increased significantly MF, IF and EF. These effects were Aphrodisiac activity of petroleum ether extract and observed in sexually active and inactive male rats[4]. β isolated compound 3- -hydroxyl-21-normethyl-19- Durio zibenthinus 5.8. Chenopodium album vinylidenylursane of Linn. Were screened for different dose level, and it was found that Chenopodium album 400 mg/kg, p.o. was most active in the mice and have belongs to family Chenopadiaceae. Chenopodium album [19] Ethanolic extract of at 100, 250 & better aphrodisiac activity than all other treated dose . 500 mg.kg, p.o. in male albino mice showed significant 5.14. Glycyrrhiza glabra increase in the MF, IF, IL, erection as well as aggregate of penile reflexes and caused in significant reduction in the Glycyrrhiza glabra ML and post ejaculatory interval. More over 500 mg/kg, belongs to family Leguminocae. In [14] the present study, aphrodisiac activity of aqueous extract p.o. was found to be most active . Glycyrrhiza glabra of (Leguminocae) roots & rhizomes 5.9. Chlorophytum borivilianum was investigated. The extract (150 mg/kg & 300 mg/ kg body wt./day) was administered orally by gavage for Chlorophytum borivilianum belongs to family 28 days. Mount latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), Chlorophytum Liliaceae. Lyophilized aqueous extracts of mounting frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), borivilianum at 200 mg/kg, p.o. showed significant and weight of animals (gm) were the parameters observed enhancement of body weight and reproductive organs, before and during the sexual behavior study at day 0, penile erection, MF, whereas significant variation in 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28. The extract reduced significantly reduction of ML, EL, IL, reduced hesitation time indicates ML & IL. The extract also increased significantly MF & an improvement in sexual behavior of extract treated IF. These effects were observed in sexually active male [15] animals . rats[20]. 5.10. Crossandra infundibuliformis Linn. 5.15. Hybanthus enneaspermus (L) F. Muell

Crossandra infundibuliformis L inn. belongs to family Orally administered ethanol (300 mg/kg) and aqueous Acanthaceae. Effect of petroleum ether extract of Hybanthus enneaspermus Crossandra infundibuliformis (300 mg/kg) extracts of (L) Linn. on male rat exhibited F. Muell were evaluated for its aphrodisiac activity in significant aphrodisiac behavior at 200 & 400 mg/kg sexually inactive male rats both in a single dose regimen p.o. significantly increase MF, IF & ejaculatory latency and in a chronic regimen as a daily dose for 28 days. & reduced ML & IL and significantly increase in serum Mount and intromission latency and number of mounts, testosterone[16]. intromissions and ejaculations were the parameters 5.11. Curculigo orchioides Gaertn used for assessing sexual arousal and performance. Following a single dose administration, the aqueous Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. belongs to family extract produced a decrease in the mounting and Amaryllidaceae. Ethanoilc extract of rhizomes of intromission latency, with an increase in the ejaculatory Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. at 100 mg/kg, p.o. in rats and intromission frequency. In the chronic model, both was found to change significantly the sexual behavior the alcohol and aqueous extracts increased the number such as penile erection, mating performance, MF, of mounts, ejaculations and intromissions with decrease ML & increase of penile erection index and weight of in the mounting and intromission latency. Treatment with reproductive organs[4,17]. aqueous extract also elevated the testosterone levels in sexually inactive male rats[21]. Ramandeep Singh et al./ Journal of Acute Disease (2013)13-21 17 5.16. Leptadenia reticulate Linn. study showed that the extract certainly has aphrodisiac activity particularly at the dose level 500 mg/kg[26]. Leptadenia reticulate Linn. belongs to family Leptadenia 5.21. Ocimum gratissimum Asclpiadaceae. Effect of chloroform extract of reticulate Linn. at 50, 100, 250 mg/kg, p.o. on male rats Ocimum gratissimum for a period of 28 days. Significantly increase in mount, belongs to family Lamiaceae. Ocimum intromission interval, number of ejaculations and Effect of etanolic extract of leaves of gratissimum decreased latency of first mount as well as the increase at 100, 250 & 500 mg/kg p.o. for 7 days on in post ejaculation time. Significant weight gain in mice significantly increase MF, IF, IL, erections as well testis, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, vasdeferences, as aggregate of penile reflexes and caused significant epididymis[22]. reduction in ML & PEI. A dose of 500 mg/kg showed maximum effect without any conspicuous gastric 5.17. Mimusa pudica Linn. ulceration and adverse effect[27]. Mimusa pudica 5.22. Paederia foetida Linn. Linn. belongs to family Mimosae. Effect Mimusa pudica of etanolic extract of roots of Linn. at 100, Paederia foetida 250 & 500 mg/kg p.o. for 7 days on mice significantly Linn. belongs to family Rubiaceae. increase MF, IF, IL, erections as well as aggregate of Ethanolic extract of the leaves (50, 100 and 200 mg/ penile reflexes and caused significant reduction in ML & kg body weight) was studied for their effect on body PEI. Hormonal parameter like testosterone was evaluated. and secondary sexual organ weight, sexual behavior, The most appreciable effect of the extract was observed spermatogenesis and serum testosterone level in male at the dose of 500 mg/kg[23]. albino rats. Oral administration of the extract in albino rats showed pronounced anabolic and spermatogenic 5.18. Mucuna pruriens Linn. effects in animals in the treated groups. The extract significantly increased both mount and intromission Mucuna pruriens Linn. belongs to family Papilionaceae. frequency[28]. Mucuna pruriens Ethanolic extract of Linn. showed 5.23. Passiflora incarnate Linn. significant increase in the MF, IF, EL & decrease the mount latency, IL, PEI & Intromission interval at 150, Passiflora incarnate 200, 250 mg/kg, p.o. dose in wistar albino rats[24]. Linn. belong to family Passiflora Passifloraceae. Effect of methanolic extract of 5.19. Myristica fragrans Houtt incarnate Linn. on male mice exhibited significant aphrodisiac behavior at 75, 100 & 150 mg/kg, p.o. among Myristica fragrans Houtt. belongs to family these, the highest activity was observed with the 100 mg/ Myristicaceae. Effect of 50% etanolic extract of dry kernel kg p.o dose. When the mounting were calculated about Myristica fragrans of Houtt.. at 100, 250 & 500 mg/kg 95 min after the administration of test extract[29]. p.o. for 7 days on male rat significantly increase MF, IF, 5.24. Pedalium murex Linn. IL, erections as well as aggregate of penile reflexes and caused significant reduction in ML & PEI[25]. Pedalium murex Linn. belongs to family Pedaliaceae. 5.20. Nymphaea stellata Willd Pedalium murex Fruits and roots of Linn. were reported P. murex for its aphrodisiac activity. Ethanolic extract of Nymphaea stellata Willd. belongs to family fruits possesses aphrodisiac property. Petroleum ether P. murex Nymphaeceae. The extract (150, 250 and 500 mg/kg) extracts of roots possesses aphrodisiac property. Pedalium murex was administered orally once a day for 7 days. Mating Petroleum ether extract of , family behaviour test, orientational activities, test for libido Pedaliaceae. Doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg of PEPM showed and test for potency were assessed in male rats. Results a significant increase in mating and mounting behaviour. and Discussion: There was an overall increase in sexual The effect on fertility factors such as total body behaviour as evidenced by an increase in MF (Mounting weight, percentage of pregnancy, litter size were also frequency), IF (Intromission frequency), EL (Ejaculatory significantly increased in comparison with the ethanol- latency) and a decrease in ML (Mounting latency), IL treated group. Significant increases in sperm motility (Intromission latency) and PEI (Post ejaculatory interval). and count were observed in PEPM treated groups in a Increase in orientational activities, weight of primary dose-dependent manner as compared with the ethanol- and accessory sex organs, libido and potency were also treated group. Similarly, reductions in the percentage of observed. These results were statistically significant. The abnormal sperm were noted in animals treated with PEPM Feroz Ahmad et al./ Journal of Acute Disease (2012)- 18 400 mg/kg. The effects of PEPM on total protein, total weight p.o) in male mice significantly increase MF, IF, IL, cholesterol and testosterone were satisfactory, the levels erections as well as aggregate of penile reflexes. Hexane Syzygium aromaticum being increased significantly for protein, cholesterol and extract of (L) flower bud as an testosterone by 400 mg/kg PEPM. Microtome sections aphrodisiac[34]. of the testes of animals treated with 400 mg/kg PEPM 5.29. Tinospora cordifolia exhibited restoration and recovery of germinal cells and the luminal spermatozoa and were comparable with the Tinospora cordifolia control group animals[1,30]. belongs to family Menispermaceae. In this study, the total extracts were tested for their 5.25. Piper guineense constituents and tested for aphrodisiac activity in Tinospora experimental rats. Hydroalcoholic extract of cordifolia Piper guineense belongs to family Piperaceae. Aqueous stem at higher concentration (400 mg/kg body Piper guineense extract of dry fruits of two doses (122.5 weight) showed significant aphrodisiac activity on male & 245 mg/kg p.o. for 8 days and 122.5 mg/kg p.o. for 55 wistar albino rats as evidenced by an increase in number ) S O days ignificant increase in the level of testosteroneα in of mounts and mating performance. n the other hand, the serum & testes, Cholesterol in testes, -glucosidase hydroalcoholic extract at lower dose (200 mg/kg body in the epididymis in the seminal vesicles after 8 days of weight) and aqueous extract (400 mg/kg body weight) treatment, while 55 day treatment the levels of cholesterol showed moderate aphrodisiac property[35]. Piper in the testes increases by 75%. Aqueous extract of guineense 5.30. Tribulus terrestris Linn. at both doses had a positive effect on the male reproductive function[31]. Tribulus terrestris Linn. is a belongs to 5.26. Polygonatum verticillatum Z I “the family” of ygophyllaceae. t is commonly known as Ghokhru . The lyophilized powder of the dried fruits of Polygonatum verticillatum Tribulus terrestris belongs to family Liliaceae. was studied for sexual behavior effects Polygonatum verticillatum Aqueous extract of leaf dose of acute and subchronic administration in male albino (500 mg/kg body weight/day) and L-dopa (100 mg/kg rats, and comparison has been made with standard body weight/day) were administered orally by gavages sexual stimulant drug, sildenafil citrate. The animals for 28 days. Mount latency (ML), intromission latency were evaluated on various parameters of sexual behavior, in-vitro (IL), ejaculation latency (EL), mounting frequency (MF), anabolic effects, testosterone level and sperm intromission frequency (IF), ejaculation frequency (EF) counts. Oral administration of 100 mg/kg of test drug and post ejaculatory interval (PEI) were the parameters has proven anabolic effect as evidenced by body weight observed before and during the sexual behavior study at gain in the body and reproductive organs. Improvement day 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Polygonatum verticillatum leaf in sexual behavior of male rats was characterized by aqueous extract reduced significantly ML, IL, EL and PEI. increased amount and intromission frequency. Penile The extract also increased significantly MF, IF and EF[32]. erection index (PEI) was also considerably enhanced without any noticeable toxicity, and the testosterone level 5.27. Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murr. and sperm count also significantly increased, and the results are comparable to that of standard drug, sildenafil Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murr. belongs to family citrate[36]. Spilanthes acmella Asteraceae. Ethanolic extracts of the 5.31. Trichopus zeylanicus Gaerton. flower and its effects on general mating pattern, penile erection and serum hormone levels of normal male Trichopus zeylanicus Wistar albino rats were investigated and compared Gaerton. belongs to family with sildenafil citrate. The animals were evaluated on Trichopodaceae. Administration of ethanolic extract Trichopus zeylanicus various parameters of sexual behavior, anabolic effects, of Gaerton. leaves to male mice in-vitro testosterone level and sperm counts. The increased the number of mounts & mating performance. Spilanthes acmella aphrodisiac potential of an ethanolic The pups fathered by the extract treated mice were in vitro in vivo extract was demonstrated and [33]. normal with regard to fetal growth, litter size and sex ratio. Although oral administration of a single dose (200 5.28. Syzygium aromaticum (L) Merr. & Perry mg/kg p.o.) was effective, daily administration of the extract were for 6 days was more effective. The aqueous Syzygium aromaticum n (L) Merr. & Perry belongs to as well as -hexane extracts of the leaves were found to Syzygium aromaticum family Myrtaceae. (L) Merr. & be inactive[37]. Perry. (clove) in three doses (15, 30 & 60 mg/kg body Ramandeep Singh et al./ Journal of Acute Disease (2013)13-21 19 5.32. Turnera aphrodisiaca Ward 5.33. Vanda tessellate (ROXB.) HOOK.EX DON

Turnera aphrodisiaca Vanda tessellate Ward belongs to family (ROXB.) belongs to family Orchidaceae. V. tessellata Turneraceae. Chloroform extract exhibited significant Alcholic extract of flowers of at doses of activity at a dose of 200 mg/kg, p.o. while methanol 50 and 200 mg/kg, p.o. were found to increase mating extract showed aphrodisiac activity at a lower dose, performance, and tend to increase the male/female ratio T. aphrodisiaca i.e., 50 mg/kg, p.o.. Volatile oil of was resulting offspring. The alcohol extract was devoid of any found to be devoid of aphrodisiac activity. Qualitative conspicuous general toxicity[39]. phytochemical screening showed the presence of 6. Indian medicinal plants having aphrodisiac alkaloids in chloroform and methanol extracts. Therefore, T. potentials the alkaloidal fraction was isolated from aerial parts of aphrodisiaca , and tested for aphrodisiac activity at dose levels of 25, 50, 75, or 100 mg/kg, p.o.[38]. Indian medicinal plants used to treat sexual dysfunction as well as ones that give sexual strength, stamina, Table 1 Various Indian medicinal plants used to treat sexual dysfunction as well as ones that give sexual strength, stamina, increased libido, vitality and sexual energy. No. Plant name Family Part used Extract Type of studies Reference Abelmoschus manihot 1 (L.) Malvaceae Seeds Ethanolic extract Animal studies (7 days) [8] Anacyclus pyrethrum 2 DC. Compositae Roots Petroleum ether extract Animal studies [9] (28 days) Argyreia nervosa 3 Convolvu aceae Root, flower Alcoholic extract Animal studies (6 days) [10] Asparagus racemosus 4 Liliaceae Roots Hydro-alcholic extract Animal studies (8 days) [11] Asteracanta longifolia 5 Acanthaceae Seeds Ethanolic extract Animal studies (28 days) [12] Blepharis edulis 6 Linn. Acanthaceae Seeds Ethanolic extract Animal studies (7 days) [13] Butea frondosa 7 Koen.ex Roxb. Papilionaceae Bark Aqueous extract Animal studies (28 days) [5] Chenopodium album 8 Chenopodiaceae Seeds Ethanolic extract Animal studies (7 days) [14] Chlorophytum borivilianum 9 Liliaceae Root Aqueous extract Animal studies (28 days) [15] Crossandra infundibuliformis 10 Acanthaceae Leaves Petroleum ether extact Animal studies (30 days) [16] Linn. Curculigo orchioides 11 Gaertn. Amaryllidaceae Rhizomes Ethanolic extract Animal studies (30 days) [4,17] Dactylorhiza hatagirea 12 (D.Don) Orchidaceae Roots Aqueous extract Animal studies (28 days) [18] Soo Durio zibenthinus 13 Linn. Bombacaceae Fruit Petroleum ether extact Animal studies (14 days) [19] Glycyrrhiza glabra 14 Leguminoaceae Roots & Rhizomes Aqueous extract Animal studies (28 days [20] Hybanthus enneaspermus 15 (L) Violaceae Entire plant Aqueous extract Animal studies (28 days) [21] F.Muell Leptadenia reticulate 16 Linn. Asclpiadaceae Seed Chloroform extract Animal studies (14 days [22] Mimosa pudica 17 Linn. Mimosae Roots Ethanolic extract Animal studies (7 days) [23] Mucuna pruriens 18 Linn. Papilionaceae Seed Ethanolic extract Animal studies (45 days) [24] Myrisita fragrans 19 Houtt. Myristicaceae Kernel Ethanolic extract Animal studies (7 days [25] Nymphaea stellata 20 Nymphaeceae Leaves Ethanolic extract Animal studies (7 days) [26] Ocimum gratissimum 21 Lamiaceae Leaves Ethanolic extract Animal studies (7 days [27] Paederia foetida 22 Linn. Rubiaceae Leaves ethanolic extract Animal studies (28 days) [28] Passiflora incarnate 23 Linn. Passifloraceae Leaves Methanolic extract Animal studies [29] Pedalium murex 24 (L.) Pedaliaceae Fruits, Roots Ethanolic extact, Petroleum Animal studies (1 & 28 [1,30] ether extact days) Piper guineense 25 Piperaceae Fruit Aqueous extract Animal studies (8 days) [31] Polygonatum verticillatum 26 Liliaceae Leaf Aqueous extract Animal studies (28 days) [32] Spilanthes acmella 27 Asteraceae Flower Ethanolic extract Animal studies (28 days [33] Syzygium aromaticum 28 Myrtaceae Flower bud Hexane extract Animal studies (35 days) [34] Tinospora cordifolia 29 Menispermaceae Stem Hydro-alcholic extract Animal studies (10 days) [35] Tribulus terrestris 30 Linn. Zygophyllaceae Fruit Lyophilized powder of dried Animal studies (1 day) [36] fruits Trichopus zeylanicus 31 Gaerton. Trichopodaceae Leaf Ethanolic extract Animal studies [37] Turnera aphrodisiaca 32 Turneraceae Aerial parts Chloroform extract Animal studies [38] Vanda tessellate 33 (ROXB.) Orchidaceae Root, flower Aqueous suspension Animal studies [39] HOOK.EX DON Ramandeep Singh et al./ Journal of Acute Disease (2013)13-21 20 Conflict of interest statement increased libido, vitality and sexual energy are represented in Table 1. We declare that we have no conflict of interest. 7. Other herbal plants with aphrodisiac potential Acknowledgments Other herbal plants with aphrodisiac activity are Artocarpus heterophyllus Bombax ceiba Linn., Linn., The authors are thankful to the authorities of Sunrise Boesenbergia rotunda Amaranthus spinosus L., L., University, Alwar (Rajasthan) for providing support to the Bryonia laciniosa Bussea occidentalis Carica Linn., , study and other necessary facility like internet surfing, papaya Cannabis indica Celastrus paniculatus L., L., library and other technical support to write a review Dalbergia sissoo Daucus carota Emblica Willd., Roxb., L., article. officinalis Eriodendron anfractuosum Ficus Gaertn., DC., arnottiana Flueggea virosa Garcinia afzelii Miq., Roxb., Gmelina arborea Hibiscus rosa-sinesis References Engl., Roxb., , Hygrophila auriculata Ipomoea mauritiana Schum., Jatropha curcas Linum usitatissimum Jacq., L., L., [1] S harma V, Thakur M, Dixit VK. A comparative study Mallotus philippensis Mangifera indica Pedalium murex Lam., L., of ethanolic extracts of Linn. fruits Mezoneuron benthamianum Morinda lucida Orchis ., ., and sildenafil citrate on sexual behaviors and serum latifolia Papaver somniferum Punica granatum Linn., L., testosterone level in male rats during and after treatment. Rauvolfia vomitoria Saccharum spontaneum J Ethnopharmacol 143 L., ., Linn., 2012; : 201-206. Santalum album Scindapsus officinalis Sida Linn., Schtt., [2] P allavi KJ, Singh R, Singh S, Singh K, Farswan M, Singh cordifolia Solanum nigrum Tamarindus J Linn., Linn., V. Aphrodisiac agents from medicinal plants: A review. indica Terminalia arjuna Turrea heterophylla Chem. Pharm Res 3 L., Roxb., 2011; (2): 911-921. Valeriana jatamansi Wrightia tinctoria Sm., Wall., [3] S harma V, Thakur M, Chauhan NS, Dixit VK. Effects of Zingiber officinale Anacyclus pyrethrum (R ) [40] petroleum ether extract of DC. on oxb. , and . J Chinese Integr Med sexual behavior in male rats. 2010; 8 (8): 763-773. 8. Conclusion [4] C hauhan NS, Dixit VK. Spermatogenic activity of rhizomes Curculigo orchioides Int J Applied Gaertn. in male rats. Res in Nat Prod 1 In India, various types of traditional herbal medicines 2008; (2): 26-31. are used to improve the general well-being and, [5] R amachandran S, Sridhar Y, Sam SK, Saravanan M, T Leonard JT, Anbalagan N, et al. Aphrodisiac activity consequently, the male sexual satisfaction. hese Butea frondosa of Koen.ex Roxb. extract in male rats. traditional herbal remedies are accepted among men and Phytomedicine 11 they provide them with an easy alternative to legitimize 2004; : 165-168. medical treatment for their sexual problem. 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