International Journal of Pure & Applied Bioscience (IJPAB)
Year : 2018, Volume : 6, Issue : 2
First page : (1) Last page : (7)
Article doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2320-7051.6256
Effect of Ethanolic Rind Extract of Citrullus lanatus on the Hpg Axis and Sexual Behavior of Male Wistar Rats
Vivian Onyinye Atuadu1, Emeka Godson Anyanwu2* and Elizabeth Finbarrs-Bello1
1Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria (ESUT)
2Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu campus (UNEC), Enugu State, Nigeria
*Corresponding Author E-mail: anyanwugemeks@yahoo.com
Received: 16.02.2018 | Revised: 21.03.2018 | Accepted: 25.03.2018
ABSTRACT
Sexual dysfunction is very common among men of all ages, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. This work is aimed at evaluating the effect of Citrullus lanatus ethanolic rind extract on the sexual behavior and reproductive hormones of adult male wistar rats. Materials and Method: Adult male wistar rats were randomized into four groups (A-D) of six rats each. Group A (negative control; 1ml of normal saline). Groups B and C (experimental groups; 500mg/kg and
1000mg/kg bw respectively). Group D (positive control; sildenafil Citrate 5mg/kg bw) 4hours before sexual behavioral test. Sexual behavioral tests were performed in a Plexiglas copulatory arena cage (60×50×40)cm and videotaped for proper scoring. Male sexual behavioral parameters: Frequencies of mount (MF), intromission (IF) and ejaculation (EF), latencies of mount (ML), intromission (IL), ejaculation (EL) and post ejaculatory intervals (PEI) were evaluated following the pairing of male rats (1:1) with experienced estrous female rats. Results: Rind extract of Citrullus lanatus stimulated mounting and mating behavior by increasing MF, IF and prolonged ejaculation latency. In addition, decrease in ML, IL and PEI were observed. Hormonal assay indicated an increase in serum sexual hormone levels like Testosterone, LH and FSH but only the rise in testosterone was statistically significant. These changes were collaborated by the histological findings of the testes and hypothalamic sections. In conclusion, the ethanolic rind extract of Citrullus lanatus increased sexual behavior in adult male wistar rats, and may be qualify to be used as a remedy for male sexual dysfunction.
Key words: Citrullus lanatus, Male sexual dysfunction, Sexual behavior.
Full Text : PDF; Journal doi : http://dx.doi.org/10.18782
Cite this article: Atuadu, V.O., Anyanwu, G.E. and Finbarrs-Bello, E., Effect of Ethanolic Rind Extract of Citrullus lanatus on the Hpg Axis and Sexual Behavior of Male Wistar Rats, Int. J. Pure App. Biosci.6(2): 1-7 (2018). doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2320-7051.6256
