Aphrodisiac Activity of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit extract on the sexual function in rats.

Abstract

Punica granatum L. has proven to possess aphrodisiacs effects in the management of male sexual disorder. There being no scientific validation of these claims, Punica granatum fruit extract was investigated for its aphrodisiac activity in male rats.Fifty (50) adult male and female albino rats of Wistar strain weighing 250-350 g and 200-250g respectively were used in this study. The pomegranate fruit extract was orally administered (500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg) to different groups of male rats on a once-daily regime for seven (7) days.Oral administration of Punica granatum L. fruit extract at the dose of 1500 mg/kg produced a significant increase of sexual activity in male rats. It caused a significant increase in Mounting Frequency, Intromission Frequency, Intromission Latency and caused a significant reduction in Mounting Latency and Post Ejaculatory Intervals. It also significantly increased Mounting Frequency with Penile anaesthetization as well as frequencies of Erection, Quick and Flips, Long Flips and the aggregate of penile reflexes with penile stimulation. In addition, the extract was also observed to be devoid of any adverse effects and acute toxicity.The resultant significant and sustained increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats without any conspicuous adverse effects indicate that Punica granatum certainly has aphrodisiac activity particularly at the dose of 1500 mg/kg and lends support to the traditional claim.