Aphrodisiac properties of Polygonatum verticillatum leaf extract

Abstract

ObjectivePolygonatum verticillatum is the main ingredient of Astavarga. Astavarga is the important ingredient of various classical Ayurvedic formulations like Chavyanprash. Astavarga has been assigned various medicinal properties by ancient Materia Medica dealing with Ayurveda. As per Ayurveda the main property of this plant is in the treatment of vata, pitta, general weakness, aphrodisiac etc. Aim of the study. In the present study, we examined the effect of Polygonatum verticillatum leaf aqueous extract upon the expression of male rat sexual behavior, in order to know whether Polygonatum verticillatum leaf aqueous extract possess aphrodisiac property. MethodsThe aphrodisiac activity of Polygonatum verticillatum leaf aqueous extract was investigated in male rats. The extract (500 mg/kg body weight/day) and L-dopa (100 mg/kg body weight/day) were administered orally by gavages for 28 days. Mount latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), ejaculation latency (EL), mounting frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), ejaculation frequency (EF) and postejaculatory interval (PEI) were the parameters observed before and during the sexual behavior study at day 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28. ResultsThe Polygonatum verticillatum leaf aqueous extract reduced significantly ML, IL, EL and PEI (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.001). The extract also increased significantly MF, IF and EF (P < 0.05, P< 0.01, P < 0.001). These effects were observed in sexually active and inactive male rats. ConclusionsPresent findings provide experimental evidence that the Polygonatum verticillatum leaf aqueous extract possesses aphrodisiac property.