Abstract
BackgroundArctium lappa L. root has traditionally been recommended as an aphrodisiac agent. It is used to treat impotence and sterility in China, and Native Americans included the root in herbal preparations for women in labor. However, its use has not been scientifically validated. The present study therefore investigated the effects of aqueous extract of Arctium lappa L. roots on sexual behavior in normal male rats.MethodsSeventy-five albino male rats were randomly divided into five groups of 15 rats each. Rats in group 1 (control) were administered 10 mL⁄kg body weight distilled water (vehicle), group 2 received 60 mg/kg body weight sildenafil citrate (Viagra), while those in groups 3, 4, and 5 were given 300, 600, and 1,200 mg/kg body weight, respectively, of aqueous extract of Arctium lappa L. roots in the same volume. Female albino rats were made receptive by hormonal treatment. Sexual behavior parameters in male rats were monitored on days 3, 7 and 15 by pairing with receptive females (1:3). Male serum testosterone concentrations and potency were also determined.ResultsOral administration of Arctium lappa L. roots extract at 600 and 1,200 mg/kg body weight significantly increased the frequencies of mount, intromission, and ejaculation frequency (p < 0.05). The latencies of mount and intromission were significantly reduced and ejaculation latency was prolonged. Administration of the extract also reduced the post-ejaculatory interval. The standard drug (Viagra) was more effective than the extract. The extract significantly increased the frequencies of all components of penile reflexes as well as serum testosterone levels, compared with the distilled water controls.ConclusionsThe results of this study demonstrate that aqueous extract of Arctium lappa L. roots enhances sexual behavior in male rats. The aphrodisiac effects of the plant extract may be related to the presence of flavonoids, saponins, lignans and alkaloids, acting via a multitude of central and peripheral mechanisms. These results thus support the traditional use of Arctium lappa L. root extract for treating impotence and sterility.
Highlights
Arctium lappa L. root has traditionally been recommended as an aphrodisiac agent
Aqueous extract of Arctium lappa L. roots at all three doses had no significant effect on MF or intromission frequencies (IF) on day 3 (p > 0.05), but both MF and IF were significantly increased in these groups on days 7 and 15, compared with the distilled-water control (p < 0.05)
Aqueous extract of Arctium lappa L. roots at all the tested doses had no significant effect on ejaculation frequency (EF) in male rats on days 3 and 7 (p > 0.05)
Summary
Arctium lappa L. root has traditionally been recommended as an aphrodisiac agent. It is used to treat impotence and sterility in China, and Native Americans included the root in herbal preparations for women in labor. The present study investigated the effects of aqueous extract of Arctium lappa L. roots on sexual behavior in normal male rats. ED, sometimes called “impotence”, is the repeated inability to get or maintain a firm enough erection to allow sexual intercourse [2]. It often has multiple underlying causes, and it has been estimated that around 1 in 10 men will experience recurring impotence problems at some point in their lives [3]. PE is the most common sexual dysfunction among young men worldwide, with a prevalence of more than 20% [5,6], and is characterized by a short latency time and a lack of control over ejaculation. Recent studies have indicated the beneficial effects of some serotonergic antidepressants in delaying ejaculation, and these agents comprise the current pharmacological treatment for PE
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