Effect of Local (<i>Tsumi</i>) and Foreign (<i>Mi Jian Fen</i>) Aphrodisiac on Biochemical Parameters in Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

An aphrodisiac is any substance (i.e. food or drug) that arouses the sexual instinct, increases sexual pleasure and performance. Aphrodisiacs can be classified as natural remedies such as Ambrien, Ginseng and Yohimbine and synthetic aphrodisiacs like ecstasy, synthetic testosterone, phenethylamines and methamphetamine. <i>Tsumi</i> concoction (TC) is a herbal concoction made from <i>Ficus sycomorus</i>, Ginger, Clove, Honey and Brown sugar (Jaggery). <i>Mi Jian Fen</i> (MJF) is an aphrodisiac imported from Spain. This study investigated the effect of TC and MJF aphrodisiacs on biochemical parameters in adult female Wistar albino rats. Adult rats weighing between 160-220g were grouped into six (6) groups with three (3) animals in every group. Group 1 serve as the control, group 2 were administered with 0.2mg/kg of clomid as the standard drug, while group 3 and 4 received high and low (0.4mg/kg and 0.2mg/kg) doses of MJF while group 5 and 6 received high and low (0.4mg/kg and 0.2mg/kg) doses of TC, respectively. The results revealed significant increase (p<0.05) in the ALP and AST levels among all the test groups and a slight increase in ALT compared to the control group. It was followed by significant increase (p<0.05) in serum level of oestrogen and FSH. There was significant increase (p<0.05) in urea and a slight elevations in creatinine levels in all the treated groups. However, moderate changes in the Haematological parameters were also observed. It was concluded that MJF and TC are potent aphrodisiacs with some level of toxicity. Therefore, utilization of MJF and TC which caused kidney and liver damages in albino rats, could have deleterious side effects among human users.