Abstract
BackgroundGanoderma lucidum was traditionally used to manage male sexual dysfunction. This study was designed to investigate and establish the traditional aphrodisiac potential of the herb.MethodsAphrodisiac potential was evaluated following the oral administration of two different doses (150 and 300 mg/kg) of ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum. Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) and distilled water were used as positive and negative controls respectively. Mounting, intromission and ejaculation frequencies, mating performance, and orientation activities towards females, towards the environment, and towards self were observed. Serum testosterone levels were also evaluated.ResultsThe results of the study show that the extract has significantly increased the mounting behavior and mating performance of the rats. There was also significant increase in the number of intromissions and ejaculations. The rats treated with extract were more interested in female rats as indicated by significant increase in the number of anogenital sniffing and climbing. Serum testosterone levels were also significantly increased in the treatment groups.ConclusionEthanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum possesses aphrodisiac activity in male Wistar rats. The lower dose of 150 mg/kg was more effective in terms of aphrodisiac potential of the extract.
Highlights
Ganoderma lucidum was traditionally used to manage male sexual dysfunction
The results show that there were more sperm positive females in Ganoderma lucidum extract (GLE) (150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) groups in comparison to normal control group on 10th, 20th and 40th day of the study
The results show that Ganoderma lucidum increases the number of mounts which represents that continuous administration of the extract significantly increases the sexual desire when compared with control group and sildenafil citrate 5 mg/kg group
Summary
Ganoderma lucidum was traditionally used to manage male sexual dysfunction. This study was designed to investigate and establish the traditional aphrodisiac potential of the herb. Male infertility is due to any problem in the male reproductive system, including: decreased sexual desire, barrenness, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction [1]. Sex is a highly important aspect of living organisms which plays a key role in their survival. Substances that increase the sexual desire are called aphrodisiac agents. The term aphrodisiac is derived from “Aphrodite”, that means the “Greek goddess of sexuality and love” [2]. There are various drugs which can increase the sexual craving in both male and female, these drugs have numerous harmful effects [3]. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, like tadalafil (Cialis) and sildenafil (Viagra) are the most commonly used
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