Aphrodisiac Activity of Aqueous Extract of Herbal Formulation (Zainacin dadin duniya) in Female Wistar Rats

Abstract

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) presents a significant challenge in maintaining intimate relationships and overall well-being. This study investigates the aphrodisiac activity of aqueous extract of herbal formulation (AEOHF), a commercial herb, in female Wistar rats. The study involved the administration of AEOHF at varying concentrations (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg bwt) to female rats and assessing its impact on sexual behavior and sex hormone levels. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and phenols, with alkaloids having the lowest concentration (15.94±0.42). The LD₅₀ of the extract is greater than 5000 mg/kg bwt. Behavioral observations indicated a significant (p > 0.05) decrease in darting and hoping latency (310.33±4.91 & 462.33±13.92 respectively) in rats administered AEOHF at the dose of 400 mg/kg bwt compared to rats (697.00±4.04 & 905.33±6.39) in the control group. However, a significant (p > 0.05) increase was observed in darting and hooping frequency (7.67±0.33 and 6.00±0.58 respectively) in animals administered AEOHF at the dose of 400 mg/kg bw. Also, a significant (p > 0.05) increase was observed in sex hormones; follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH: 4.56±0.12), luteinizing hormone (LH; 3.76±0.05), testosterone (0.22±0.00) and estradiol (144.87±0.70) of rats administered AEOHF at the dose of 400 mg/kg bwt as compared to rats in the control group with 2.85±0.06, 2.03±0.02, 0.12±0.00 and 67.24±1.01 values for FSH, LH, testosterone and estradiol respectively. Findings confirm the aphrodisiac activity of AEOHF. This study suggests AEOHF as a viable natural herb for managing FSD and a good therapeutic agent for the treatment of FSD.