Aphrodisiac properties of Craterispemum schweinfurthi Leaf Extract in Lead Induced Testicular Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

The current study was designed to evaluate the aphrodisiac properties of Craterispemum schweinfurthi leaf extract in lead induced testicular toxicity in male Wistar rats using appropriate standard techniques. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups and daily treated with different concentrations of extract and phytosterol only. Compared to group 1 (Control) rats, significantly higher values of mount, intromission, ejaculatory latencies as well as post ejaculatory interval and decreased values of mount, intromission and ejaculatory frequencies were observed amongst group 2 (2.25mg/kg Lead only) rats (p<0.05), following treatment with 2.25mg/kg body weight of lead acetate; suggesting a possible anti-fertility effect of lead in male Wistar rats. However, significantly lower values of mount, intromission, ejaculatory latencies and post ejaculatory interval and higher values of mount, intromission and ejaculatory frequencies were observed following the administration of the leaf extract of Craterispermum schweinfurthi at 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 750mg/kg body weight doses amongst groups 3, 4 and 5 rats compare to group 2 (2.25mg/kg Lead only) rats (p<0.05), indicating a possible mitigating effect of the extract against lead induced toxicity in male Wistar rats. Craterispermum schweinfurthi improves appetitive and precopulatory components of sexual behavior like sexual excitement, arousal and libido; indicating intense and sustained sexual activity.