EVALUATION OF APHRODISIAC POTENTIALS OF IPOMEA BATATAS IN MALE WISTAR RATS
*Ologhaguo Macstephen Adienbo and Joyce Oluwadare Olorunfemi
ABSTRACT
Background: There is an increasing global concern about decline in various male reproductive function parameters in humans. Also, studies have documented the aphrodisiac potentials of various plant products. Ipomea batatas, the world’s sixth largest food crop, is widely cultivated and consumed throughout the world. Yet, its effects on male sexual behavior has not been evaluated, which is the aim of this study. Study design: Fourteen adult male Wister albino rats were used for the study. They were divided into two groups of 7 animals each: Group A (control) was daily fed with 200g of animal feed while Group B (Test) daily fed with 120g of the animal feed thoroughly mixed with 80g of sweet potato particles, for a period of 60 days. The male rats were evaluated for sexual behavior on day 60; while on day 61 six animals from each group were sacrificed, blood collected from each animal and serum testosterone evaluated. Results: The results show significant increase in Mounting Frequency (P<0.01), Intromission Frequency (P<0.01), Ejaculatory Frequency (P<0.01), and in serum testosterone (p<0.05) in the test animals; with a decrease in the Mounting Latency (P>0.05), Intromission Latency (P<0.05), Ejaculation Latency (p<0.01) and Post Ejaculatory Interval (p<0.01), when compared to the control group animals. Conclusion: This study has revealed the aphrodisiac potentials of ipomea batatas as evidenced by its enhancement of sexual motivation, libido and potency in male wistar rats through stimulation of testosterone secretion.
Keywords: Aphrodisiac, Sexual behavior, Ipomea batatas, Testosterone.
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