Rodent-based aphrodisiac and toxicological evaluations of Waltheria indica ethanol root extract

The root of Waltheria indica is used in Nigeria to enhance libido. This study evaluated the aphrodisiac potential and toxicological profile of ethanol root extract (EEWI) in male Wistar rats.

The aphrodisiac potential was evaluated on the 7th and 14th days of oral administration of graded doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day) of EEWI. Anxiolytic properties were evaluated on the 7th day, while memory retention properties were evaluated on the 14th, 21st, and 28th days. Sperm parameters, toxicological profile, and antioxidant potential were evaluated on the 28th day. The in vitro antioxidant property was also evaluated.

In a dose-dependent manner, the extract increased mounting frequency and intromission frequency but significantly decreased mount and intromission latencies (p<0.001) on the 7th and 14th day of treatment. It prolonged ejaculatory latency.  Anxiolytic and memory studies showed that the extract compared agreed with standards. Toxicologically, it was observed that all the doses used neither caused death nor any gross toxicological symptom.  A significant increase (p<0.05) was observed in the concentrations of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), as well as hematological parameters such as red blood cells and hemoglobin. A significant reduction in total sperm and motile sperm cell counts was observed in rats given the highest dose.

The extract possesses aphrodisiac action and is relatively safe. The antioxidant property may accentuate the aphrodisiac and anti-anemic use in ethnomedicine.