Standardised extract of safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) increases aphrodisiac potential besides being safe in male Wistar rats

Andrologia. 2016 Dec;48(10):1236-1243. doi: 10.1111/and.12567. Epub 2016 Mar 8.

Abstract

The standardised extract of root of safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) was evaluated for its aphrodisiac potential and safety profile on reproductive system. Wistar albino rats were trained to provide sexual experience under a dim red light (10 W) in a glass tank. Male and female rats were placed periodically in the glass tank in a particular order, that is male followed by introduction of the receptive female. Dosing of extract was carried out for 54 days at 125 and 250 mg kg-1 p.o to male rats. On 14th and 28th days, the animals were observed from the cage side for sexual behaviours. Safed musli at both dose levels enhanced sexual vigour and libido which might be useful for treatment of sexual dysfunction in male till 28th day. Safety profile was assessed after 54 days of drug treatment, where both doses showed an increase in sperm count and increase in sperm motility. Thus, it can be stated that both doses possessed the spermatogenic potential, which would be highly beneficial in treating oligospermia or low sperm count. After 54 days of study, there was increase in sperm abnormality (%) at both doses, but not more than 10%, which indicated that this formulation will not induce infertility.

Keywords: Aphrodisiac; oligospermia; safed musli; saponin; spermatogenic.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aphrodisiacs / pharmacology*
  • Asparagaceae*
  • Female
  • Libido / drug effects*
  • Male
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Sexual Behavior, Animal / drug effects*
  • Sperm Count
  • Sperm Motility / drug effects*

Substances

  • Aphrodisiacs
  • Plant Extracts