Effect of ethanolic seed extract of nelumbo nucifera on male rat sexual behavior

Abstract

The seeds of Nelumbo nucifera have been used as an antifertility agent in traditional medicine since ancient times. However, the effect of ethanolic seed extract ofNelumbo nucifera on male rat sexual behavior has not yet been investigated and the safe use of this plant should be evaluated. Thus, the aim of this present study was therefore to determine the effect of Nelumbo nucifera seed extract on sexual behavior as well as its adverse effects using animal models. Nelumbo nucifera seeds were ethanolic extracted. The suspension of the extract was administered by oral gavage at the dose of 100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg, to different groups of male rats (n = 5) for 21 consecutive days. Preparation of sexually receptive female rats was performed by hormonal treatment. The general mating behavior was investigated and compared with the standard reference drug, sildenafil citrate. The adverse effects of the plant extract were also evaluated by observing at least once daily for any sign of toxicity, water and food intake, stress and changes in behavior. The results indicated that oral administration of Nelumbo nucifera seed extract produced a significant increase in the Mounting Latency and Intromission Latency and caused a significant decrease in the Mounting Frequency, Intromission Frequency and Ejaculatory Frequency in Second Series. The extract at a dose of 1000 mg/kg did not produce treatment-related signs of toxicity or mortality in any of animals during the treatment period. Thus, the resultant significant and sustained decrease in the sexual behavior of male rats without any side-effects suggest that the ethanolic seed extract of Nelumbo nucifera has an antifertility property, which might be due to the suppression of the drug in the testicular androgen levels. The present study supports the traditional use of Nelumbo nucifera seed for fertility regulation in male.