The dose-dependent effects of Asparagus adscendens roots (AARR) extract on the anabolic, reproductive and sexual behavioral activity in rats

Abstract

Context: Asparagus adscendens Roxb (Liliaceae) has a promising role in modulation of various disorders such as leucorrhea, diarrhea, dysentery, diabetes, senile pruritus, asthma, fatigue antifilarial, antifungal, spermatorrhea, and sexual debility/seminal weakness. Objective: To investigate dose-dependent effects of AARR extract on anabolic, reproductive, and sexual behavioral activities with a view to emphasize pharmacological basis. Materials and methods: Rats were divided into five groups: Gr. I (Control), Gr. II- IV (AARR- treated, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight, respectively, orally for 30 days) and Gr. V (Standard Control- treated with sildenafil citrate, 5 mg/kg body weight). On day 31, copulatory and potency tests were carried out and autopsy was done to study reproductive function viz. organ weights, spermatogenesis, daily sperm production rate (DSP) and epididymal sperm count (ESC). Results: AARR extract (200 and 300 mg/kg doses) caused significant increase in body (p<0.02 and p<0.001) and testes (p<0.01 and p<0.001, Control vs. treated) weights. Reproductive activity showed significant increase in testicular tubular diameter (p<0.005-0.001), number of round/elongated spermatids (p<0.02-0.001), DSP and ESC (p<0.05-0.001). The sexual behavioral parameters including mounting/intromission frequency (13.0±0.32/11.8±0.37 and 18.2±2.12/14.8±1.15 vs. 11.2±0.66/8.2±1.16), ejaculation latency (187.4±1.91 and 191.4±1.72 vs. 180.0±3.47) and penile erections (13.5±0.3 and 14.5±0.5 vs. 8.5±0.2) showed significant increase at 200 and 300 mg/kg doses (ED50 300 mg/kg), but less than Standard control. In contrast, 100 mg/kg dose caused increase (p<0.005) in mounting latency only. Conclusion: Results indicate increased anabolic, reproductive and sexual activities by AARR-treatment. Thus, provides scientific rationale for its traditional use as aphrodisiac/for sexual disorders.