Effects of ethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens on sexual behaviour of normal male rats

The seeds of Mucuna pruriens (Ma Mui, MM) have been used in Thai medicine since ancient times for the treatment of male sexual disorders. The present study is aimed to investigate the effect of an ethanolic extract of MM on general mating behaviour, libido, and potency along with its adverse effects on sexually normal male rats. The suspension of the extract was administered orally at doses of 8, 48, 100, and 200mg/kg, to different groups of male rats (n=5) once a day for twenty-one days. The female rats involved in mating were made receptive by hormonal treatment. The general mating behaviour, libido and potency were determined. The adverse effects of the extract were also evaluated by observing the animals at least once daily for any overt sign of toxicity, food and water intake, stress and changes in behaviour. Oral administration of the extract significantly increased the mounting frequency, intromission frequency, and ejaculatory latency and caused significant reduction in the mounting latency and intromission latency. The most appreciable effect of the extract was observed at the dose of 200mg/kg. The extract was also found to be devoid of any adverse effects. The results indicated that the ethanolic extract of MM produced a significant and sustained increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats, without any adverse effects. Thus, the resultant aphrodisiac effectivity of the extract lends support to the claims for its traditional usage in sexual disorders.