Aphrodisiac potential of Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth. stem extract on mating behaviors in immobilization-induced stress male rats

This study aimed to investigate the aphrodisiac potential effects of Derris scandens (Roxb.)Benth.stem extract (DE) on the mating behaviors in immobilization-induced stress male rats.Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups: Normal control, Stressed control, Stressed rats that received DE 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg/day for 14 days, and Stressed rats that received sildenafil citrate 5 mg/kg/day.The rats were exposed to immobilization for 6 h per day for 14 days to induce stress.Mating behaviors were studied on Day 0 and Day 14.On Day 15, blood was collected by heart puncture for testosterone and cortisol level evaluation, and sperm was collected from both sides of the caudal epididymis and vas deferens.Neurotransmitter levels extracted from the brain were measured by HPLC-ECD analysis.Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was evaluated using SOD Assay Kit.The results showed that the administration of DE significantly motivated the mating behaviors by reducing the mount latency and intromission latency and increasing the intromission number.The increases in sperm count and SOD activity were only observed in the stressed rats treated with DE 400 mg/kg.The stressed rats that received 800 mg/kg of DE showed a significant increase in dopamine levels and a decrease in norepinephrine levels.Our studies provide experimental evidence that 400 and 800 mg/kg DE can be effective in improving male rat sexual performance.