Aphrodisiac activity of aqueous and hexane root extracts of African Laburnum (<i>Cassia sieberiana</i> DC.) in albino rats

The root of Cassia sieberiana is among the medicinal plants used to enhance sexual libido in Northern Nigeria without any scientific proof. This study therefore, was undertaken to evaluate the aphrodisiac activity of aqueous and hexane root extracts of the plant on albino rats. Rats were randomized into eight groups of five each. C. sieberiana extracts at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight were orally administered once daily for 21 days and Sildenafil citrate was used as positive control. Sexual behaviour parameters were monitored and effect of the extracts on serum reproductive hormones and cholesterol were determined using standard procedure. Acute and sub-acute toxicity study was also carried out to determine the effects of the extracts on liver and kidney function indicators. The extracts significantly (P<0.05) increased mount and intromission frequencies but significantly decreased mount and intromission latencies in a dose dependent manner. Only the dose of the extracts at 400mg/kg of the extracts prolonged ejaculatory latency. Hormonal assay shows significantly higher (P<0.05) testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone levels compared to the control. No significant (P<0.05) effect on the concentration of prolactin was observed. Thus, the results of the study suggest that the extract of C. sieberiana exert significant aphrodisiac activity at the administered doses.