Aphrodisiac potentials of the aqueous extract of Hibiscus asper Hook. f. leaves (Malvaceae) in male Wistar rats

Introduction: In general medicine, male sexual dysfunction is a major source of worry and consultation. Finding alternative substances like plants to regulate these disturbances is motivated by the side effects of standard aphrodisiac medicines. In the current investigation, male rats were used to test the aphrodisiac effects of an aqueous extract of Hibiscus asper leaves. Methodology: Aphrodisiac effect of the extract was evaluated following a single daily administration of Hibiscus asper at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg respectively. Sexual behavioural parameters such as mounting and intromission frequencies, mounting, intromission and ejaculatory latencies, sexual motivation were monitored on days 1, 4 and 8. At the end of the experiment, the grapping test was assessed, after which the animals were sacrificed and blood collected for the evaluation of cholesterol, fructose, proteins, acid phosphatase, testosterone, and other androgen-dependent enzymes. Some androgen-dependent organs, such as the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle, prostate, and levator ani muscle, were also removed for biochemical and histological analysis. Results: The administration of the aqueous extract of H. asper leaves had a significant impact on sexual behaviour, increasing mounting frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), and ejaculatory latency (EL), and reducing mounting latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), and post-ejaculatory interval (PEI). There was also an enhancement in orientational activities, libido, arousal and potency. Cholesterol, acid phosphatase, vesicular fructose, proteins, nitric oxide and testosterone levels were all significantly increased in treated animals. Conclusion: These findings support the traditional use of H. asper leaves to enhance male sexual behavior by demonstrating the aphrodisiac potential of these plants.