Sant. F Mayank Thakur 1, Shilpi Bhargava 1, and V. K. Dixit 1

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr H.S. Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India
Chlorophytum borivilianum Santapau & Fernandes (Liliaceae) is a very popular herb in traditional Indian medicine and constitute a group of herbs used as ‘Rasayan’ or adaptogen. Ethanolic extract of the roots and its sapogenin were evaluated for their immunomodulatory activity. Effect of azathioprine-induced myelosuppresion and administration of extracts on hematological and serological parameters was determined.

Administration of extracts greatly improved survival against Candida albicans infection. An increase in delayed-type hypersensitivity response (DTH), % neutrophil adhesion and in vivo phagocytosis by carbon clearance method was observed after treatment with extracts. Immunostimulant activity of ethanolic extract was more pronounced as compared to sapogenins. The results, thus justifies the traditional use of C. borivilianum as a rasayana drug.

Anti-stress and anti-oxidant effects of roots of Chlorophytum borivilianum (Santa Pau & Fernandes).

Kenjale RD, Shah RK, Sathaye SS.
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mumbai University Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai 400019, India.

The aqueous extract of C. borivilianum (250 mg/kg for 7 days) significantly reverted the elevated levels of plasma glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and serum corticosterone and also reduced the ulcer index, adrenal gland weight more as effectively as the standard drug (diazepam) in rats. At 125 mg/kg po, it showed a mild anti-stress activity. Under in vitro 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH*) free radical scavenging assay and lipid peroxidation assay the extract considerably inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the levels of DPPH* free radicals and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, respectively thus showing significant antioxidant property. The results suggested that it could be used for the treatment of oxidative stress-induced disorders.

A Comparative Study on Aphrodisiac Activity of Some Ayurvedic Herbs in Male Albino Rats.

Thakur M, Chauhan NS, Bhargava S, Dixit VK.
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. H. S. Gour University, Sagar, MP, 470003, India.

The roots of Asparagus racemosus, Chlorophytum borivilianum, and rhizomes of Curculigo orchioides are popular for their aphrodisiac and immunostimulatory properties. The herbs have been traditionally used as Vajikaran Rasayana herbs because of their putative positive influence on sexual performance in humans. Lyophilized aqueous extracts obtained from the roots of A. racemosus, C. borivilianum, and rhizomes of C. orchioides were studied for sexual behavior effects in male albino rats and compared with untreated control group animals (total N = 60). The rats were evaluated for effect of treatments on anabolic effect. Seven measures of sexual behavior were evaluated.

Administration of 200 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extracts had pronounced anabolic effect in treated animals as evidenced by weight gains in the body and reproductive organs. There was a significant variation in the sexual behavior of animals as reflected by reduction of mount latency, ejaculation latency, post ejaculatory latency, intromission latency, and an increase of mount frequency.

Penile erection (indicated by Penile Erection Index) was also considerably enhanced. Reduced hesitation time (an indicator of attraction towards female in treated rats) also indicated an improvement in sexual behavior of extract treated animals. The observed effects appear to be attributable to the testosterone-like effects of the extracts. Nitric oxide based intervention may also be involved as observable from the improved penile erection. The present results, therefore, support the folklore claim for the usefulness of these herbs and provide a scientific basis for their purported traditional usage.

Effects of Chlorophytum borivilianum on sexual behaviour and sperm count in male rats.

Kenjale R, Shah R, Sathaye S.
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mumbai University Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai 400019, India.

This study was designed to evaluate the aphrodisiac and spermatogenic potential of the aqueous extract of dried roots of Chlorophytum borivilianum (CB) in rats. Male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. Rats were orally treated with (1) Control group: distilled water; (2) CB 125 mg/kg/day; (3) CB 250 mg/kg/day; and (4) Viagra((R)) group: 4 mg/kg/day sildenafil citrate and their sexual behaviour was monitored 3 h later using a receptive female. Their sexual behaviour was evaluated on days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 of treatment by pairing with a pro-oestrous female rat. For sperm count the treatment was continued further in all groups except the Viagra((R)) group for 60 days. At 125 mg/kg, CB had a marked aphrodisiac action, increased libido, sexual vigor and sexual arousal.

Similarly, at the higher dose (250 mg/kg) all the parameters of sexual behaviour were enhanced, but showed a saturation effect after day 14. On day 60 the sperm count increased significantly in both the CB groups, 125 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg, in a dose dependent manner. Thus, roots of Chlorophytum borivilianum can be useful in the treatment of certain forms of sexual inadequacies, such as premature ejaculation and oligospermia.

Mayank Thakur, Doctor H.S. Gour University, Sagar (M.P.)

Renate Loeppert
University for Natural and Applied Life Sciences Werner Praznik, University for Natural and Applied Life Sciences V K. Dixit, Doctor H.S. Gour University, Sagar (M.P.)

Modern society is phased with a number of environmental and social stressors which may lead to one form of sexual dysfunction or the other. Global warming and exposure to heat is one such phenomenon. A study was conducted to determine the testicular damage in male rats following exposure to high temperatures and the preventive effect of some of Ayurvedic herbs known for their sexual health benefits (Vajikaran) against heat induced testicular damage.

Scrotal sacs of male rats were subjected to a 15 min exposure by dipping in water bath maintained at 40± 2 deg C daily for 14 days. The histo-architecture and the overall spermatogenesis profile was considerably prevented in rats treated with lyophilized aqueous extracts of Asparagus racemosus Willd., Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant. F., Curculigo orchioides Gaertn., Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Don) Soo and Orchis latifolia Linn.(200 mg/Kg b. w.) as compared to control group animals which were administered vehicle only. The differently treated groups were also subjected to evaluation of sexual behavior.

The treatment with extracts results in significant amelioration of sexual behavior and the mount, intromission and ejaculatory latencies were significantly reduced while the frequencies for the same parameter were significantly restored in rats exposed to heat and treated with extracts as compared to heat exposed control group alone. Epididymal sperm count was reduced significantly in heat treated control group animals, whereas the extracts significantly prevented the decrease in sperm count in rats as compared to positive control group, exposed to heat. The results are therefore clear indication of the possible role of these herbs in protecting the genital organs against physical stresses viz. heat.