Feed supplementation with Azanza garckeana (goron tula) ripe fruit enhances receptive sexual responses in female albino rats

Abstract

Azanza garckeana (Malvaceae) is one of few plants that are traditionally used as female aphrodisiacs. Despite its high patronage in Nigeria, there is only little scientific data to support its efficacy. This study aims to evaluate the aphrodisiac effect of Azanza garckeana ripe fruit in female albino rats. Thirty-five albino rats (30 females + 5 males) were sorted into five groups (6 females + 1 male)
namely: SS, DS, QS, NC and PC. For four weeks, the SS, DS, and QS groups received feeds supplemented with 74g, 128g, and 256g Azanza garckeana ripped fruit, respectively, the PC group received estradiol 30 mg/kg SC while the NC group received only feed. Receptive sexual behaviors were observed and, at the end of treatment, blood samples were collected for hormone profile assay.
Results revealed the presence of smelling and mounting in DS and QS groups in the second week of treatment; smelling, lordosis, mounting and intromission in SS, DS and QS groups in the third week of treatment; hopping, smelling, lordosis, mounting, intromission in SS, DS and QS groups in the fourth week of treatment. Also, serum estrogen level was significantly increased in rats in the QS
group (p<0.05). Azanza garckeana elicited a dose and time-dependent sexual responses in female albino rats which may be attributable to its ability to elevate serum estrogen level. Thus, the ripe fruit of A. garckeana has the potential to be management option for sexual dysfunction in females and should be subjected to further investigations.