Effect of aqueous extract of the aerial parts of <i>Caralluma dalzielii</i> N. E. Brown on the testosterone levels of male Wistar rats

Abstract

The aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Caralluma dalzielii (family Asclepiadaceae) has been used traditionally for the treatment of many ailments including infertility, convulsion, stomach problems and as aphrodisiac. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the extract on testosterone level in male Wistar rats. Male Wistar rats were allotted into four groups of five rats each. Three doses of the extract (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg) and one distilled water control group were used for the assessment. The administration was done orally in all groups for 28 days. On the 29^th day, blood samples were withdrawn via cardiac puncture for testosterone level assay. The testes were excised and fixed in Bouin’s solution for histopathological study. There was a significant (p<0.001 at 300 mg/g and p<0.05 at 150 and 600 mg/kg) rise in testosterone level among the test groups compared to the control. Histopathological examination showed no distortion in the testicular tissues. In conclusion, the extract of Caralluma dalzielii caused an increase in testosterone level which may be responsible for its use as an aphrodisiac in the traditional setting.

Keywords:  Caralluma dalzielii, testosterone, testis, Wistar rats, aphrodisiac