Aqueous Extract of Cyperus esculentus L. (Cyperaceae) Enhances Libido and Spermatogenesis in Male Wistar Rats

doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v2i11.2

Abstract

Poor libido is often influenced by social, biological, and psychological factors. Cyperus esculentus (tiger nut), propagated by rhizome, basal bulb and tuber is used in the middle-east to stimulate libido. Hence, we investigated the influence of C. esculentus aqueous extract on mount frequency and ejaculatory latency and examined spermatogenic and testicular morphometry in male Wistar
rats. Tubers of C. esculentus were prepared and processed, while crushed nuts were soaked in distilled water and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated to dryness using a rotary evaporator and lyophilized. Male rats were selected into groups (I to V; n = 5) and were fed with rat chow and water given ad libitum, while females were introduced much later (one male to a female) in an
attenuated room, 10 minutes after treatment with graded doses (250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, 750 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg) of the extract once daily for 30 days. Animals were monitored by two trained expert observers to determine their sex drive. Spermatogenic (sperm count, motility, morphology, viability, abnormality and pH) and morphometric (Seminiferous tubular diameter, size of interstices and epididymal epithelial thickness) parameters were determined. Mount frequency and ejaculatory latency were significantly reduced in treated rats (P < 0.001). Significant increase in richness of spermatozoa and morphometric parameters of testis and epididymis in treated rats were observed (P < 0.05). Histopathology was consistent with normal tissues. This study provides a rationale for the traditional use of tiger nut tubers against low sex drive in men.