Aphrodisiac and spermatogenic potential of alkaloidal fraction of Argyreia nervosa (Burm. f.) Bojer roots in male rats.

Roots of Argyreia nervosa (Burm. f.) Bojer are used as aphrodisiac and spermatogenic in the treatment of male infertility. The present studies included in vivo assessment of alkaloidal fraction in male rats on testosterone synthesis in leydig cells. Studies included oral administration of doses of alkaloidal fraction (10, 25 and 50 mg/kg) to rats. Results showed 100% and 146.7% increment in serum testosterone and serum cholesterol at 50 mg/kg dose level, respectively. At the same dose, 135.29% increase in mounting frequency and 357.14% increase in intromission frequency were also observed. Moreover, mount latency and intromission latency were reduced by 32% and 15.88%. Also, there was significant increase in the weight of testes, prostate, seminal vesicle and epididymis. There was 30.26% rise in sperm concentration in treated animals. We conclude that the alkaloidal fraction up-regulated testosterone biosynthesis in leydig cells and it could be responsible for the aphrodisiac and spermatogenic effect.