Effect of Asparagus racemosus on sexual dysfunction in hyperglycemic male rats

Abstract

Vajikaran rasayana (aphrodisiac) herbs of the Ayurvedic system of medicine have been advocated for improving failing sexual function in males (Thakur and Dixit, 2008). Diabetes mellitus is a major cause of male reproductive function, possibly due to an increased oxidative stress. Fructans and fructoligosaccharides (FOS), which are also considered as functional food components, have been reported to produce a beneficial effect against oxidative stress. The aqueous extract of the roots of Asparagus racemosus Willd. (Liliaceae) rich in 2→1 type FOS were evaluated for their efficacy against streptozotocin and alloxan induced diabetes leading to sexual dysfunction in rats. The behavioral analysis of rats was undertaken to observe the effect on mount, ejaculation and intromission latencies as well as frequencies, hesitation time and copulatory rate. It was observed that streptozotocin as well as alloxan induced hyperglycemic rats showed an overall reduced sexual performance. The deleterious effect was significantly ameliorated in animals treated with polysaccharide-rich fraction of A. racemosus. The study validates the traditional claim of using A. racemosus as an aphrodisiac herb for treating sexual dysfunction in males. © 2009 Informa UK Ltd.