Effect of Aqueous Extract of Phoenix dactylifera Pollen on Dopamine System of Nucleus Accumbens in Male Rats

Abstract

Background: Dopamine has been known to facilitate male sexual function. Methods: The effect of aqueous extract (140 mg/kg) of Phoenix dactylifera date palm pollen on sexual behavior and de-termining of dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbens was studied in male rats using in vivo microdialysis. Results: Releasing of dopamine increased significantly in the nucleus accum-bens when a receptive female was introduced behind a screen (p < 0.001). During copulation, do-pamine increased markedly in control and treated rats. Phoenix dactylifera Date Palm Pollen en-hanced the orientation of males towards females by increasing mounting and ano-genital investi-gatory behavior. Improving of sexual behavior and dopamine release was higher in treated rats in comparison with control (p < 0.001). Conclusion: These results indicate a neurochemical basis for interaction between dopaminergic agents and male sexual behavior. Therefore, Phoenix dactylife-ra Date Palm Pollen seems to act as a dopamine agonist and to cure male infertility. It can be used as an aphrodisiac that leads to further increases in dopamine release.