Aphrodisiac and phytochemical studies of Cocculus hirsutus extracts in albino rats

Objective: To investigate the in vivo aphrodisiac activity of various extracts obtained from aerial parts Cocculus hirsutus (C. hirsutus). Methods: We evaluated whether oral administration of C. hirsutus has spermatogenic activity in male rats. Petroleum ether, chloroform and alcohol extract of aerial parts (stem and leaf) of C. hirsutus were administered at the dose level of 25 mg/100 g body weight to adult male albino rats for 30 days. Results: The above said extracts have stimulated the spermatogenic activity and accessory reproductive organs performance in albino rats. Out of the three extracts administered, alcohol extract showed highly stimulant spermatogenic effects in mature male albino rats. Alcohol extract showed potent androgenic activity when treated in immature Albino rats. Males treated with the extract displayed more frequent and vigorous anogenital sniffing and mounting as compared to untreated animals. The increased spermatogenesis in extract treated groups was confirmed by change in histoarchitecture as evidenced by increase in number of spermatogonia, spermatocyte, spermatids and caudal spermatozoa. After subjecting to preliminary phytochemical screening, the alcohol extract showed positive tests for steroids, saponins, oils and fats, phenolic compounds and tannins. Conclusion: C. hirsutus exhibited remarkable increase in spermatogenic activity. These findings support the folk use of this plant as an aphrodisiac