Effects of a Stem-Bark Aqueous Extract of Massularia accuminata (Rubiaceae) on the Sexual Activity of Hyperlipidemia-Induced Sexually Impaired Albino Male Rats
The stem-bark of Massularia accuminata (RUBIACEAE) is used in Eyumojock Sub-division of
Cameroon to improve on strength and energy during sexual activity. Its aphrodisiac properties have
earlier been reported. The traditional meal of this same people called "nfoh or eru" comprises about
15%palm oil which is likely to provoke hyperlipidemia and subsequently sexual impairment. The
present study was aimed at inducing hyperlipidemia in young male rats and evaluating the pro-sexual
effects of the aqueous extract of the stem-bark of this plant. Nine-weeks feeding of 6 weeks old male
albino rats with a high lipid diet (HLD) (15% Palm oil) resulted in hyperlipidemia, compared to
their control counterparts. Subsequent evaluation of their sexual activity also revealed a significant
decrease in sexual desire, disorders of ejaculation, as well as a drop in sexual potentiality. They were
partitioned into 5 groups of 7 rats each and treated as follows: Group 1(Control 1): normal diet only;
Group 2 (Control 2): HLD only; Group 3(Control 3): high lipid diet + distilled water (SI+DW); Group
4(Control 4): high lipid diet +Viagra (SI+Viagra); Group 5(Experimental1): high lipid diet + M. a 100
(SI+Ma100); Group 6 (Experimental 2): high lipid diet +Ma 500 (SI+Ma500). Animals treated with
the aqueous extract of the stem-bark of M. accuminata showed improved sexual activity and decreased
hyperlipidemia. The aqueous extract of the stem-bark of M. accumunata has the potential to remedy
hyperlipidemia-induced male sexual deficiencies either through antioxidant mechanisms or androgen/
neurotransmitter syntheses thanks to its phyotocompounds including sterols, polyterpenoids, flavonoids,
saponins, tannins and alkaloids.
