Emeka G Anyanwu, Vivian O Atuadu, Anthony A Egwuatu, Christian E MBAH, Chiadikaobi L Ozoemena and Emmanuel A ESOM

Background: Female sexual disorder is rarely considered, even thou females experience sexual dysfunction more than males.

Aim: Hence, this work was aimed at evaluating the effect of Citrullus lanatus ethanolic rind extract (CERE) on structures of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, hormones and sexual behaviour of adult female Wistar rats.

Methods: Female Wistar rats of 10 weeks’ old were randomized into 4 groups (n=7). Groups I-III received oral saline (1 mL/kg), CERE (500 and 1000 mg/kg) daily for 14 days. Group VI received weekly hormonal treatment. Thereafter sexual behavioural test with sexually experienced male rats in unilevel pacing chamber was conducted. Female sexual behavioural parameters were scored. Blood was collected for hormonal assay. The animals were euthanized, thereafter ovaries, uterus, and hypothalamus were harvested for histological examination.

Results: CERE enhanced libido by increasing significantly (P<0.05) solicitation, hops and darts, time spent in the male compartment with corresponding decrease in the time spent in the female compartment relative to control group. Hormonal assay revealed significant increase in serum Luteinizing and Follicle Stimulating Hormone levels of CERE treated rats. Histological findings showed improved histo-architecture of the uterine, ovarian and hypothalamic sections.

Conclusion: CERE has aphrodisiac properties, therefore may be used for the treatment of women with hypoactive sexual desire.

DOI: 10.22271/phyto.2021.v10.i4a.14182

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