Saudi Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SJMPS)
Volume-4 | Issue-08 | 993-1001
Original Research Article
Acute Toxicity and Aphrodisiac Activity of the Aqueous Extract of the Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer Rhizomes (Zngiberaceae) In Albino and Normal Male Rats of the Wistar Strain
Etame Loe Gisèle, Dibong Siegfried Didier, Amougou Mackenzie Bénédicte Aimée, Sikadeu Sandrine, Talla Clovis, Tankeu Séverin Elisée, Yinyang Jacques, Ngene Jean Pierre, Ngoule Charles Christian, Kidik Pouka Cathérine, Nnanga Nga Emmanuel
Published : Aug. 30, 2018
Abstract
The objective of the study was to evaluate the aphrodisiac property of the aqueous extract of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer rhizomes (Zngiberaceae) in albino and normal male rats of the Wistar strain. Colorimetric and precipitation methods were used to highlight secondary metabolites of the plant. The acute toxicity test was conducted according to OCDE guideline 423. Four lots of 6 animals were used to evaluate the aphrodisiac property of P. africana. The positive control received sildenafil citrate (5 mg/Kg) and the negative control, distilled water. The test lots received the extract at 500 and 2000 mg/Kg for 8 days. The copulatory parameters were observed on days 1, 4 and 8. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of ginsenosids, alkaloids, tannins, saponosides and tri terpenes in the extract. No changes in the general appearance of the rats and no mortality were recorded during the toxicity test, highlighting that P. africana is non-toxic. The extract significantly increased the sex parameters of the tested rats. This aphrodisiac effect of P. africana attributed to identify secondary metabolites justifies its use in traditional medicine as a sexual stimulant.