Effect of Azanza Garckeana on Sexual Behaviour and Fertility Potential in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Female Wistar Rats

Abstract

The use of medicinal plants to enhance sexual function has gained increasing attention due to their accessibility, cultural acceptance, and fewer side effects compared to conventional drugs. This study evaluated effect of Azanza garckeana on sexual behaviour and fertility potential in alloxan induced diabetic female wistar rats. sixty adult female rats were randomly divided into six groups of ten animals each: negative control, positive control, standard drug, Azanza garckeana (250 mg/kg) , Azanza garckeana (500 mg/kg ) and Azanza garckeana (1000 mg/kg). A 30 minute observation of sexual behavior of rats in the respective groups was made on 14th day of the treatment using an infrared camera. The female rats were mated at a 1:2 ratio with male rats for the fertility research and a vaginal plug was used to identify the first successful conception. Sexual behaviors, including darting frequency and latency, hopping frequency and latency, and lordosis frequency and latency, were assessed following oral administration of the treatments. The results revealed that alloxan decreased sexual behaviour in the induced group, but the extract improved it by reducing latency and increasing frequencies. The plant's high levels of alkaloids and steroids/triterpenes may contribute to its aphrodisiac properties. Fertility indices in the respective alloxan induced groups were elevated in the AGF treated groups with the low dose having 100 per cent fertility index. These findings suggest potential therapeutic applications of these plants in managing female sexual dysfunction.