Nutraceutical Potential of Balanites aegyptiaca L. Delile Fruits (Zygophyllaceae): Safety and Androgenic Property

Abstract

Balanites aegyptiaca is a plant of arid lands producing edible fruits called desert date. This study has undertaken to evaluate nutraceutical potential of Balanites aegyptiaca fruits towards its androgenic effect. The bio-guided phytochemical screening of the mesocarp of B. aegyptiaca fruits revealed the presence of secondary metabolites including saponins, tannins, coumarins, sterols, polyphenols and reducing sugars. The aqueous extract of B. aegyptiaca fruits is devoid of acute oral toxicity, median lethal dose > 5 g/kg/BW. The results have proven that the administration of the B. aegyptiaca fruits aqueous extract was able to enhance testicular function, expressed by the increase in muscle mass, physical strength, testicular total cholesterol, testosterone and fructose, as well as mobility and sperm count rats compared to control group (p<0.05). The mesocarp of B. aegyptiaca fruits has an androgenic activity, and its claimed aphrodisiac virtues depend on it. These results might suggest that mesocarp of the fruits of B. aegyptiaca can be used in the treatment of male sexual dysfunction. Desert dates is nutraceutical with androgenic proprieties.