Reproductive Physiology Unit Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Online published on 15 May, 2012.
Fifteen (15) West African Dwarf Bucks (WAD) of initial weights of 10kg were used in an experimental design to assess the effect of Myristica fragrans extract on the sexual function. They were subcutaneously administered 0. 01, 0. 02, 0. 03ml/kg body weights of Myristica fragrans extract. The control and standard group were given 0. 01ml/kg body weights of normal saline and sildenafil citrate solution, respectively. The study indicated that subcutaneous administration of 0. 01 to 0. 02ml/kg of Myristica fragrans increased sexual drive (libido) in WAD bucks. Animals in Group C, treated with 0. 01ml/kg of Myristica fragrans extract showed signs of active sexual activity (aggressiveness) and mounting on the second day and progressed throughout the period of administration of extract. Thus, the aphrodisiac activity of the extract might be attributed to its nervous stimulating property, and also lends support to the claims for its traditional usage as sexual function enhancing herbal medicine. Phytochemical studies indicate the presence of sterols, phenols, alkaloids and amino acids in the extract. Hence, the sexual function improving effect of the extract might be due to the presence of these compounds.
Myristica fragrans, nutmeg, phytochemicals, West-African Dwarf goats, libido, subcutaneous
