RESUMO
Hunteria umbellata has been reported useful in managing the male sexual related disorder, but there is a dearth of information on its possible mechanism of action. Hence, this study was designed to investigate the effect of H. umbellata on some sexual behavior parameters in male rats, in order to ascertain its acclaimed aphrodisiac property. Twenty-four male rats were divided into four groups (n = 6). The extract (50 and 100 mg/kg body weight/day) and sildenafil citrate (5 mg/kg body weight) were administered orally by gavages for 28 days. Some sexual behavior parameters (mounting number, mounting latency, intromission number, and intromission latency), and some anxiety behavioral tests (dark-light box test and open field test) were monitored. In addition, the effect of the extract on arginase activity, nitric oxide and antioxidant level in male rats was assessed. Results revealed that administration of H. umbellata extract increases the mounting number, intromission number, time spent at the light compartment, nitric oxide and antioxidant level when compared with animals in the control group. Conversely, administration of H. umbellata caused a significant decrease in mounting latency, intromission latency, and arginase activity. Findings in this study revealed that H. umbellata improves sexual behavior parameters in male rats, and the results indicate that aphrodisiac effect of H. umbellata, identified by its effect on nitric oxide level and arginase activity, may play an important role in initiating and maintaining an erection.