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Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies 1/2003

Open Access 01-12-2003 | Research article

Aphrodisiac activity of 50% ethanolic extracts of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg) and Syzygium aromaticum (L) Merr. & Perry. (clove) in male mice: a comparative study

Authors: Tajuddin, Shamshad Ahmad, Abdul Latif, Iqbal Ahmad Qasmi

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2003

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Abstract

Background

Spices are considered as sexual invigorators in the Unani System of Medicine. In order to explore the sexual function improving effect of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg) and Syzygium aromaticum (L) Merr. & Perry. (clove) an experimental study was conducted in normal male mice.

Methods

The extracts (50% ethanolic) of nutmeg and clove were administered (500 mg/kg; p.o.) to different groups of male Swiss mice. Mounting behaviour, mating performance, and general short term toxicity of the test drugs were determined and compared with the standard drug Penegra (Sildenafil citrate).

Results

The extracts of the nutmeg and clove were found to stimulate the mounting behaviour of male mice, and also to significantly increase their mating performance. The drugs were devoid of any conspicuous general short term toxicity.

Conclusion

The extracts (50% ethanolic) of nutmeg and clove enhanced the sexual behaviour of male mice.
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Metadata
Title
Aphrodisiac activity of 50% ethanolic extracts of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg) and Syzygium aromaticum (L) Merr. & Perry. (clove) in male mice: a comparative study
Authors
Tajuddin
Shamshad Ahmad
Abdul Latif
Iqbal Ahmad Qasmi
Publication date
01-12-2003
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2003
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-3-6

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