Influence of Griffonia simplicifolia on male sexual behavior in rats: Behavioral and neurochemical study |
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Authors: | G CarnevaleV Di Viesti M ZavattiA Benelli P Zanoli |
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Institution: | a Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, I-41100 Modena, Italy b Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Del Pozzo 71, 41100 Modena, Italy |
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Abstract: | The seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia Baill. are rich in 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), a direct precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin. In the present study we investigated the influence of the plant extract on male sexual behavior. The seed extract was orally administered to Sprague-Dawley male rats at three dose levels (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) both acutely and subchronically (daily for 9 days). Mating test with receptive female rats was performed 60 min after the acute treatment or the last dose when repetitively administered. Mount, intromission and ejaculation latencies and post-ejaculatory interval were recorded. Food intake and body weight were measured over the 9-day period of treatment. Microdialysis technique was used to detect the extracellular levels of serotonin (5-HT) and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in rat brain following the acute administration of the extract dosed at 100 mg/kg. The acute treatment significantly increased mount latency (at any dosage), intromission and ejaculation latencies (at 100 mg/kg) and post-ejaculatory interval (at 50 and 100 mg/kg). On the contrary the subchronic treatment failed to exert a significant influence on copulatory behavior. The daily administration of the extract dosed at 50 and 100 mg/kg for 9 days significantly reduced food intake and body weight. Finally in the microdialysis experiments we found a dramatic increase in 5-HT and its metabolite 5-HIAA. |
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Keywords: | Griffonia simplicifolia Male rat Sexual behavior Body weight Serotonin 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid |
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