SALVIA HAEMATODES RED

Description

The effect of an ethanolic extract of Salvia haematodes roots was studied on the sexual behaviour of male rats. This study was aimed to investigate the dose‐dependent effects of Salvia haematodes Wall roots (SHW) extract on male reproductive function and copulatory behaviour in rats. Sexually mature males In the initial experiments, male sexual responses were assessed by recording penile erection, licking and grooming of genitals and copulatory movement in absence of females. In the second set, copulatory behaviour was observed by caging males with a receptive female brought into estrus with s.c. injection of estradiol benzoate and progesterone. The frequencies of mounting and intromission and latency of the ejaculation were recorded. The results show that the extract (500 mgkg, orally) produced a significant increase in episodes of penile erection. The drug was found to enhance the orientation of males towards the female by increased anogenital investigatory behaviour and enhanced licking and grooming of the genitals. The extract also increased the ejaculation latency. These findings support the folk use of this plant as aphrodisiac and for the treatment of premature  in treated compared with control rats. It also produced dose‐dependant changes in sexual behaviour. The 5 mg kg⁻¹ dose of extract increased MF and PE, whereas 50 and 300 kg⁻¹ doses caused significant