Effects of Terminalia catappa seeds on sexual behaviour and fertility of male rats

Aim: To evaluate the aphrodisiac potential of Terminalia catappa Linn. seed s using a suspension of its kernel (SS) in 1% methyl cellulose in rats. Met hods: Male rats were orally treated with 1500 mg/kg or 3000 mg/kg SS or veh icle, and their sexual behaviour was monitored 3 h later using a receptive female. Another group of rats was orally treated with either 3000 mg/kg SS or vehicle for 7 consecutive days. Their sexual behaviour and fertility wer e evaluated on days 1, 4 and 7 of treatment and day 7 post-treatment by pai ring overnight with a pro-oestrous female. Results: The 1500 mg/kg dose, ha d a marked aphrodisiac action (prolongation of ejaculation latency) but no effect on libido (% mounting, % intromission and % ejaculation), sexual vig our (mounting-and-intromission frequency), or sexual performance (intercopu latory interval). In contrast, the higher dose (3000 mg/kg) reversibly inhi bited all the parameters of sexual behaviour other than mounting-and-introm ission frequency and copulatory efficiency. The effects of high dose SS wer e not due to general toxicity, liver toxicity, haemotoxicity, stress, muscl e deficiency, muscle incoordination, analgesia, hypoglycaemia or reduction in blood testosterone level. They were due to marked sedation. Conclusion: The kernel of T. catappa seeds has aphrodisiac activity and may be useful i n the treatment of certain forms of sexual inadequacies, such as premature ejaculation.