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Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Garcinia kola on Sex Hormones of Adult Male Wistar Rats


Authors : Ikechi Chukwudi Mbaeri; John Chukwuebuka Abraham; Edwin Ojims Ewunonu; Linda Nwanneka Ebube; Albert Nkereuwem Eteudo; Michael Arinze Epete; Okpara Samuel Eze; Clinton Ogbonnaya Njoku; Chika Emeka Igwe

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 9 - September


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3zvha8jz

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26sep161

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : Background: Sexual dysfunction is one of the major factors associated with marital failure and poor quality of life. One of the most commonly used herbs in traditional medicine is Garcinia kola, also known as bitter kola, which is said to have aphrodisiac properties. Garcinia kola, also known as bitter kola, is one of the herbs widely used in traditional medicine with controversial effects. The objective of the present study was to examine the effects of ethanolic extract of seeds of Garcinia kola on sexual behavior, hypothalamic – pituitary – gonadal axis and reproductive morphology in adult Wistar rats.  Methods: Prospective experimental study was done with 70 rats of Wistar strain (35 females and 35 males) were divided into treatment and control groups. Seed extract doses ranged from 200 to 600 mg/kg and sildenafil and estrogen/progesterone were used as standard controls. Phytochemical Screening, LD₅₀ determination, hormonal assays (LH, FSH, testosterone), sexual behavior tests (copulatory arenas and pacing chambers), and histological examination of the gonads and hypothalamus were performed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse data.

Keywords : Garcinia kola, Aphrodisiac, Sexual Dysfunction, Wistar Rats, Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis, Reproductive Behavior.

References :

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Background: Sexual dysfunction is one of the major factors associated with marital failure and poor quality of life. One of the most commonly used herbs in traditional medicine is Garcinia kola, also known as bitter kola, which is said to have aphrodisiac properties. Garcinia kola, also known as bitter kola, is one of the herbs widely used in traditional medicine with controversial effects. The objective of the present study was to examine the effects of ethanolic extract of seeds of Garcinia kola on sexual behavior, hypothalamic – pituitary – gonadal axis and reproductive morphology in adult Wistar rats.  Methods: Prospective experimental study was done with 70 rats of Wistar strain (35 females and 35 males) were divided into treatment and control groups. Seed extract doses ranged from 200 to 600 mg/kg and sildenafil and estrogen/progesterone were used as standard controls. Phytochemical Screening, LD₅₀ determination, hormonal assays (LH, FSH, testosterone), sexual behavior tests (copulatory arenas and pacing chambers), and histological examination of the gonads and hypothalamus were performed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse data.

Keywords : Garcinia kola, Aphrodisiac, Sexual Dysfunction, Wistar Rats, Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis, Reproductive Behavior.

Paper Submission Last Date
30 - September - 2026

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