Abstract

Aim:The effects of aqueous extract of Cnestis ferruginea (Vahl ex DC) root on some function indices and histology of the liver and kidney of sexually impaired male rats were evaluated.

Materials and methods: Male rats (156.24 ± 3.22 g) were randomized into six groups (A-F) of five animals each. Rats in group A (negative control) received orally 0.5 ml of distilled water while animals in groups B, C, D, E and F were induced with sexual dysfunction (p.o 10 mg/kg of paroxetine hydrochloride suspension in Tween-80) and in addition received orally 0.5 ml each of distilled water and same volume corresponding to 7.14 mg/kg body weight of PowmaxM (reference herbal drug) and 13, 26 and 52 mg/kg body weight of the extract once, for five days.

Results: The extract and PowmaxM significantly (P0.05) altered. There were dose specific alterations on liver ACP activity. The decrease in the activity of liver AST was accompanied by corresponding increase in the serum enzyme. There was no treatment related histo-architectural changes in the organs of the animals.

Conclusion: Overall, the extract aggravated (by synergism) the functional toxicity in the animal with no corresponding structural toxicity and therefore not completely ‘safe’ as an oral remedy for sexual inadequacies in male rats.

Key words: Cnestis ferruginea, connaraceae, functional toxicity, structural toxicity, synergism, antagonsim