Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. extract improves sexual performance in diabetic male rats

Sustained hyperglycaemia is considered as a major cause of sexual and erectile dysfunction in human population [1]. Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. is considered as a sexual tonic in Ayurvedic system of medicine with potent antioxidant and adaptogenic properties [2]. The aqueous extract of the herb was evaluated for its effectiveness against streptozotocin induced hyperglycaemic stress and subsequent sexual dysfunction due to hyperglycaemia in male rats. The body and organ weights of the animals were recorded. Behavioural analysis of rats was undertaken to observe the effect on mount, ejaculation, intromission (latencies and frequencies), and hesitation time (p<0.05). This deleterious effect of sustained hyperglycaemia and associated stress was prominently ameliorated in animals treated with aqueous extract of C. orchioides. Hyperglycaemia also resulted in a reduction of the serum testosterone levels, in vivo sperm count, seminal fructose content, and serum testosterone level which was ameliorated by C. orchioides (p<0.05). Antioxidant and anabolic activities of the extract under investigation could be a major attribute in preserving the sexual functions in hyperglycaemic male rats. The study validates the use of C. orchioides in traditional medicine for curing diabetes induced sexual dysfunction and compromised sexual potency [3].