Evaluating the potential of stichopus horrens selenka as a source of aphrodisiac agent on mice

Stichopus horrens Selenka or locally known as ‘gamat emas’ has been reputed to have aphrodisiac property which able to increase sexual desire and help to improve potency. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the potential of S. horrens extract as a source of aphrodisiac agent. Three doses; 50, 100 and 200 mg kg^-1 of S. horrens extract were administered intraperitoneally to male mice for measuring the mounting behavior and mating assessment while 200 mg kg^-1 being administered for serum testosterone analysis. The effect of extract dose between each hour interval showed significant differences (p <0.05) on mounting frequency. Meanwhile, the treated mice show marked evidences in mounting behavior at all doses level although only mild aphrodisiac effect was shown at dose 50 mg kg^-1. Despite this, the extract at doses 100 and 200 mg kg^-1 showed significant difference (p <0.05) compared to negative control. This indicated the potentiality of S. horrens extract to pose aphrodisiac property and be as competence as sildenafil citrate. In addition, there was an increased level of serum testosterone in treated male mice at dose 200 mg kg^-1 compared to negative control. In mating assessment test, no sperm plug was observed on female mice. This study provided a preliminary evidence on the potential of S. horrens as a source of aphrodisiac agent.