Rodent-based aphrodisiac and toxicological evaluations of Waltheria indica ethanol root extract

Abstract Background: The root of Waltheria indica is used in Nigeria to enhance libido. This study evaluated the aphrodisiac potential and toxicological profile of ethanol root extract (EEWI) in male Wistar rats. Methods: The aphrodisiac potential was evaluated on the 7th and 14th days of oral administration of graded doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day) of EEWI. Anxiolytic properties were evaluated on the 7th day, while memory retention properties were evaluated on the 14th, 21st, and 28th days. Sperm parameters, toxicological profile, and antioxidant potential were evaluated on the 28th day. The in vitro antioxidant property was also evaluated. Results: In a dose-dependent manner, the extract increased mounting frequency and intromission frequency but significantly decreased mount and intromission latencies (p