Effects of Capsicum frutescens L. (Siling Labuyo) on the Sexual Behavior of Male Rattus norvegicus (Albino Rats)

Among the traditionally used sex enhancement natural remedies in the Philippines, C. frutescens is popular for its quick onset of action involving its chemical content, capsaicin. However, its use has not been scientifically validated. Aphrodisiac activity of the test substance was evaluated in terms of exhibited sexual behavior. In order to assess the effect of C. frutescens, Mount latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), ejaculation latency (EL), mount frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), ejaculation frequency (EF), and post-ejaculatory interval (PEI) were carried out as the parameters. Sixteen male albino rats were divided into the following groups T0 being the control group and T1, T2, T3 with different concentration of the test substance at 5 %, 10 % and 15 %, respectively. The route of administration for all the groups was oral gavage, which was done once a day for 12 days. The mating behaviour was analyzed with the help of the female rats and was observed for 30 minutes, every four days. The administration of the extract resulted in significant increase in mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculation frequency and ejaculation latency. However, the mount latency, intromission latency and post ejaculation interval were significantly decreased throughout the experimental period. The administration of the varying extract concentrations (5 %, 10 % and 15 %) produced great effects in all the parameters which indicated that the extracts of Capsicum frutescens enhanced the sexual behaviour of male albino rats.