JOURNAL OF MEN’S HEALTH

Volume 10, Number 2, 2013

ª Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jomh.2012.07.003

Aphrodisiac Effect of Areca catechu L.

and Pedalium murex in Rats

Reena R. Nelson Anthikat, PhD,1 Antonysamy Micheal, PhD,1 and Savarimuthu Ignacimuthu, DSc2

Abstract

Background: Areca catechu L. (Areca nut) has been of value in the management of male sexual disorders. The
present study was undertaken to evaluate the aphrodisiac effect of A. catechu along with another plant, Pedalium
murex L., which is used in herbal aphrodisiac formulations.
Methods: Three month old overiectomized female rats weighing 175–250 g were divided into four groups of six
animals each. Three month old male rats weighing 200–350 g were also selected for this study. The males were
also divided into four groups of six animals. The general mating behavior, libido and potency, were studied and
compared with the standard reference testosterone group.
Results: Oral administration of the extract at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight produced significant augmen-
tation of sexual activity in male rats. It significantly increased the mounting frequency, intromission frequency,
intromission latency and caused significant reduction in the mounting latency and post-ejaculatory interval. The
extract was also observed to be devoid of any adverse effects.
Conclusion: There was a sustained increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats without any conspicuous
adverse effects indicating that A. catechu possesses aphrodisiac activity. The present study thus provides a
scientific rationale for the traditional use of Areca nut in the management of male sexual disorders.

Key words: aphrodisiac; Areca catechu; mating behavior; Pedalium murex; sexual behavior; sperm count

Introduction Mounting frequency and mating performance are generally

used as markers for sexual function in rats.7 Based on our

A reca nuts are the seeds of Areca catechu L. (Family

Palmae), a feather palm, 15–17 m high, which is culti-
vated in Sri Lanka, the Malay states, South China, East of
India, Phillippine Islands and parts of East Africa, including
Zanzibar and Tanzania.1 Phytochemical studies have indi-
cated that the most important constituent in areca nut is an
alkaloid belonging to the pyridine group. Polyphenols from
ripe areca nuts contain predominantly polymer leucocyani-
dins as well as small amounts of ( + )- catechin, leucope-
largonidin and leucocyanidin. Areca nuts are commonly
ingested by chewing them wrapped in betel leaves. Phyto-
chemical investigations of betel leaves have shown that they
contain a large amount of tannins.2 The Areca nut has also
been reported to have a number of useful properties, includ-
ing an antioxidant property.3 It has also been reported as
being useful as an antimicrobial agent4 and as having hy-
poglycaemic activity.5,6 Pedalium murex L. (Family Pedaliacea)
is a succulent herb. It grows in the Deccan peninsula, Sri
Lanka. It is a potent aphrodisiac.
previous studies, the alcoholic extract of A. catechu was sub-
jected to a detailed screening for sexual activity using various
groups of sexually receptive female wistar rats and males
with brisk sexual activity. The doses used in this study were
selected according to Freirich,8 multiplying the Unani clinical
doses by a conversion factor of 7.
Materials and Methods
Plant material
Dried, soft, tender Areca nuts were procured from different
houses across the beach areas in Cochin, India. Fresh leaves
were collected from Coimbatore, India. They were authenti-
cated by a taxonomist at PSG College, Coimbatore, India.
Voucher (PSG-R1 and PSG R2) specimens were deposited in
the herbarium at PSG College for future reference.
The plant materials were dried and coarsely powdered
using a mixer grinder. About 1 kg was utilized for extraction.
The powder was packed loosely in thimbles and was placed in

1
Department of Microbiology, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, India.
2
Entomology Research Institute, Loyola College, Chennai, India.

65
66 ANTHIKAT ET AL.

Table 1. Qualitative Chemical Analysis
of Areca catechu and Pedalium murex
Plant constituents A. catechu P. murex
Carbohydrate - -
Alkaloids + +
Saponins (steroidal) + +
Phytosterols + +
Flavanoids - -
Tannins + +
Fixed oil and fats - -
+ + , present; - - , absent.
a 2 l capacity soxhlet extractor with 95% alcohol for 12 h. The
solvent was removed under pressure to obtain the extract,
which was then used in the various tests.
Pharmacological studies
The alcoholic extracts were subjected to preliminary phy-
tochemical tests and thin layer chromatographic study using a
chloroform:methanol (95:5) mixture for the A. catechu ex-
tract and 100% chloroform for the P. murex extract.
Acute toxicity studies
Swiss albino mice weighing 25–30 gm were used to deter-
mine the acute toxicity following the Reed & Meunch method.
Thirty Swiss albino mice of each sex were divided into five
groups each containing six animals. The mice were fasted for
18 h, with water ad libitum. A suspension of the alcohol extract
of A. catechu in 1 % Tween 80 solution was administered orally
to the animals. Groups I, II, III and IV were administered an
oral dose of 150, 500, 1000 and 1500 gm/kg body weight (b.wt)
of the alcohol extract, respectively. Group V was given 1 %
Tween 80 in distilled water and kept as the control group. The
same procedure was followed for the administration of the
P. murex extract. The number of animals that died in each
group after 72 h of extract administration was recorded.
Screening for aphrodisiac activity
Animals. Three month old male and female Wistar albino
rats, weighing 200–350 g and 175–250 g, respectively, were
used for this study. Male rats were individually housed in
clean plastic cages under standard conditions, fed with pellet
food and water ad libitum. Female rats were kept in groups of
two. A reversed 12 hour light dark cycle was employed with
fluorescent ceiling light.
Sexual behavior study. Jerky movements of the mating
arena were avoided. The mating arena was cleared after each
trial since the urine traces left by one rat may have marked
effects on the behavior of his successor. The animals were
- - tested four times over a 10 day period and only animals
- - showing brisk activity were selected. Repeated training was
+ + carried out to overcome the lack of sexual response in the
+ + presence of an observer. Treatment with the test drug was
+ + done daily for 28 days 1 h before the copulatory test.
- -
- - Drug treatment. Male rats (24) were divided into four
groups, each consisting of 6 animals.
Group I was treated with 1% Tween 80 orally and served
as the control.
Group II was treated with testosterone 11 mg/kg b.wt
intramuscularly once every 15 days.
Group III was given the alcohol extract of P. murex
(150 mg/kg b.wt in suspension in 1% Tween 80), orally
1 h before the daily copulatory test for 28 days.
Group IV was given the alcohol extract of A. catechu
(150 mg/kg b.wt in suspension in 1% Tween 80) orally
1 h before the daily copulatory test for 28 days.
Mating behavior test. The effect of the test drug on mating
behavior was studied according to the methods described by
Dewsbury & Davis9 and Szechtman et al.10 with modifications
for this study. Healthy and sexually experienced male rats
were selected for the study. Treatment with the test drug was
carried out 1 h before the copulatory test, which utilised fe-
male rats in oestrous.
Ovariectomized female rats were given 2 mg/kg oes-
trogen 48 h before the experiment, and 500 mg/kg pro-
gesterone 6 h before the experiment. These ovarictomized
female rats were then observed for signs of oestrous stage
by analysing their vaginal smears. Only those female rats
that were in oestrous were employed for this study. A
highly receptive female was introduced into the trans-
parent mating arena along with one male, see above, and
they were observed for a period of 30 min to study the
sexual behavior of the male rats treated with the various
extracts.
The following parameters were observed and recorded:
(a) Mounting latency: time to first mount, measured from
the introduction of the female into the mating arena.
(b) Mounting frequency: number of mounts in a series
and/or number of mounts in a given period of time
(30 min)

Table 2. Effect of Areca catechu and Pedalium murex on Mounting Latency

Mounting latency (mean – SEM)

Group Day 0 Day 7 Day 14 Day 21 Day 28

1 Control 307.50 – 24.00 315.85 – 27.52 305.83 – 22.15 285.83c – 28.00 276.66 – 27.89
2 Testosterone 307.50 – 14.48 245.00b – 24.96 200.33b – 26.88** 165.83c – 14.17*** 106.66 – 12.36***
3 A. catechu 265.83 – 21.85 237.50a – 24.64 165.50c – 13.56** 139.16c – 23.32*** 90.00c – 9.40
4 P. murex 305.83 – 26.78 300.00 – 27.68 249.16 – 26.65* 200.83a – 32.93* 145.83b – 33.77**

Compared to previous observation (day 0): *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001.
Compared to control on the same day: ap < 0.05, bp < 0.01, cp < 0.001.
APHRODISIAC EFFECT OF ARECA CATECHU L. AND PEDALIUM MUREX IN RATS 67

Table 3. Effect of Areca catechu and Pedalium murex on Mounting Frequency

Mounting frequency (no. of mounts): mean – SEM

Group (n = 6) Day 0 Day 7 Day 14 Day 21 Day 28

1 Control 4.50 – 0.68 5.16 – 0.94 5.86 – 0.72 6.36 – 0.83 5.90 – 0.72
2 Testosterone 5.5 – 0.99 10.66 – 1.17* 13.00 – 1.77** 22.33 – 2.82*** 20.33 – 1.90***
3 A. catechu 5.83 – 0.61 11.33 – 1.13** 13.66 – 0.88*** 19.00 – 4.13*** 21.33 – 3.04***
4 P. murex 5.50 – 0.62 7.66 – 1.15 11.33 – 1.56** 12.83 – 1.25*** 14.33 – 1.68***

Compared to previous observation (day 0): *p < 0.05, **p < 0.001, ***p < 0.001.

(c) Intromission latency: time to first intromission, mea-
sured from the introduction of the female into the
mating arena to the first intromission act.
(d) Intromission frequency: number of intromission
events observed in a given period of time (30 min).
These parameters were observed and recorded on days 0, 7,
14, 21 and 28 for each group. Mounts and Intromissions were
differentiated as follows:
(i) Mounts were scored when the male mounted the fe-
male but failed to gain vaginal penetration, usually
only those mounts that included pelvic thrusting were
counted.
(ii) Intromission was scored when the male rat mounted
the female rat and succeeded in penetrating the vagina
with its penis. Penetration lasted for about 300 m/sec
and was indicated by a single deep thrust followed by
a rapid dismount.
Total body weight. The body weight of the rats was
measured after the sexual behavior study on days 0, 7, 14, 21
and 28. The weight gained or lost on each day was recorded
for each group.
Weight of accessory sex organs. After the sexual be-
havior study, i.e., on day 29, rats from all of the groups were
weighed and anaesthetised using sodium pentobarbital
40 mg/kg via the intraperitoneal (i.p) route and the acces-
sory sex organs, namely testis, seminal vesicle, ventral
prostate, cauda epididymis, were dissected out, washed
with saline, blotted and weighed using an electronic bal-
ance.
Sperm count. The cauda epididymis was cut longitu-
dinally into three segments using scissors. The compacted
spermatozoa could be released from the cut tubules by
gentle pressure from a fine right-angled dental probe and
they were deposited in a dish containing 0.2 ml of the di-
luting medium.
The diluting medium was prepared by dissolving 50 g of
sodium bicarbonate in 10 ml of 40% formalin, adding 5 ml of
saturated aqueous solution of Gentian violet and making up
the volume 10: 1000 ml with distilled water.
The sperm count was carried out using the white blood cell
(WBC) counting procedure. The sperm suspension was
drawn to the 0.5 mark, diluted with diluting medium to the 11
mark and properly mixed. The Neubauer chamber was
charged, allowed to stand for 2 min so that the sperm could
settle. The number of spermatozoa in 4 large squares was
counted. This number was multiplied by 50,000 to get the
number of sperm/ml. When seminal viscosity is markedly
increased, further dilution in a pipette can be added in equal
(1:1 dilution) amounts and the final count should then be
multiplied by two.
Results
Phytochemical studies
The A. catechu powder had been extracted using a soxhlet
extractor, which produced 2.8% of the alcohol extract. The
P.murex powder (approximately 1 kg) was also extracted us-
ing a soxhlet extractor, which afforded 4.5% of the alcohol
extract.
Qualitative chemical tests
The alcohol extract of A. catechu showed the presence of
alkaloids, steroidal saponins, phytosterols and tannins. It also
showed 9 spots in thin layer chromatography (TLC) using
Dragendroff reagent. The alcohol extract of P. murex showed
the presence of flavanoids, steroidal saponins and phytos-
terols in qualitative chemical tests. It also showed 8 spots in
TLC using vanillin sulphuric acid reagent. The detailed results
are given in Table 1.

Table 4. Effect of Areca catechu and Pedalium murex on Intromission Latency

Intromission latency (mean – SEM)

Group (n = 6) Day 0 Day 7 Day 14 Day 21 Day 28

1 Control — 636.66 – 58.97 592.00 – 38.19 574.00 – 43.72 516.66 – 30.27

2 Testosterone — 520.00 – 64.19 405.00 – 32.18* 280.83 – 30.73*** 175.00 – 14.22***
3 A. catechu — 574.00 – 44.55 380.83 – 19.37** 304.16 – 21.04*** 145.83 – 19.46***
4 P. murex — 605.00 – 55.28 554.00 – 55.28 400.00 – 55.16* 227.50 – 40.86**

Compared to previous observation: *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001.
68 ANTHIKAT ET AL.

Table 5. Effect of Areca catechu and Pedalium murex on Intromission Frequency

Intromission frequency (no. of intromissions) mean – SEM

Group (n = 6) Day 0 Day 7 Day 14 Day 21 Day 28

1 Control — 1.17 – 0.55 1.50 – 0.43 1.83 – 0.49 2.50 – 0.43

2 Testosterone — 2.67 – 0.99 4.50b – 0.68* 6.16c – 0.70** 7.00c – 0.86***
3 A. catechu — 2.00 – 0.68 3.83b – 0.31* 6.50c – 0.62*** 7.66c – 0.13***
4 P. murex — 1.67 – 0.67 2.17 – 0.72 3.66a – 0.58* 5.02b – 0.63**

Compared to previous observation: *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001.
Compared to control on the same day: ap < 0.05, bp < 0.01, cp < 0.001.

Effect on mounting latency
The mounting latency was observed and recorded on days
0, 7, 14, 21 and 28.
The mounting latencies on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 were
compared to that on day 0 in the same group (before ad-
ministration of extract) and it was also compared with that in
the control group on the same day.
Rats treated with A. catechu showed a significant decrease
in mounting latency from day 7 onwards, whereas those
treated with P. murex showed a significant decrease only after
day 21. However, those treated with testosterone showed a
consistent decrease in mounting latency throughout the
course of the experiment. There was no significant decrease in
mounting latency in the control group. The detailed results
are shown in Table 2.
Effect on mounting frequency
The mounting frequency on day 7, 14, 21 and 28 was
compared to that on day 0 in the same group (before extract
administration) and compared with that in the control group
on the same day.
Rats treated with A. catechu showed a consistently
significant increase in mounting frequency on all obser-
vation days (7, 14, 21, and 28), whereas those treated
with P. murex showed an increase in mounting frequency
from day 14 onwards. The testosterone group showed a
consistent, significant increase in the mounting frequency,
while the control group did not show any increase in the
mounting frequency. The detailed results are shown in
Table 3.
Effect on intromission latency
Since there were no intromissions on day 0, the intromis-
sion latency on days 14, 21 and 28 were compared to that on
day 7 in the same group and compared with the latency in the
control group on the same day.
Rats treated with A. catechu showed a significant decrease
in intromission latency from day 14 onwards, where those
treated with P. murex showed a significant decrease in intro-
mission latency from day 21 onwards. The testosterone trea-
ted group showed a consistent and significant decrease in
intromission latency. The control group did not show any
decrease in intromission latency. The detailed results are
shown in Table 4.
Effect on intromission frequency
Since there were no intromissions on day 0 the intromission
frequencies from days 14, 21 and 28 were compared to that on
day 7 in the same group, and compared with that in the
control group on the same day. Rats treated with A. catechu
showed a consistent and significant increase in intromission
frequency from day 14 onwards, whereas the P. murex groups
showed an increase in intromission frequency from day 21
onwards. The testosterone group also showed a consistent
and significant increase throughout the course of experiment.
The control group did not show any increase in intromission
frequency. The detailed results are shown in Table 5.
Effect on body weight
The total body weight of the animals in each of the groups
was measured before treatment (day 0 and after treatment
(day 7, 14, 21 and 28). The A. catechu groups showed an in-
crease of 17 g in total body weight, while the P. murex groups
increased by 11 g and the testosterone group had increased by
20 g. on day 28t compared to the weights at the start of the
experiment (day 0). However, the control group also showed
a small increase of 5 g in body weight. The detailed results are
shown in Table 6.
Effect on accessory sex organs
The weight of the accessory sex organs was measured after
28 days of treatment, i.e., at the end of the sexual behaviors

Table 6. The Effect of Areca catechu and Pedalium murex on the Total Weight of Rats

Total body weight (mean – SEM) in grams

Group (n = 6) Day 0 Day 7 Day 14 Day 21 Day 28

1 Control 246.19 – 9.19 247.46 – 9.85 249.00 – 9.47 250.80 – 8.91 251.50 – 10.00
2 Testosterone 245.16 – 6.12 250.60 – 6.75 254.30 – 6.41 260.16 – 6.63 265.30 – 7.71
3 A. catechu 249.50 – 14.30 253.50 – 14.08 259.50 – 14.19 262.83 – 14.85 267.00 – 15.24
4 P. murex 251.80 – 9.72 254.30 – 11.36 256.16 – 10.36 259.50 – 10.24 261.30 – 10.14
APHRODISIAC EFFECT OF ARECA CATECHU L. AND PEDALIUM MUREX IN RATS
Table 7. The Effect of Areca catechu and Pedalium murex on Weight of Sex Organs in Rats
Weights of accessory sex organs (mean – SEM) in gm/kg body weight
Group (n = 6) Testis
1 Control 8.70 – 0.34
2 Testosterone 6.24 – 0.36
3 A. catechu 10.94 – 0.28***
4 P. murex 9.85 – 0.52*
Compared to control group: *p < 0.05, ***p < 0.001.
study. Weights were calculated as a per kg body weight mea-
sure. The A. catechu groups showed a considerable and sig-
nificant increase in the weights of all sex organs measured, i.e.,
testis, cauda epididymis, seminal vesicles and ventral prostate,
compared to controls. In contrast, the P. murex groups showed
a slight increase in the weight of these organs compared to the
control group. However, the testosterone group showed a
significant decrease in the weights of both testis and cauda
epididymis, but there was no change in the weights of either
the ventral prostate or the seminal vesicles compared to the
control group. The detailed results are shown in Table 7.
Effect on sperm count
The A. catechu group showed a significant increase in the
number of sperm epididymis compared to the control group.
The P. murex group showed a fairly significant increase in the
number of sperm compared to the control group. However,
the testosterone group showed a significant decrease in the
number of sperm compared to the control group. The detailed
results are shown in Table 8.
Acute toxicity studies
No treatment-related overt signs of toxicity, stress or
changes in behavior were observed. No mortality or changes
in behavior were observed in all the treated and control
groups of mice up to a dose of 1500 mg/kg b.wt.
Discussion
This study was aimed at investigating the aphrodisiac ef-
fect of Arecanut extract along with its acute toxicity using
various animal models. The study showed that there was a
marked change in the sexual behavior of male rats after ad-
ministration of A. catechu extract. The results of the present
investigations showed that the test extract significantly in-
creased both mounting frequency (MF) and intromission
frequency (IF) when compared with the control group.
Table 8. Effect of Areca catechu and Pedalium
Murex on Sperm Count
Group (n = 6) Number of sperm (million/ml) Mean – SEM
1 Control 28.725 – 1.499
2 Testosterone 11.02 – 1.398
3 A. catechu 42.60 – 3.429**
4 P. murex 37.68 – 3.720*
Compared to control group: *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01.
69
Cauda epidymis Ventral prostate Seminal vesicle
3.21 – 0.16 1.66 – 0.08 1.61 – 0.13
2.58 – 0.11* 1.99 – 0.05* 1.88 – 0.13*
5.12 – 0.76*** 2.10 – 0.07* 2.29 – 0.10*
4.56 – 0.18* 2.10 – 0.07* 2.2 – 0.11*
However, the standard extract produced a greater increase in
these parameters. MF and IF are considered to be indices of
both libido and potency. Thus, an increase in MF and IF in-
dicates that Areca nut not only increases libido, but also in-
creases potency.
The test extract from A. catechu also caused a significant
reduction in mounting latency (ML) and intromission latency
(IL) when compared with control animals, while a significant
decrease was observed in the ML of animals treated with the
referent P. murex extract. This also provides evidence for the
aphrodisiac effect of the test extract. These findings show that
the test extract produces a striking enhancement of overall
sexual performance of normal animals.
The positive inferences from the specific tests for libido
and potency substantiate the indications from the mating
behavior test, which showed that the test extract enhanced
both libido and potency in normal male rats. These conclu-
sions are further supported by studies using nutmeg, which
have reported a libido and potency increasing effect.11–13
However, other methods have also been proposed for eval-
uating the effect of test drugs on ‘‘pure libido’’ and ‘‘pure
potency.’’14
For example, MF after penile anesthetization of rats is
considered to be a reliable index of ‘pure libido’ while the
penile reflexes of rats are considered to be a good model of
‘pure potency’. In the present study the test extract was not
studied for its effect on these components of sexual behavior.
Nevertheless, Arecanut merits further detailed studies on
its sexual function improving activity, especially at higher
doses. In addition, further research is also needed to identify
the active constituent(s) responsible for this sexual function
improving activity and the mechanism(s) by which sexual
function is augmented.
Conclusion
The resultant significant and sustained increase in the
sexual activity of male rats, without any conspicuous adverse
effects or toxicity, suggests that Arecanut possesses clinically
applicable activity and also lends support to the claims for its
traditional usage as sexual function enhancing medicine.
Furthermore, this study also indicates that the aphrodisiac
effects of the test extract may be due to its psychoactive
properties. Thus, it may prove to be an effective and safe
alternative remedy for the treatment of sexual disorders.
Author Disclosure Statement
The authors have no conflicts of interest to report.
70 ANTHIKAT ET AL.

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