Phytochemical Screening and Aphrodisiac Property of Tinospora cordifolia

Abstract

Tinospora cordifolia is an herbaceous vine of the family Menispermaceae. This plant is indigenous to the tropical areas and distributed throughout India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Traditionally, the plant is being used for the treatment of various diseases but a systematic study is lacking. Further, there are some preliminary reports about using the stems of this plant for treating sexual disorders. To pursue this further, in this study, the total extracts were tested for their constituents and tested for aphrodisiac activity in experimental rats. The preliminary phytochemical screening of hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of the stems of Tinospora cordifolia showed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, steroids, proteins, saponins, gums and mucilages. The hydroalcoholic extract of Tinospora cordifolia stem at higher concentration (400 mg/kg body weight) showed significant aphrodisiac activity on male wistar albino rats as evidenced by an increase in number of mounts and mating performance. On the other hand, hydroalcoholic extract at lower dose (200 mg/kg body weight) and aqueous extract (400 mg/kg body weight) showed moderate aphrodisiac property. Thus, in experimental rats, the results of the present study suggest that the extracts of Tinospora cordifolia exert significant aphrodisiac activity. Further, detailed studies are needed to know whether in vivo administration of the extracts is beneficial for patients suffering from sexual disorders.