Imperata Rhizome Extracts Cylindrica in Male Mice
Musa Semutaga Hubert*, Mbuyi Kalonji Serge and Kanda Kabeya Justin
ABSTRACT
Male sexual dysfunction is a major public health problem in the Democratic Republic of Congo, impacting quality of life and the stability of couples. This study evaluates the aphrodisiac potential of Imperata rhizome extracts. Cylindrica , a plant used in the traditional pharmacopoeia of Haut-Katanga. The study was conducted at the UNILU Pharmacognosy Laboratory on male mice. Extracts were obtained using a mixture of dichloromethane and ethyl acetate (DCM/AE). The parameters evaluated included general behavior, priming time, latency to mating, and ejaculatory latency. The results show a significant improvement in alertness and mobility, as well as a marked reduction in the time to sexual initiation compared to the negative control. The DCM/AE (50/50) fraction at 50 mg/kg exhibits comparable, and even superior, activity to sildenafil on certain parameters. These data scientifically validate the empirical use of this species.
