Brysocarpus coccineus (Schum & Thonn) root reinstates sexual competence and testicular function in paroxetine‐induced sexual dysfunction in male Wistar rats

The effects of aqueous extract of Brysocarpus coccineus roots (AEBCR) were studied on sexual behaviour and testicular function of paroxetine‐induced sexual dysfunction (SD) in male rats. Ninety, sexually matured male rats (150.88 ± 5.53 g) were assigned into two groups: A and B. Fifteen SD animals from group B were each allotted to B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5 and received distilled water (DW), Powmax M (7.14 mg/kg body weight, b.w.) 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg b.w of AEBCR, respectively, for 7 days while the non‐SD animals (group A) received DW. Eleven secondary metabolites were present in AEBCR. The lowered (p < .05) ejaculation frequency, penile erection index and penile grooming, higher mount and intromission frequencies, prolonged (p < .05) latencies of mount, intromission, ejaculation, and post‐ejaculatory interval, reduced (p < .05) serum luteinising hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone, nitric oxide and testicular function indices, degenerated seminiferous tubules and low luminal spermatozoa contents by paroxetine were significantly (p < .05) attenuated and/or reinstated by AEBCR and Powmax M. The restoration of androgen‐dependent sexual and testicular functions in SD male rats by AEBCR validates its folkloric use as aphrodisiac. Clinical studies are desirable to ascertain the efficacy of AEBCR in SD.