ORIGINAL ARTICLE Effect of Bombax ceiba L. on spermatogenesis, sexual behaviour and erectile function in male rats C. Bhargava 1 , M. Thakur 1 & S. K. Yadav 2 1 Advance Group of Pharmacy Colleges, Naramau Kanpur, India; 2 Ravi Shankar College of Pharmacy, Bhopal, India Introduction The term sexual dysfunction equivocally implies for a number of sexual disorders ranging from erectile dysfunc- tion to impotence. A longer life expectancy and the increas- ing prevalence of degenerative diseases as well as the increase in injuries and stress associated with industrialised lifestyles have been a cause of sexual dysfunction and impotency especially in males (Shah, 2002). Both medical and surgical modalities are available for treating sexual dys- function. However, despite the increasing availability of effective conventional medical treatments, plant-derived and herbal remedies continue to be a popular alternative for men and women seeking to improve their sex life. There are number of such herbs that have been recognised in Ayurveda and Unani literature for improving sexual problems and diseases (Bhattarai, 1996; Suter, 1998). Bombax ceiba Linn. Fam. Bombacaceae is a medicinal tree used in India for a number of health benefits and is a part of the lexicon in Ayurvedic and Unani system of medicine (Khare, 2004). Young roots of B. ceiba find use in traditional Ayurvedic literature as ‘Semal Musli’ which has been designated as Ayurvedic Rasayana. Charaka and Suhruta Samhita mention the use of this herb alone as well as in combination for the treatment of leuccorhia, morbid thirst and as geriatric tonic (Puri, 2003). It is also prescribed for sexual debility, attenuated semen and sper- matorrhea (Anonymous, 1998; Khouri et al., 2006). It is with these frames of references in mind the present study was carried out to evaluate the fabled claim of utilisation of this herb as a sexual rejuvenator and tonic. Materials and methods Animal stock Wistar strain albino rats of either sex weighing 180–195 g were fed on standard pellet diet and water ad libitum. Keywords Bombax ceiba—semalmusli—sexual performance—testosterone Correspondence Dr Mayank Thakur, Advance Group of Pharmacy Colleges, Naramau Kanpur, India. Tel.: +91 941 5040326; Fax: +91 512 2547871; E-mail: mayankthakur25@gmail.com Accepted May 17, 2011 doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01210.x Summary A number of herbal drugs are advocated in the traditional Ayurvedic literature for the improvement of overall sexual function. Young roots of Bombax ceiba Linn. (Fam. Bombacaceae) [correction added after online publication 1 August 2011: the family of Bombax ceiba was incorrectly mentioned as Orchidaceae. It has been corrected to Bombacaceae] also known as Semal Musli are used tradi- tionally in Indian subcontinent as sexual stimulant. Its juice is considered nutri- tive and restorative tonic. Lyophilised aqueous extract of roots was studied for effect on sexual behaviour and spermatogenesis in male albino rats. Administra- tion of 100 mg Kg )1 body weight of aqueous extract influenced the five parame- ters evaluated in vivo. Sexual behaviour analysis in the presence of a female rate, serum testosterone level, anabolic effects, epididymal sperm count and seminal fructose level were the parameters evaluated. In B. ceiba extract-treated animals, a gain in body and sexual organ weights was observed. Mount, intromission and ejaculation frequencies were significantly improved (P < 0.05). An increase in serum testosterone levels was also observed, but it was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Seminal fructose content and epididymal sperm count were signifi- cantly improved as well. Penile erection index was also higher compared to control group animals. Hesitation time was significantly reduced (P < 0.01), and copula- tory rate was doubled in treated animals compared with control group animals. ª 2011 Blackwell Verlag GmbH 474 Andrologia 2012, 44, 474–478