Pharmacological Effect of Panax ginseng Extract Standardized with Ginsenoside Rg3 on Mating Behavior of Male Rats Treated with Dopamine Antagonists
Mosaad A. Abdel-Wahhab *
Food Toxicology and Contaminants Dept., National Research center, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt.
Ahmed A. El-Kady
Food Toxicology and Contaminants Dept., National Research center, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt.
Olivier Joubert
Faculty of Pharmacy, Lorraine University, EA 3452 CITHEFOR, Nancy Cedex, 54001, France.
Aziza A. El-Nekeety
Food Toxicology and Contaminants Dept., National Research center, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt.
Yong T. Kim
Lotte R and D Center, Lotte Group, Seoul, 150-964, South Korea.
Won J. Yoon
Faculty of Pharmacy, Lorraine University, EA 3452 CITHEFOR, Nancy Cedex, 54001, France.
Myung H. Park
Ambo Institute, Seoul, South Korea.
Bertrand H. Rihn
Faculty of Pharmacy, Lorraine University, EA 3452 CITHEFOR, Nancy Cedex, 54001, France.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Panax ginseng extract standardized with ginsenoside Rg3 (PGRg3) on the mating behavior of sexually active or inactive male rats treated with dopamine antagonists.
Methodology: Animals were treated with PGRg3 (50,150 and 450mg/kgb.w) with or without dopamine antagonists. The penile erection, motor activity and stretching-yawning episode were evaluated in animals treated with PGRg3 alone or in combination with lisurode or SND 919. Testosterone and sperm counts were also evaluated in different treatment groups.
Results: The results showed that (-) Eticlopride counteracted PGRg3-induced penile erection but not motor hyperactivity. PGRg3 treatment enhanced lisuride-induced behavioral effects. Moreover, PGRg3 plus SND 919 showed a marked stretching-yawning behavior compared to the animals received SND 919 alone. PGRg3 also succeeded to increase testosterone level and sperm count in a dose dependent fashion.
Conclusion: It could be concluded that DAD2 receptors are involved in PGRg3-induced mating behavior and testicular function improvement. PGRg3 could be used to improve sexual function and mating behavior in people suffering from erectile dysfunction.
Keywords: Phoenix ginseng, ginsenoside Rg3, sexual behavior, dopamine D2 receptors, mating behavior.