Evaluation of aphrodisiac effect of vanillin in male wistar rats

Introduction: Vanillin is one of the primary chemical components of the vanilla bean (Vanilla planifolia). An aphrodisiac is defined as any food or drug that arouses the sexual instinct, induces venereal desire and increases sexual pleasure and performance. Unpublished data claim that vanillin, taken under proper guidance, can help relieve problems of impotence, erectile dysfunction, frigidity, loss of libido and promotes arousal. Hence this study was conducted to study the potential aphrodisiac effects of vanillin in rats. Methods: Twenty four male rats were divided into four groups which received vehicle, vanillin 100 mg/kg/day, 200 mg/kg/day and 400 mg/kg/day orally, respectively. Female rats were brought to oestrous cycle by the sequential administration of estrogen (10 μg/100 g) and progesterone (0.5 mg/100 g) through intraperitoneal injections, 48 hours and 4 hours (respectively) prior to pairing with the male on day 1 to study the acute effects and on day10 to study the sub-chronic effects. Sexual behaviors were observed for three hours. Serum testosterone levels were estimated. The data was analyzed using one way ANOVA followed by posthoc tests. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in the mount frequency and intromission frequency compared to control following both acute and chronic treatment with vanillin (200 mg/kg). The mount latency, intromission latency, ejaculation latency and post-ejaculatory interval decreased in the vanillin treated groups especially at 200 mg/kg. There was no significant difference in the serum testosterone levels among the groups. Conclusion: Vanillin in the dose of 200 mg/kg demonstrated aphrodisiac properties in male wistar rats.