Potential Aphrodisiac Effect of Ginkgo Biloba in Monosodium Glutamate Induced Reproductive Behavior Changes in Mice

摘要

Background and Objective: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) used as taste enhancer is known to cause disease conditions including the reproductive system defects. Present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of Ginkgo biloba in monosodium glutamate induced changes on the reproductive behavior and organs in mice. Materials and Method: Albino mice of either sex were used in the study. MSG at 4 mg g~(-1) was treated to experimental mice for 4 weeks followed by two-weeks of G. biloba administration at 50,100 and 150 mg kg~(-1), orally. The influence of the MSG as well as the treatment with G. biloba extract on reproductive behavior was recorded in a closed camera circuit (CCTV) attached to a computer. Sperm analysis was done to determine the effect of MSG and G. biloba extract on total sperm count and sperm shape abnormalities, besides determining the relative weight of testis. The data obtained was analyzed statistically to find the significance. Results: The data from the study indicated that 4-weeks of MSG treatment significantly (p<0.05) reduced the sexual activity behavior and altered the total sperm count, sperm shape and relative weight of testis compared to control animals. The highest tested dose of G. biloba (150 mg kg~(-1)) produced significant (p<0.05) reversal in defective sexual behavior activities and improved the total sperm count and reduced the sperm shape anomalies. However, none of the tested dose of G. biloba showed significant inhibition on the elevated relative testes weight in MSG mice. Conclusion: The data suggested that G. biloba at 150 mg kg~(-1) improved the sexual behavior and activity diminished by MSG, besides correcting the quantitative and qualitative defects in spermatozoa. These actions can be related to the neuronal and local tissue protective and antioxidant properties of G. biloba .