{Reference Type}: Journal Article {Title}: Effect of Cinnamomum cassia methanol extract and sildenafil on arginase and sexual function of young male Wistar rats. {Author}: Goswami SK;Inamdar MN;Jamwal R;Dethe S; {Journal}: J Sex Med {Volume}: 11 {Issue}: 6 {Year}: Jun 2014 {Factor}: 3.937 {DOI}: 10.1111/jsm.12535 {Abstract}: BACKGROUND: Herbs have been used as an aphrodisiac since ages. Cinnamomum cassia is an important ingredient of many Ayurvedic formulations to treat male sexual disorder including erectile dysfunction (ED).
OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to evaluate erectogenic and aphrodisiac activity of methanol extract of C. cassia bark in young male rats.
METHODS: Methanol extract of C. cassia was screened in vitro for arginase inhibition potential and IC50 was determined. Effect of the extract was observed in vitro on phenylephrine pre-contracted isolated rat corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (CCSM) at 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μg/mL. Young male Wistar rats were dosed with extract at 100 mg/kg body weight for 28 days and its effects on sexual behavior and penile smooth muscle : collagen level were observed.
METHODS: Effect of C. cassia was studied on arginase activity in vitro and sexual behavior of young male rats.
RESULTS: C. cassia inhibited arginase activity in vitro with an IC50 of 61.72 ± 2.20 μg/mL. The extract relaxed phenylephrine pre-contracted isolated rat CCSM up to 43% and significantly increased (P < 0.05) sexual function of young male rats. Treatment with the extract also increased smooth muscle level and decreased collagen level in rat penile tissue.
CONCLUSIONS: The study proves usefulness of methanol extract of C. cassia bark for increasing sexual function.