Effect of vajikaran rasayana herbs on pituitary–gonadal axis

Abstract 

Aim of the study

Rasayan drugs act inside the human body by modulating the neuro-endocrino-immune system. Vaajikaran rasayan is the special category of rasayan which investigate the reproductive system and enhance sexual function. Curculigo orchioides, Astercantha longifolia and Mucuna pruriens are well known vajikaran rasayan herbs. The effect on sexual behaviour and reproductive parameters are reported for all these plants. There are no studies on the measurement of follicular stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone that are release from pituitary–gonadal axis. Our objective was to study the effect of extract on reproductive hormone levels.

Materials and methods

The study was performed by administrating ethanolic plant extracts at the doses 50 and 100mg/kg in rats. The serum hormones follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone were measured using ELISA kit.

Results

Administration of ethanolic extract of plants significantly increases the level of follicular stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone level in treated groups in a dose dependent manner.

Conclusions

So it was concluded that the administration of vajikaran rasayana viz. C. orchioides, A. longifolia and M. pruriens ethanolic extracts modulate the level of the pituitary hormones FSH and LH.

Keywords: Rasayana, Neuro-endocrino-immune systems, Curculigo orchioides, Astercantha longifolia, Mucuna pruriens, FSH, LH, Testosterone