@article {1509, title = {A Comprehensive Review of Crocus sativus L.: Botanical Characteristics, Phytochemical Composition, and Therapeutic Applications}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {August 2025}, pages = {1163-1170}, type = {Review Article}, chapter = {1163}, abstract = {

Known as saffron (syn. Kesar), Crocus sativus L., a member of the Iridaceae family, is mostly grown in Iran, though it is also grown in India and Greece. It is made from the dried red stigmas of the flower. Terpenes, terpene alcohols, and their esters make up the majority of the more than 150 volatile and aromatic substances that this plant produces. Picrocrocin and safranal are responsible for the characteristic bitter taste and hay-like or iodoform-like scent of saffron, respectively. Anti-hypertensive, anti-convulsant, anti-tussive, anti-genotoxic, cytotoxic, anxiolytic, aphrodisiac, antioxidant, anti-depressant, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and smooth muscle relaxant properties are only a few of the many pharmacological activity that Crocus sativus demonstrated. Additionally, it has been demonstrated to improve cognitive abilities including memory and learning as well as ocular perfusion by boosting blood flow to the retina and choroid. The historical use, phytochemical profile, pharmacodynamic characteristics, medicinal uses, possible adulterants and replacements, and toxicity data related to Crocus sativus L. are all extensively examined in this extensive review. In addition, it covers the qualitative chemical tests, pharmaceutical formulations, and analytical assessment that are relevant to its standardization and quality control.

}, keywords = {Anticonvulsant, Antinociceptive, Aphrodisiac, Crocin, Crocus sativus, Safranal}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252301}, author = {Mahavir M Sharma and HarshKumar Brahmbhatt and Salaj Khare and Kautuukumar P Shah} } @article {715, title = {Aphrodisiac Activity of Polyherbal Formulation in Experimental Models on Male Rats}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {6}, year = {2014}, month = {March,2014}, pages = {120-126}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {120}, abstract = {

Objective: To investigate the aphrodisiac potential of polyherbal formulations prepared from different parts of Tribulus terrestris, Curculigo orchioides, Allium tuberosum, Cucurbita pepo, Elephant creeper, Mucuna pruriens, and Terminalia catappa in Albino rats in specified ratio as suspension. Materials and Methods: The different concentrations of prepared polyherbal formulations i.e. 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg and sildenafil citrate as standard (5 mg/kg) and vehicle (control) were administered orally to rats (n = 6 animals per group) for 3 weeks. Mating behavior parameters in male rats was monitored in first week and third week week of treatment pairing with receptive females. After termination of drug treatment, the mating performance, hormonal analysis, sperm count, and testes-body weight ratio were also evaluated. Results: The polyherbal formulation showed a significant increase in mating behavior as well as mating performance, serum hormonal levels, sperm count, and testes-body weight ratio with dose-dependent relationship as compared to vehicle control. But the dose of 600 mg/kg of polyherbal formulation assumes closer resemblance of above parameters with the standard used. Conclusion: The results of the study strongly suggest that the polyherbal formulations have a good aphrodisiac activity on rats in the above experimental models, which may be an alternative weapon for various sexual dysfunctions in future.

}, keywords = {Aphrodisiac, Mating behavior, Polyherbal formulations, Serum hormonal levels, Sexual dysfunctions, Testes-body weight ratio}, doi = {10.4103/0974-8490.129029}, author = {Himanshu Bhusan Sahoo and Subhangkar Nandy and Aswini Kumar Senapati and Sarada Prasad Sarangi and Saroj Kumar Sahoo} }