Abstract

Methanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens seed was tested for their possible androgenic activity in Wister male albino rats. The methanolic extract of M. pruriensplant was gavaged separately into 2 group of rat at similar doses of 1000 mg/kg b.wt and 1500 mg/kg b.wt for 30 days. At the end of the treatment, the animals were killed and the blood, testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate were collected for biochemical analysis. The methanolic extracts of M. prurienssignificantly increased the relative weight of the testis, serum and testicular testosterone level, testicular cholesterol level, protein level in the testis and epididymis, and epididymal alkaline phosphatase activity. The methanolic extracts of M. pruriens possess androgenic activity.

Key words: Mucuna pruriens, testosterone, androgenic activity.