Increased sexual motivation in female rats treated with Humulus lupulus L. extract

Abstract

Aim of the study: To evaluate the influence of Humulus lupulus extract on sexual behavior in female rats.

Materials and methods: Ovariectomized rats hormonally primed with estradiol benzoate (1.5 μg/rat) and progesterone (500 μg/rat) were acutely treated by oral gavage with Humulus lupulus extract dosed at 5, 10 and 25mg/kg and then tested for partner preference and sexual receptivity.

Results: The administration of Humulus lupulus extract at the highest dose significantly increased the preference for the stimulus male during the partner preference test and the number of proceptive behaviors during the receptivity test, without affecting the lordosis response.

Conclusions: Humulus lupulus extract increased sexual motivation in hormone-primed female rats.