With 150 mg/kg of ethanolic extract the values for FSH, LH and testosterone were 3.10
±
0.25 mlU/ml,
6.87
±
0.18 mlU/ml and 3.72
±
0.12 ng/ml, respectively. In vitro nitric oxide release was 21.7
±
2.9 M,
which was significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Sildenafil citrate exhibited also
a significant effect on NO release, but no effect on hormone levels of rats was observed. The aphrodisiac
potential of an ethanolic Spilanthes acmella extract was demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. N-Alkylamides
might attribute to the improved sexual potential. Study lends support to the traditional utilization of S.
acmella as a sexual stimulating agent.