Summary

Study on the Androgenic Effect of Schefflera sp3

Schefflera sp3 is a new species of Schefflera. It has been discovered recently by The Research Center of Ginseng and Medicinal Materials and has been investigated in many different subjects in which the androgenic effects is the aim of this study. The level of plasma testosterone and the weight of male sexual organs (testicles, seminal vesicles and prostate glands) were used as index of  androgenic effects. On the other hand, the protein content and the weight of levator ani were used as index of protein-related anabolic effects. All of experiments were realized on both normal mice and castrated mice. The results revealed that testosterone content in castrated mice was lower than that in normal mice, suggesting for experimental sexual dysfunction. Schefflera’s trunk and leaves extract increased testosterone levels, the weight of seminal vesicles, prostate glands and levator ani, as well as protein content in castrated mice but not in normal mice.

Keywords: Schefflera sp3; testosterone; androgenic effects; castrated mice.