Effect of dietary supplementation of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus l.) and walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum müll. Arg.) on sexual behavior, hormonal level, and antioxidant status in male rats

This study evaluated the enhancing effect of dietary supplementation of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) and walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum Müll. Arg.) on erectile function in normal male rats. Adult male (40) and female (40) rats (200–250 g) were procured for the study. The male rats were divided into five groups each consisting of eight rats (n = 8). The experiment was performed for fourteen (14) days after which behavioral studies (sexual and anxiety), sex hormone levels, and biochemical assays (catalase, superoxide dismutase, total thiol, and reduced glutathione) were conducted. The groups with supplemented diet containing tiger nut and walnut showed significantly increased sexual behavior, hormone levels, and antioxidant activities. These enhanced activities could be part of the mechanism by which the nuts exert their aphrodisiac properties. Practical applications The results suggest the potential ability of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) and walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum Müll. Arg.) to promote erectile function and be useful functional foods for both animal and human nutrition.