Sexual stimulant activity of shark fin soup as a chinese cuisine

1. _____________________
* Corresponding author:
1
Vignesh Muruganandham,
Faculty of pharmacy,
Masterskill University college of Health sciences, Batu 9, 43200 Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia
E-mail address: vickyparu24@gmail.com
Available Online at: www.ijrpp.com
WHOLE SEXUAL STIMULANT ACTIVITY OF COMMERCIALLY
AVAILABLE SHARK FIN SOUP AS A CHINESE CUISINE
*1
Vignesh Muruganandham,
4
Selvakumar Kanthaiah, 5
Joysa Ruby Joseph Rajarathinam
Faculty of Pharmacy, Masterskill University College of Health Sciences,
Batu 9, 43200 Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia
________________________________________________________________________
ABSTRACT
Researchers are finding that some foods, herbs and other supplements do stimulate production of hormones or
other chemicals that affect our libidos. What happens in the body and brain when we are sexually excited? For
both men and women, it all boils down
our hormone levels, with testosterone being the key. The shark
countries, and is considered healthy and full of nutrients, with some eve
other ailments. The main aim of this study was to find out the effect of shark
of male mice. It was also to evaluate the effectiveness of “
stimulant and to compare the effectiveness against any two marketed sexual stimulant drugs.
was prepared by boiling the size reduced shark fin with purified water up to 100
mounting behaviour, 2 non-oestrous female mice w
drug orally. Each group of 4 male mice were placed separately and given positive control drug
Citrate (300 mg/kg p.o), positive control drug
and shark-fin soup (400 ml/kg p.o). Licking and mounting behavior was observed continuously for 3 hr in a
suitable matting condition. Finally, the vaginal smear of each female mouse was examined under a microscope,
and sperms were found. During mounting and licking assessment shark
effective as positive control drug-I and II. In matting assessment, the shark
effectual as a sexual stimulant agent as there were tra
the results found, the shark-fin soup possesses sexual stimulant activity.
Keywords: shark fin soup, sexual stimulant,
____________________________
INTRODUCTION
Sharks are often killed for shark-
finning process involves the removal of the fin
with a hot metal blade [1]. Genuine shark fin can
be obtained from any of a variety of shark species.
Shark fins are the cartilaginous pectoral and dorsal
fins of a shark [2]. Shark-fin soup is a Chinese
delicacy that has been a popular item of Chinese
cuisine since the Ming Dynasty, usually served at
Health sciences, Batu 9, 43200 Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia
@gmail.com
Available Online at: www.ijrpp.com Print ISSN : 2278 - 2648
Online ISSN: 2278 - 2656
(Research article)
SEXUAL STIMULANT ACTIVITY OF COMMERCIALLY
AVAILABLE SHARK FIN SOUP AS A CHINESE CUISINE
Vignesh Muruganandham, 2
Parkavi Vignesh, 3
Muthu Mohamed Jamal Moideen,
Joysa Ruby Joseph Rajarathinam
Faculty of Pharmacy, Masterskill University College of Health Sciences,
Batu 9, 43200 Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia
________________________________________________________________________
Researchers are finding that some foods, herbs and other supplements do stimulate production of hormones or
other chemicals that affect our libidos. What happens in the body and brain when we are sexually excited? For
both men and women, it all boils down to hormones - specifically testosterone. Our sex drive is controlled by
our hormone levels, with testosterone being the key. The shark-fin soup is considered a status symbol in Asian
countries, and is considered healthy and full of nutrients, with some even claiming they prevent cancer and
other ailments. The main aim of this study was to find out the effect of shark-fin soup on the sexual behavior
of male mice. It was also to evaluate the effectiveness of “Carcharhinus Amblyshynchos” (Shark) as sexual
ulant and to compare the effectiveness against any two marketed sexual stimulant drugs.
was prepared by boiling the size reduced shark fin with purified water up to 100C for 6 hr
oestrous female mice were paired with 4 male mice treated with a single dose of
Each group of 4 male mice were placed separately and given positive control drug
Citrate (300 mg/kg p.o), positive control drug-II as Chinese traditional medicine, Panax ginseng (300 mg/kg p.o)
fin soup (400 ml/kg p.o). Licking and mounting behavior was observed continuously for 3 hr in a
the vaginal smear of each female mouse was examined under a microscope,
found. During mounting and licking assessment shark-fin soup showed its action almost as
I and II. In matting assessment, the shark-fin soup has been confirmed that
effectual as a sexual stimulant agent as there were traces of sperms in the female mice vaginal fluid. Based on
fin soup possesses sexual stimulant activity.
shark fin soup, sexual stimulant, Sildenafil citrate, Chinese drug.
____________________________ ___________________________________
-fin soup; the
finning process involves the removal of the fin
with a hot metal blade [1]. Genuine shark fin can
be obtained from any of a variety of shark species.
Shark fins are the cartilaginous pectoral and dorsal
is a Chinese
delicacy that has been a popular item of Chinese
cuisine since the Ming Dynasty, usually served at
special occasions such as weddings and banquets
in Malaysia. As a luxury item, the dish is also
considered a symbol of wealth and prestige in
Chinese culture. Thousands of people in Malaysia
and millions of people around the world consume
shark-fin soup each year. It is considered a
powerful source of nutrition as well as an
aphrodisiac [3]. While there is go
evidence for aphrodisiacs like Ginseng and
Epicedium [4], a search of the literature reveals no
International Journal
Research in Pharmacology and
Pharmacotherapeutics
59
2648
2656
(Research article)
SEXUAL STIMULANT ACTIVITY OF COMMERCIALLY
Muthu Mohamed Jamal Moideen,
________________________________________________________________________
Researchers are finding that some foods, herbs and other supplements do stimulate production of hormones or
other chemicals that affect our libidos. What happens in the body and brain when we are sexually excited? For
specifically testosterone. Our sex drive is controlled by
fin soup is considered a status symbol in Asian
n claiming they prevent cancer and
fin soup on the sexual behavior
” (Shark) as sexual
ulant and to compare the effectiveness against any two marketed sexual stimulant drugs. Shark-fin soup
C for 6 hr. To quantify
ere paired with 4 male mice treated with a single dose of
Each group of 4 male mice were placed separately and given positive control drug-I as Sildenafil
ginseng (300 mg/kg p.o)
fin soup (400 ml/kg p.o). Licking and mounting behavior was observed continuously for 3 hr in a
the vaginal smear of each female mouse was examined under a microscope,
fin soup showed its action almost as
fin soup has been confirmed that
ces of sperms in the female mice vaginal fluid. Based on
_______________________
special occasions such as weddings and banquets
in Malaysia. As a luxury item, the dish is also
a symbol of wealth and prestige in
Chinese culture. Thousands of people in Malaysia
and millions of people around the world consume
fin soup each year. It is considered a
powerful source of nutrition as well as an
aphrodisiac [3]. While there is good scientific
evidence for aphrodisiacs like Ginseng and
Epicedium [4], a search of the literature reveals no
International Journal of
Research in Pharmacology and
Pharmacotherapeutics

2. 60
Vignesh muruganandham et al / Int. Jour. of Res. in Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics Vol-1[1] 2012 [59-64]
www.ijrpp.com
research on libido boosting abilities of shark-fin
soup. Further research indicates that shark does
have some interesting nutritional properties, but
these are not unique to shark, and would only have
an indirect effect on the love making energies of
the body.
The Chinese people beliefs of aphrodisiac's activity
of shark's fin are primarily psychological, and that
Sympathetic Magic is the mechanism at work - by
eating the shark fin (or rhinoceros horn, or tiger
bone). A human tries to conquer and harness the
strength, ferocity or prowess of that animal [5]. In
the case of shark-fin soup, the skeptics might be
right or wrong.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A dried shark fin was obtained from a Chinese
Traditional Herbs Store at Alam Jaya, Cheras,
Malaysia, Sildenafil citrate, Panax ginseng, and all
other chemicals and reagents were in analytical
grade.
Preparation of shark fin soup
The shark fin was kept in a vacuum-sealed plastic
bag. The fibers of the shark fin were being pealed
out manually and shredded. Then, the fibers were
ground until it became as small and smooth
particles as possible. 50 gm of the ground shark
fin fibres was mixed with 400 ml of distilled water
in a 500 ml beaker. It was boiled and stirred for 6
hr at 100⁰C and until it became viscous soup [6].
Viagra 50 mg (Sildenafil Citrate)
(Positive control I)
The standard drug was purchased at Mediviron
Clinic, Alam Jaya, Cheras. It is an oral therapy for
erectile dysfunction and available only by
prescription. This standard drug produces
increased blood flow into certain areas of the penis
by enhancing the smooth muscle relaxant effects
of nitric oxide, released in response to sexual
stimulation in human. It is ingested orally, take
effect within 20 to 60 minutes, and remain
effective for 2 to 4 hr for human [7]. The dose
given to male mice was 30 mg/kg, p.o.
Chinese traditional medicine (Panax
ginseng)
The Chinese traditional medicine was purchased at
a local Chinese traditional medicines store at Alam
Jaya, Cheras, Malaysia. It is believed to help to
improve the sexual stimulation in both men and
women. The dose given to male mice was 30mg/kg,
p.o.
Animals used
Adult albino mice (25-27 g) were used. They were
fed with standard rodent pellet and water and
maintained under standard laboratory conditions
(temperature 24-28⁰C, relative humidity 60-70%).
Figure 1: Shark fin used to make soup
Mounting and licking behaviour
To quantify mounting behaviour, 2 non-oestrous
female mice were paired with 4 male mice treated
with the single dose of a drug, orally. Each group
of 4 male mice were placed separately and given
oral dose. After an hour, 2 female mice were
introduced into each group of the male mice (I, II,
III and IV). Observation was done for every 15
minutes, for up to 3 hours in a suitable mating
condition. Every mounting and licking behavior
was recorded [8]. A mount was operationally
defined as the male assuming the coupulatory
position but failing to achieve intromission.
Assessment of mating
The mice were divided into 4 groups (4 males and
2 females in each group). Those mice were being
observed for 3 hr. After the observation, the fluid

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from vaginal smear of each female mouse was
examined under a microscope for the presence of
sperm [8].
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Mounting activity
At the beginning of one hour observation, the
standard drug and Chinese traditional medicine
showed the highest frequency of mounting activity
compare with the shark-fin soup. During the peak
time (second hour), standard drug-I showed the
highest frequency of mounting activity and there
was the moderate increase in the shark-fin soup.
Chinese traditional medicine showed a reduction in
the above-said activity compared to the first hour
of observation. However, all the groups except
controlled group showed increase activity during
the peak time compare to the first hour of
observation. During the last observation on the
third hour, all the groups showed the reduction in
their activity and still standard drug has the
highest frequency followed by shark-fin soup and
Chinese traditional medicine.(Table-2)
Licking activity
During the first 45 minutes, Chinese traditional
medicine showed the highest frequency followed
by the standard drug but after 15 minutes, the
standard drug and shark-fin soup showed a better
frequency of activity than Chinese traditional
medicine. At the peak time, standard drug showed
the highest frequency of licking activity followed
by shark-fin soup and Chinese traditional
medicine. A lowest frequency of licking activity
was observed from the controlled group. During
the third hour, the standard drug-I and shark-fin
soup showed a gradual decrease in their activity
compare to the Chinese traditional medicine which
decreased drastically. In the controlled group, it
remained the lowest activity. (Table-3)
Mating assessment
Mating assessment was done after 3 hr of
observation. The fluid from the female vagina was
taken for observation under the microscope. The
mice administered with shark-fin soup shown that
it has the capability of mating even in fasting
period to as equal to other positive control groups.
The presence of sperm which was recorded shows
that the group of mice had to mate.
CONCLUSION
The result obtained after the oral administration of
shark-fin soup on male mice had open a wide
panorama for the use of these soups as sexual
stimulant drug is very promising for drug
development. The drug may be of use for
stimulating male sexual activity in case where
there are moderate sexual deficiencies. Compared
to modern Viagra and Chinese traditional
medicine, the shark-fin soup also showed a
significant enhancement as a sexual stimulant
activity. The results from this research present a
promising scenario for using shark fin extracts as
an effective alternative. These finding confirmed
that the traditional claim by the local Chinese
community which had been consuming shark-fin
soup for many generations as it possesses sexual
stimulant activity.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This research is supported by Dato’ Sri Dr. Edmund
Santhara, GCEO, Masterskill University College of
Health Sciences, Malaysia by funding. The authors
are sincerely thankful to him and management for
successful completion this project.
Table 1: Grouping of mice for its behavioral assessment
Group Treatment design
Mice
Drug
Male Female
I Purified Water 4 2 Negative control
II 30 mg/kg/p.o 4 2 Positive control drug I
III 30 mg/kg/p.o 4 2 Positive control drug II
IV 400 ml/kg/p.o 4 2 Shark fin soup (test drug)

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Table 2: Frequency of mounting activity
Table 3: Frequency of licking activity
Group
Treatment
design
Frequency of mounting activity (min)
0-
15
15-
30
30-
45
45-
60
60-
75
75-
90
90-
105
105-
120
120-
135
135-
150
150-
165
165-
180
I Purified water 3 2 - 1 2 - - 1 - 2 - 1
II
30 mg/kg/p.o
6 8 7 5 8 9 8 11 7 4 6 5
III 30 mg/kg/p.o 4 4 5 4 5 4 6 4 2 - 3 4
IV
400
ml/kg/p.o
4 4 3 5 8 7 9 9 4 4 5 5
Group
Treatment
design
Frequency of licking activity (min)
0-
15
15-
30
30-
45
45-
60
60-
75
75-
90
90-
105
105-
120
120-
135
135-
150
150-
165
165-
180
I
Purified
water
3 2 - 1 2 - 2 1 2 2 - -
II
30
mg/kg/p.o
6 5 6 7 8 11 9 8 6 7 5 3
III
30
mg/kg/p.o
5 7 6 4 5 7 9 8 2 4 - -
IV
400
ml/kg/p.o
4 4 5 5 8 10 8 9 5 4 5 4

5. Vignesh muruganandham et al / Int. Jour. of Res.
Figure 2: Frequency of mounting activity of male into female mice
Figure 3: Frequency of licking activity of male into female mice
et al / Int. Jour. of Res. in Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics Vol-1[1] 2012
www.ijrpp.com
Figure 2: Frequency of mounting activity of male into female mice
Figure 3: Frequency of licking activity of male into female mice
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Figure 4: Withdrawal of vaginal fluid from a female mouse for examining under
microscope
Figure 5: Microscopic view of the sperm from vaginal smear of female mice
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