M‐A‐T (Mucuna, Ashwagandha and Tribulus) Enhances Testosterone and Reduces Oxidative Stress: In Vivo Model

Abstract

BackgroundMucuna, Ashwagandha and Tribulus (M‐A‐T) are a traditional herbal medicine used to enhance sexual health and functional activities. This study investigates the possible role of M‐A‐T at two different doses (30 mg M‐A‐T and 60 mg M‐A‐T) on sex hormones (testosterone, follicle‐stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone), oxidative stress (serum and testis MDA), sperm motility, count and rate and gene proteins with the intent to show its usefulness in improving sexual health.MATERIALS AND METHODSIn this experimental study, we randomly divided 36 rats into four groups: I. Negative control, II. Positive control‐treated, III. M‐A‐T 1 (10 mg Mucuna(M), 10 mg Ashwagandha (A) and 10 mg Tribulus (T)/kg BW) IV. M‐A‐T 2‐treated (20 mg Mucuna, 20 mg Ashwagandha and 20 mg Tribulus/kg BW) was administrated 8 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, the sex hormones [testosterone (TT), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)], oxidative stress (serum and testis MDA), sperm motility, count and rate and gene proteins (NFkB, Nrf2 and HO1) of all rats’ sera were determined by radioimmunoassay and Elisa kits. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using the ANOVA, followed by post‐hoc Tukey test. P<0.05 was considered significant.RESULTSThe M‐A‐T 1 and M‐A‐T 2 group had a significantly increased TT, FSH and LH level than the control group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the treated M‐A‐T 1 and 2 groups. The treated control group had a significant decrease in serum and testis MDA levels, decrease in NFkB and an increase in Nrf2 and HO1 was observed in both M‐A‐T treated groups than controls. M‐A‐T 1 and 2 significantly improved sperm motility, count and rate. No significant changes in liver and kidney functions (ALT, AST, creatine, ALP and urea) in any of the treated groups.CONCLUSIONOral consumption of M‐A‐T could improve sexual health and function by enhancing sex hormones and reducing oxidative stress.Support or Funding InformationOmniActive Health Technologies Inc.