Abstract
BackgroundOcimum gratissimum L. is a medicinal plant widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions with the leaf decoction usually taken in folk medicine to enhance erectile performance in men although the probable mechanism of actions remains undetermined. This study examined the inhibitory potentials of Ocimum gratissimum leaves on some key enzymes associated with erectile dysfunction in penile and testicular tissues of the rat.MethodsInhibitory effect of aqueous extract (1:10 w/v) of O. gratissimum leaves on the activities of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5), arginase, angiotensin I –converting enzyme (ACE), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in penile and testicular tissues were assessed. Also, the extract was investigated for ferric reducing antioxidant property(FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging abilities.ResultsThe extract showed higher PDE-5 (IC50 = 43.19 μg/mL), ACE (IC50 = 44.23 μg/mL), AChE (IC50 = 55.51 μg/mL) and arginase (IC50 = 46.12 μg/mL) inhibitory activity in the penile tissue than PDE-5 (IC50 = 44.67 μg/mL), ACE (IC50 = 53.99 μg/mL), AChE (IC50 = 60.03 μg/mL) and arginase (IC50 = 49.12 μg/mL) inhibitory activity in the testicular tissue homogenate. Furthermore, the extract scavenged free radicals and in a dose-dependent manner.ConclusionThe enzyme activities displayed might be associated with the bioactive compounds present in the extract which could possibly explain its use in the management of erectile dysfunction (ED).
Highlights
Ocimum gratissimum L. is a medicinal plant widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions with the leaf decoction usually taken in folk medicine to enhance erectile performance in men the probable mechanism of actions remains undetermined
The result showed that the aqueous extract of O. gratissmum inhibited PDE-5 enzymes
Taking into consideration the IC50 presented in Table 1, it showed that the extract had a greater inhibitory activity on penile phosphodiesterase-5 (IC50 = 43.19 μg/mL) than testicular phosphodiesterase-5 (IC50 = 44.67 μg/mL)
Summary
Ocimum gratissimum L. is a medicinal plant widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions with the leaf decoction usually taken in folk medicine to enhance erectile performance in men the probable mechanism of actions remains undetermined. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve and maintain penile tumescence adequate for the suitable erotic act [2]. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition is an alternative technique for managing ED because it controls the levels of acetylcholine [7]. Earlier studies reported that inhibition of AChE can increase the level of acetylcholine thereby improving erection [10, 11]. ACE activity inhibition leads to an increase in erectile performance and a significant reduction of angiotensin-II levels in patients with ED [15]. The need to continuously explore medicinal plants with sexual enhancing properties may serve as a cheap and safe alternative therapy [18]
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