Medicinal Extracts Research Articles

The pros and cons of biological effects of herbs and herb-derived compounds on liver tumorigenesis

Consumption of natural products such as herbs, spices, plant-derived compounds, and foods is on the rise globally. The use of these substances is widely recognized as an integral part of culture and tradition, with the philosophy being “no benefit is no harm”. The utility of medicinal plants and extracts is under scrutiny, and the scientific community needs to clarify many conceptual gaps. Medicinal plants are rich in bioactive phytochemicals that produce chemopreventive effects at different levels, including cellular, animal, and clinical. The ultimate translational value is often missing, and some studies suggest that botanicals may contain toxic compounds that cause acute or chronic toxicity. In this regard, the liver is the center, and herbal products can show protective effects or induce hepatotoxicity, thereby promoting liver cancer. In this review article, we examine a range of herbal products implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis and extend the discussion to herbal products that may be potentially involved in the prevention and treatment of liver carcinoma.

Viability of Probiotics, Rheological and the Sensorial Properties of Probiotic Yogurts Fortified with Aqueous Extracts of Some Plants.

In this research, we aimed to evaluate the effects of various medicinal and aromatic plant aqueous extracts on physicochemical, rheological, sensorial properties of probiotic yogurts and the viability of yogurt bacteria and probiotic bacteria during the storage period. On the 28 day of storage, the maximum Bifidobacterium longum and Lacticaseibacillus casei counts were determined in thyme containing yogurt and mint and basil containing yogurt, respectively. On the 1st day of storage, the most favoured yogurt was garlic containing sample while on the 14th day, the control sample was the most favoured one. Hardness values were not showed statistically difference for all sample (p>0.05). Especially the garlic and mint yogurt samples were more liked in terms of sensory properties. Consequently, aqueous extracts of some plants such as garlic, basil and thyme have successfully used in probiotic yogurt production and all yogurt samples containing plants have the enough probiotic counts to show therapeutic effect on human health.

Anti Bacterial Activity of Ricinus Communis Extracts against Common Human Pathogens Obtained from Surgical Wound Infections in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Semi-urban Set Up at Andhra Pradesh, India

Introduction: A number of medicinal compounds are manufactured with great exactness and simply from easily available raw materials at normal temperature and pressure from highly sophisticated chemical factories called plants and its parts. There are many methods of research associated with the medicinal plants and traditional medicine has shown very little attention in modern research and less effort has been done to upgrade the practice of using medicinal plants. Aim: To assess the antibacterial activity of Ricinus communis leaf extracts against common human pathogens obtained from surgical wound infections in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology of a Tertiary Care teaching Hospital for a period of one month in January 2021. The pathogenic bacteria isolated from the surgical wounds were used for this study and the antibacterial activity of medicinal herb leaf extract Ricinus communis L. was investigated against gram positive bacteria and gram negative bacteria. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique using the extract, ampicillin as positive control and Dimethyl Sulphoxide (DMSO) as negative control. The zones of inhibition were measured using a special measuring scale. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of the medicinal plant were also tested against the same pathogenic bacterial strains that were isolated. The statistical analysis of frequency and mean were calculated and the results were tabulated. Results: The methanol crude extract of plant leaves (300 mg/ ml) showed significant zone of inhibition against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Comparatively, very less zone of inhibition was obtained from the aqueous unrefined extract of medicinal plant when compared to the methanol solvent extracts. DMSO was taken as negative control and no zone of inhibition was seen. Ampicillin (10 μg) was taken as positive control and has shown significant zone of inhibition against the isolated bacterial pathogens from wound infections. The best MBC value was observed in the methanol extract and in aqueous extract, the growth was extensive and full. Conclusion: Ricinus communis concentrated methanol leaf extract had shown effective antibacterial activity in comparison with the standard ampicillin. Based on further chemical, pharmacological and molecular studies in the future on this leaf extract and identify phytochemical constituents in the leaf, seed, stem, roots and to screen other potential bioactivities of the leaf extract may be recommended for the treatment of wounds.

Effect of some medicinal and algal extracts on some vegetative and biochemical growth characteristics of sunflower plants under water stress conditions

Effect of some medicinal and algal extracts on some vegetative and biochemical growth characteristics of sunflower plants under water stress conditions

Synthesis and characterization of nickel oxide nanoparticles using Clitoria ternatea flower extract: Photocatalytic dye degradation under sunlight and antibacterial activity applications

The present study is aimed to synthesize nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) by using medicinal flower extract of Clitoria ternatea and examine its antibacterial and photocatalytic dye degradation activities. The synthesized NPs were investigated using UV–visible spectroscopy wherein they exhibited a color change pattern and confirmed their maximum absorption peak at 280 nm, which is distinct for NiO NPs. The FTIR analysis showed the presence of various functional groups in the flower extract as well as on the NiO NPs. XRD studies revealed the high crystalline nature of NiO NPs with 9.6 nm average size. The TEM micrograph shows hexagonal shape of the NPs that are non-agglomerated with a particle size of 13 nm. The composition of nickel and oxygen elements was confirmed through EDX studies. Using the well diffusion method, the antibacterial activity of NiO NPs was tested against both gram positive and gram-negative bacterial strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Additionally, photocatalytic degradation of Fast Green (FG) and Rose Bengal (RB) dye molecules were performed by using NiO NPs. Based on the obtained results, we confirmed that NiO NPs degrade FG by 89 % and RB by 77 % in the presence of sun light.

Ganoderma applanatum extract mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles

Nanotechnology has been used in the field of medicine and pharmacology for its greater efficacy of drug delivery than crude molecules of drugs. In the present study medicinal mushroom Ganoderma applanatum extract mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized, characterized by Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis.) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Furior transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Maximum absorbance was recorded at 435nm by UV-Vis. The synthesized nanoparticles of 13.54nm-255nm in size with an average particle size of 58.77nm were analyzed by DLS. FTIR-Spectroscopy provided high transmission at 3606cm-1 corresponds for phenolic capping biochemical. Thus G. applanatum extract can be used for synthesis of silver nanoparticles and the synthesized nanoparticles may be used for development of future therapeutic agent for treatment of diseases.

Antihemorrhagic and Antimicrobial Property of Cotton Fabric Treated with Medicinal Herb Alfalfa

Abstract In this work, medicinal plant alfalfa leaf extract was used as an antihemorrhagic, antimicrobial, and antifungal agent and applied to cotton fabrics. The medicinal herb alfalfa leaf was extracted using the ethanol and methanol solvents in the Soxhlet apparatus. The 50-µL, 100-µL, and 150-µL concentrations of extracted solution were tested against the positive and negative bacteria, namely Staphylococcus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and the yeast fungi. The zone of inhibition was measured in each concentration. The 150-µL extract concentration in methanol extract showed good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus and P. aeruginosa bacteria compared with the ethanol extract. The treated cotton fabrics were assessed for their antimicrobial property, and the zone of inhibition was found to be in the range of 13–15 mm. Then the antihemorrhagic property was assessed in both ethanol extract and methanol extract solution alone. The ethanol extracts showed a minimum time for clotting the blood, i.e., 2.2 min. The treated fabrics were assessed for the time taken to clot blood, and it was found that it took 1.2–1.4 min, which was improved when compared with the normal blood clotting time of 2–2.3 min. Biocompatibility Chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) preparation helps us to know the endpoints like hemorrhage, vascularlysis, coagulation, and irritation score of treated and untreated cotton fabric. The test is similar to the effects of the rabbit skin testing treatment, which shows the result of zero value for endpoints. The Medicago sativa herb exhibited good antimicrobial and antihemorrhagic properties for medicinal applications.

Antibacterial activity of medicinal plants and propolis extracts as well as their synergistic effect with antibiotics on pathogenic bacteria

Antibacterial activity of medicinal plants and propolis extracts as well as their synergistic effect with antibiotics on pathogenic bacteria

Inorganic element profile of medicinal Cannabis extracts consumed by pediatric patients

The increasing number of reports of web-based experiences on the success of Cannabis-based therapies in controlling seizures in children suffering from refractory epilepsy have led to efforts by governments and associations to a recent change in legislation. The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) allowed the import of Cannabis extracts in 2015 and the registration of the first industrialized drug in 2017. In 2019, ANVISA approved procedures for the granting of a Sanitary Authorization for manufacturing and imports, establishing marketing requirements, prescribing, dispensing, monitoring and surveillance of cannabis products for medicinal purposes. Similar to other consumer products of health concern, is necessary to ensure the quality and health safety of these products worldwide. The aim of the present study to evaluate the presence of As, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, Co, Cr and Mn present in Cannabis extracts and resins used in the treatment of pediatric patients with neurological diseases. Samples (48 national and 24 imported) were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry - ICP-MS. The imported extracts presented more homogeneous inorganic element values, while national extracts showed varied levels, thus indicating the highest health risk.

Puerarin improves diabetic wound healing via regulation of macrophage M2 polarization phenotype.

Skin wound healing depends on the progress of different but overlapping stages of healing, including hemostasis, inflammatory, proliferative and remodeling. Failure of these stages to occur in a timely and gradual manner may result in non-healing pathological wounds. Macrophages and neutrophils have been shown to play an essential role in the inflammatory responses of wound tissue, and their active plasticity allows them to modulate tissue damage and repair functions. The ability of macrophages and neutrophils to regulate the occurrence and resolution of inflammatory processes is essential for the treatment of pathological wound healing. Mice were categorized into negative control, streptozotocin, streptozotocin + puerarin and puerarin groups. The traditional Chinese medicine extract puerarin was selected to treat different groups of mice with a full-thickness skin defect wound. Cells of the RAW264.7 cell line were stimulated under different puerarin conditions. Then, real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blot, immunofluorescence and other assays were carried out to explore the effect of puerarin on wound healing and its molecular mechanism. Animal experiments found that the wound healing of diabetic mice treated with puerarin was significantly accelerated, and histological analysis found that puerarin treatment markedly decreased the infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils in wound tissue. Through western blot, RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence experiments, it was observed that puerarin treatment remarkably inhibited nuclear factorkinase B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, downregulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines and induced the M2 polarization of macrophages. At the cellular level, we also observed that puerarin improved M2 macrophage polarization and inhibited inflammatory pathway activation in a high-glucose culture. Puerarin has a significant therapeutic effect on wound healing in diabetic mice. The therapeutic effect is achieved by regulating macrophage polarization through suppressing NF-κB and MAPK signaling cascades.

Enhancing Phenolic Content of Medicinal Aromatic Plants Extracts-Biofunctional Foods Preparation.

In this study, the assessment of TPC and antioxidant activity enhancement of medicinal and aromatic plant (MAP) aqueous extracts using natural sweeteners or encapsulation materials was carried out. MAP extracts fortified with polyphenols were used to produce biofunctional chocolate bites. Honey or erythritol added to Melissa officinalis concentrated aqueous extracts exhibited TPC at 19.53 mg GAE/mL and 18.24 mg GAE/mL, respectively, and DPPH radical scavenging activity greater than 82%, comparing to its non-concentrated aqueous extract (3.74 mg GAE/mL and 72.9%, respectively). Honey added to MAP concentrated aqueous extract mixtures presented up to twofold higher TPC compared to M. officinalis concentrated aqueous extracts with honey. Chocolate bites with MAP concentrated aqueous extract mixtures and honey exhibited TPC and DPPH radical scavenging activity at 29.48 mg GAE/g chocolate and 93.7%, respectively. The addition of gum arabic or inulin in MAP concentrated aqueous extract mixtures increased the TPC up to 12-fold (40.37 mg GAE/mL and 34.14 mg GAE/mL, respectively) compared to its non-concentrated aqueous extracts (3.38 mg GAE/mL), whereas DPPH radical scavenging activity approached 99.5%. Honey incorporation as a sweetener and polyphenolic compound encapsulation in gum arabic can lead to the production of biofunctional foods with elevated cytoprotective action without compromising their organoleptic attributes.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Selected Indian Traditional Medicinal Plants

Antibacterial and antifungal activities are the universal supporting activities for other therapeutic activities like anti-inflammatory, wound healing etc. The traditional medicinal plants Pongamia pinnata and Macaranga peltata selected. The selected plants different extracts (Ethanol, Chloroform, Petroleum ether, Ethyl acetate and Methanol) were prepared and preliminary phytochemical screening was performed. The antibacterial and antifungal activity was performed by Agar well method by using Ciprofloxacin and Erythromycin standards. In this study we come to conclusion that the selected medicinal plants alcohol extract is having significant antibacterial and antifungal activity.

북한에서의 고려약에 대한 제도 및 정책 현황

This study used data from traditional medicine laws of North Korea, the prologue of the journal Koryo Medicine, and Rodong News to analyze research trends and technological levels of North Korean traditional medicine. This study analyzed the traditional medicine laws of North Korea, the prologue of the journal Koryo Medicine, and Rodong News to obtain data on policy systems and research trends. According to the analysis, the role of Koryo medicine is clearly defined by law as a medical care provider, pharmaceutical production, science and technology development, and herbal preservation. Under Kim Jong Un, Koryo medicine policies have emphasized the commercialization, standardization, and industrialization of Koryo medicine extracts. The results show North Korea’s emphasis on using Koryo medicine and increasing medical independence through Koryo medicine.

Evaluation of Nigerian Medicinal Plants Extract on Human P-glycoprotein and Cytochrome P450 Enzyme Induction: Implications for Herb-drug Interaction.

Herbal medicine represents a significant component of disease prevention and therapy in most African countries. Herb-drug interactions (HDI) can arise from the co-administration of herbal and orthodox medicines. This study assessed the potential for HDI of V. amygdalina, O. gratissimum, M. oleifera, A. indica, and P. nitida extracts using in vitro assays. Little is known about these medicinal plants' potential for drug interaction despite their extensive use in Nigeria for several disease conditions. The medicinal plant crude extracts were evaluated for Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme induction using cryopreserved human hepatocytes. Enzyme activity was determined by quantifying probe substrate metabolism and metabolite formation using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. The extracts were evaluated for the potential to inhibit P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity using human embryonic kidney membrane vesicles over-expressing human P-gp. The herbal extracts in vivo drug interaction potential was predicted based on the USFDA drug interaction guidance. O. gratissimum and P. nitida methanol extracts induced CYP1A2 enzyme activity by greater than 3-fold. P. nitida methanol extracts showed over 2-fold induction of CYP1A2 mRNA expression. O. gratissimum methanol extract induced CYP2B6 mRNA expression over 2-fold. P. nitida and A. indica methanol extracts showed potent inhibition of P-gp activity (IC50: 3.8 and 5.4 μg/mL), respectively, while V. amygdalina and M. oleifera methanol extracts showed moderate P-gp inhibition (IC50: 12.1 and 37.2 μg/mL, respectively). Our studies suggested that the medicinal plants' extracts can modulate CYP enzymes and P-gp activity with the potential to cause herb-drug interaction in vivo.

Study on anti-hygroscopic technology based on correlations between particle spatial properties and hygroscopicity of Chinese medicinal extracts

This study was designed to investigate the correlations of the spatial structure properties of Chinese medicinal extracts with hygroscopicity and the anti-hygroscopic techniques. With Poria extract used as the model drug, pregelatinised starch and microcrystalline cellulose at different ratios were added into Poria fluid extract for preparing powder particles with diverse spatial structures using different drying processes. Then, their hygroscopic behaviours were characterized by equilibrium hygroscopicity(F~∞) and semi-hygroscopic time(t_(1/2)). The correlations of the hygroscopicity of each powder with the spatial structure properties such as particle size(D_(90)), porosity(ε), true density(ρ_t), and surface element distribution were analyzed using partial least-squares method. The F~∞ and t_(1/2) values of Poria extract prepared by three drying methods were sorted in a descending order as follows: F~∞(spray drying>drying at ordinary pressure>drying at reduced pressure); t_(1/2)(drying at reduced pressure>drying at ordinary pressure>spray drying). The powder obtained by spray drying showed a spherical structure with the smallest particle size and intra-particle ε but relatively stronger hygroscopicity. The large-scale surface element enrichment of the powders dried by reduced pressure effectively reduced their hygroscopicity. F~∞ and t_(1/2) were negatively correlated with ε but positively with D_(90), and the interactive influence of each spatial structural properties was not significant. There existed a correlation between the spatial structure of the powder particles of Chinese medicine extracts and their hygroscopicity, and the hygroscopicity could be improved by designing the spatial structure. This study has provided some practical basis for developing the moisture-proof technology of Chinese medicinal preparations.

Cameroonian Spice Extracts Modulate Molecular Mechanisms Relevant to Cardiometabolic Diseases in SW 872 Human Liposarcoma Cells.

The molecular pathophysiology of cardiometabolic diseases is known to be influenced by dysfunctional ectopic adipose tissue. In addition to lifestyle improvements, these conditions may be managed by novel nutraceutical products. This study evaluatedthe effects of 11 Cameroonian medicinal spice extracts on triglyceride accumulation, glucose uptake, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and interleukin secretion in SW 872 human adipocytes after differentiation with 100 µM oleic acid. Triglyceride content was significantly reduced by all spice extracts. Glucose uptake was significantly increased by Tetrapleura tetraptera, Aframomum melegueta and Zanthoxylum leprieurii. Moreover, Xylopia parviflora, Echinops giganteus and Dichrostachys glomerata significantly reduced the production of ROS. Concerning pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, we observed that Tetrapleura tetraptera, Echinops giganteus, Dichrostachys glomerata and Aframomum melegueta reduced IL-6 secretion. In addition, Xylopia parviflora, Monodora myristica, Zanthoxylum leprieurii, and Xylopia aethiopica reduced IL-8 secretion, while Dichrostachys glomerata and Aframomum citratum increased it. These findings highlight some interesting properties of these Cameroonian spice extracts in the modulation of cellular parameters relevant to cardiometabolic diseases, which may be further exploited, aiming to develop novel treatment options for these conditions based on nutraceutical products.

Modulating the Antifungal Activity of Antimycotic Drugs with Farnesol

Introduction. Clinical strains of microorganisms, including opportunistic yeast-like fungi (YLF) of the genus Candida, are resistant to currently used antifungal drugs. In this regard, the search for alternative ways to potentiate the activity of antimicrobial agents in relation to the infectious agent is an important and relevant area of research. The study of combinations of existing antimycotic drugs and a medicinal extract of plant origin – farnesol – is one of the promising approaches in the fight against resistant strains of YLF genus Candida. In our previous studies, farnesol has been shown to exhibit relative activity against YLF Candida albicans biofilms. In this study, we used 6 clinical isolates and one museum strain YLF C. albicans to study the effect of farnesol on the antifungal activity of antimycotic drugs.Aim. To prove that farnesol can increase the antifungal activity of certain antimycotics.Materials and methods. To determine the sensitivity of 7 strains of YLF C. albicans to the antimycotic drugs "Nystatin" (NYS 50 µg), "Ketoconazole" (KET 10 µg), "Clotrimazole" (CTR 10 µg), "Amphotericin B" (AMB 10 µg), "Voriconazole" (VRC 10 µg) disk diffusion test was used. A solution of farnesol in concentrations of 100, 50 and 25 µM in a volume of 25 µl was applied to the disk with the antimycotic drug. Sterile physiological (PhS) solution was used as a control (pH 7.0; V = 25 µl).Results and discussion. In 34.3 % of of experiments we can talk about the modulating effect of farnesol solutions on the antifungal activity of antimycotic drugs. In all these cases, the sensitivity of YLF C. albicans to the antimycotic drug increases.Conclusion. The results of this study provide useful information for understanding the mechanism of QS-molecules action with antifungal activity, as well as they are the basis for the practical application of some QS-molecules in the treatment of infectious diseases caused by YLF of the genus Candida. The study demonstrates that farnesol can be recommended as an active substance that improves the sensitivity of YLF Candida to antimycotic drugs, especially in the case of multi-resistant strains Candida.

Curcumol inhibits malignant biological behaviors and TMZ-resistance in glioma cells by inhibiting long noncoding RNA FOXD2-As1-promoted EZH2 activation.

Currently, conventional treatment is not sufficient to improve the survival of glioma patients. Hence, adopting novel personalized treatment programs is imperative. Curcumol, a Chinese herbal medicine extract from the roots of Rhizoma Curcumae, has attracted significant interest due to its beneficial pharmacological activities. The current study revealed that curcumol inhibited the proliferation, metastasis, self-renewal ability, and TMZ resistance in glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. Next, the potential molecular mechanisms of curcumol in inhibiting glioma were investigated. We found that the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) FOXD2-As1 might contribute to the effects of curcumol on glioma cells. Enforced expression of FOXD2-As1 attenuated the curcumol-induced reduction in glioma cell proliferation, metastasis, self-renewal ability, and TMZ resistance. Moreover, the forced expression of FOXD2-As1 reversed the inhibitory effect of curcumol on the binding ability of EZH2 and H3K27me3 modification in the promoter regions of anti-oncogenes. Our results showed for the first time that curcumol is effective in inhibiting malignant biological behaviors and TMZ-resistance of glioma cells by suppressing FOXD2-As1-mediated EZH2 activation. Our study offers the possibility of exploiting curcumol as a promising therapeutic agent for glioma treatment and may provide an option for the clinical application of this natural herbal medicine.

Extraction and identification of the components of Thymbra spicata L. and Satureja khuzestanica Jamzad Oils native to Ilam province by headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad (Lamiaceae) and Thymbra spicata L. (Lamiaceae) are medicinal plants belonging to the genera of Satureja and Thymbra, having many uses in traditional Iranian medicine. S. khuzistanica is used to treat different diseases such as cramps, nausea, and infectious diseases. Medicinal plants, extracts and essential oils are of special importance for pharmacy, health and food industries. S. khuzistanica and T. spicata plants were collected from Dehloran located in south of Ilam province in western Iran. Then, they were dried and powdered. Headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and Gas Chromatography-mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques were used to obtain extracts of mentioned plants and identify their active compounds. Essential oil from T. spicata contained 45 chemical compounds, whose main ones were isothymol (36.24%), gamma-terpinene (17.94%), O-cymene (10.92%), trans-caryophyllene (7.81%), alpha-pinene (7.24%), and camphene (3.61%). Also, essential oil from S. khuzestanica contained 43 chemical compounds which main ones were carvacrol (71.99%), camphene (2.84%), alpha-pinene (1.63%), 1,8-Cineole (1.51%). carvone (1.44%) and beta-pinene (1.42). Results from present study indicated that antioxidative and antimicrobial compounds such as carvacrol were found in both plants (S. khuzestanica and T. spicata) from the Laminaceae family. Therefore, essential oils of these plants can find applications as antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiseptic compounds for medicinal and health purposes.

Berberine ameliorates erectile dysfunction in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus through the attenuation of apoptosis by inhibiting the SPHK1/S1P/S1PR2 and MAPK pathways.

The population with diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction is increasing rapidly, but current drugs are not effective in treating erectile dysfunction. Studies of the traditional Chinese medicine extract berberine on diabetes and its complications provide us with new ideas. To evaluate the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of berberine on the erectile function of diabetic rats. Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly grouped, and 42 rats were injected intraperitoneally with streptozotocin to establish a diabetes model. Erectile dysfunction rats were screened out through the apomorphine test and randomly divided into the diabetes mellitus and berberine groups, and these animals were administered berberine (200mg/kg/day) and normal saline by gavage for 4weeks. Primary corpus cavernous smooth muscle cells from healthy rats were cultured and treated with berberine. Fasting blood glucose in the diabetes mellitus group was significantly increased, while berberine showed no significant effect on glucose. Erectile function was obviously impaired in the diabetes mellitus group, and berberine administration partially rescued this impairment. The expression of sphingosine kinase 1, S1PR2, and sphingosine-1-phosphate in the diabetes mellitus group was increased. Berberine partially inhibited the expression of sphingosine kinase 1 and S1PR2, but the decrease in sphingosine-1-phosphate was not significant. Moreover, mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway factor expression was upregulated and eNOS activity was decreased in the diabetes mellitus group. Berberine treatment could partially reverse these alterations. Severe fibrosis and apoptosis were detected in diabetic rats, accompanied by higher expression of TGFβ1, collagen I/IV, Bax/Bcl-2, and caspase 3 than in the other groups. However, supplementation with berberine inhibited the expression of these proteins and attenuated fibrosis and apoptosis. Berberine ameliorated erectile dysfunction in rats with diabetes mellitus, possibly by improving endothelial function and inhibiting apoptosis and fibrosis by suppressing the sphingosine kinase 1/sphingosine-1-phosphate/S1PR2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways.