Characterization Of Herbal Mixture Solution And In Vivo Modulation of Metabolites Associated with Risk Factors of Erectile Dysfunction

Abstract

Background: Erectile dysfunction is well known to be associated with hypertension and diabetes. Homeostasis of blood glucose and lipid profile could help lower some risk factors of erectile dysfunction. This study examined the effect of Syzygium guineense, Allium sativum, potash and Syzygium aromaticum mixture (herbal mixture solution and potash locally used as an aphrodisiac) on fasting blood glucose level and lipid profile. Method: The plant solution was also subjected to preliminary characterization using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as well as acute toxicity study. Thirty (30) male and six female Wistar rats were used. Varying concentrations (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) of the extract were administered to the test groups while 5 mg/kg of Sildenafil citrate was administered to the positive control group. The normal control received distilled water. The control and test groups contained six rats per group each. Animals were treated for 2 weeks.  The female rats were used for the acute toxicity study (Up and Down procedure). Results: The LD₅₀ was above 5000 mg/kg. FTIR characterization revealed 4 spectra.  Each spectrum is a reflection of the functional groups present in the mixture. Fasting blood glucose (6.60 ± 0.30^a mmol/L) and lipid profile(TG: 71.20 ± 3.28^a; HDL-C: 27.00 ± 2.35 ^a mg/dl) were not altered significantly by the plant solution and Sildenafil citrate. Conclusion: These findings indicate that the plant solution was able to maintain homeostasis of blood glucose and lipid profile, hence would not vary the levels of these metabolites that are risk factors to erectile dysfunction.