Modulatory Effect of Pausinystalia yohimbe on Nitric Oxide/PDE-5 Pathway and Hormonal Profile in Clonidine-Induced Erectile Dysfunction among Wistar Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common among men in developing countries of the World. Medicinal plants offer an effective, alternative treatment for Erectile Dysfunction (ED), addressing the drawbacks of existing prescription drugs. Burantashi (Pausinystalia yohimbe) plant extracts have been used as aphrodisiac to enhance male potency and management of ED, but the reported modulation of biochemical parameters associated with the use is inconsistent. Aim and Objectives: This study aims to investigate the modulatory effects of Burantashi extract on the penile nitric oxide (NO) and phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) pathway and reproductive hormonal profile in Wistar rats with clonidine-induced ED. Materials and Methods: Penile NO, PDE-5 and serum Testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were assayed in six groups (of five rats each) by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay technique. Paired t-test and analysis of variance were used to analyse the data. Results: Serum levels of Testosterone, LH, FSH and Penile NO were significantly reduced (p<0.05), while PDE-5 was increased in clonidine-induced ED in Wistar rats compared with control groups. Upon treatment with Burantashi extract, the levels of Testosterone (41.9%), LH (40%), FSH (66.9%) and NO (82.2%) were increased, while PDE-5 concentrations (98.3%) in clonidine-induced ED Wistar rats was markedly reduced (p<0.05) in a dose dependent manner. The increase NO levels in the group given 100 mg/kg Burantashi extract was higher than the group given 5.0 mg/kg sildenafil. Conclusion: Burantashi extract effectively reverses clonidine-induced ED in Wistar rats by restoring hormonal balance, increasing penile NO levels, and inhibiting PDE-5 activity. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms and efficacy of Burantashi extract in clinical settings.