Preprint / Version 1

Comparative evaluation of the sexual functions and NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways of some aphrodisiac herbal extracts in male rats

Authors

  • Kazim Sahin Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Firat University, 23119 Elazig, Turkey
  • Ibrahim Ozercan Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University, 23119 Elazig, Turkey
  • Ismet Yilmaz Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Inonu University, Malatya, 44100 Turkey
  • Gaffari Turk Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary, Firat University, 23119 Elazig, Turkey
  • Nurhan Sahin Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Firat University, 23119 Elazig, Turkey
  • Hasan Gencoglu Division of Biology, Faculty of Science, Firat University, 23119 Elazig, Turkey
  • Mehmet Tuzcu Division of Biology, Faculty of Science, Firat University, 23119 Elazig, Turkey
  • Fatih Akdemir Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Fisheries, Inonu University, Malatya, 44280 Turkey
  • Cemal Orhan Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Firat University, 23119 Elazig, Turkey
  • Vijaya Juturu Research and Development, OmniActive Health Technologies Inc., Morristown, NJ USA

Keywords:

Mucuna pruriens, Tribulus terrestris, Withania somnifera, Sexual enhancer, Fertility, Reproductive organs

Abstract

Mucuna pruriens, Tribulus terrestris and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) are widely known as antioxidant effective herbals and have been reported to possess aphrodisiac activities in traditional usages. In this study, we determined the effects of these herbals on sexual functions, serum biochemical parameters, oxidative stress and levels of NF-κB, Nrf2, and HO-1 in reproductive tissues. Methods Thirty-five male rats were divided into five groups: the control group, sildenafil-treated group (5 mg/kg/d), Mucuna, Tribulus and Ashwagandha groups. The extract groups were treated orally either with Mucuna, Tribulus or Ashwagandha (300 mg/kg b.w.) for 8 weeks. Results All of the extracts were found to be significantly effective in sexual functioning and antioxidant capacity and Tribulus showed the highest effectiveness. Serum testosterone levels significantly increased in Tribulus and Ashwagandha groups in comparison to control group. Tribulus was able to reduce the levels of NF-κB and increase the levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 to a much greater extent than Mucuna and Ashwagandha. Conclusions These results demonstrate for the first time that Mucuna, Tribulus and Ashwagandha supplementation improves sexual function in male rats via activating Nrf2/ HO-1 pathway while inhibiting the NF-κB levels. Moreover, Tribulus terrestris extract was found to be more bioavailable from Ashwagandha extract followed by Mucuna extract. Graphical abstract Schematic representation of the mode of action of some aphrodisiac herbal extracts to improve sexual functions Keywords: Mucuna pruriens, Tribulus terrestris, Withania somnifera, Sexual enhancer, Fertility, Reproductive organs

Author Biography

Kazim Sahin, Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Firat University, 23119 Elazig, Turkey

Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Fisheries, Inonu University, Malatya, 44280 Turkey