INTRODUCTION
The
inability of a man to achieve or sustain a penile erection strong enough for
sexual activity is known as Erectile dysfunction (ED). While erection is
crucial for a satisfying sexual encounter, it also has deeper symbolic meaning
relating to one's self-image, self-esteem, and ideas of one's gender role. [Prakash
et al., 2020]. According to estimates, more than 150 million men worldwide
already experience ED; by 2025, that number will surpass 322 million [McKinlay,2000]. Despite a significant number of cases,
it is challenging to identify the cause of erectile dysfunction.
A metabolic illness called diabetes, which
affects more than 100 million individuals globally, is crippling. The illness
impacts numerous physiological systems, which also lowers the quality of life
and causes patients to suffer cardiovascular issues. [Creager et al, 2003].
In comparison to non-diabetic males, diabetic
men are three times more likely to experience erectile dysfunction (ED), with
5075% of them reporting some level of ED. With the course of diabetes, ED
severity rises in diabetic males. The primary factor contributing to the onset
of sexual dysfunction is endothelial dysfunction, which develops as a result of
excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). [Hakim
and Goldstein, 1995] [Musicki and Burnett, 2007]
Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5is),
which are used to treat ED, a kind of male sexual problem, has shown to be
ineffective in treating diabetes-related sexual dysfunction. It has been suggested that
pairing a PDE5i with an antioxidant can boost its effectiveness. [De Young et al., 2004].
The leguminous Mucuna Pruriens (Linn) plant
of the Fabaceae family is found in the tropical regions of India, Africa, and
the West Indies (Rajesh et al., 2016). In Ayurveda, the seeds and leaves of
this plant are well-known and frequently used for the treatment of
Parkinsonism, epilepsy, and erectile dysfunction (Dalal PK et al, 2013) (Muthu and Krishnamoorthy, 2011. Suresh et al., 2013),
among other conditions. The seeds are abundant in antioxidants and fiber
(Lampariello et al., 2012). The WHO has advised considering the potential of
plants as useful therapeutic agents, especially in countries where contemporary
pharmaceuticals are not easily accessible, as the use of complementary medicine
has grown significantly in recent years. Even when they are not standardized,
herbal medicinal plants are given because of their affordability and relative
safety [Majekodunnmi et al.,2011].
The purpose of this research work is to check
the possible reversal of diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction by extracts of a
traditional legume (Mucuna pruriens).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Preparation
of plant extract: After the fresh leaves had been dried in the shade, a fine
powder was formed from them, when ground with a lab mortar and pestle. At room
temperature, 70% ethanol and 30% distilled water were used to macerate 200
grams (g) of powder for 72 hours. This was filtered using filter paper (Whatman
size no.1).
Source
of materials: Fresh leaves of Mucuna pruriens were procured from the
Medicinal Garden of the National Centre for Genetic Resources and
Biotechnology, Ibadan, Nigeria. Botanical identification and authentication
were performed.
Twelve (12) adult Wistar rats with an average
weight of 160 to 200kg were procured from the Department of Anatomy at the University
of Ibadan, Nigeria.
The animals underwent seven days of
acclimatization under typical environmental circumstances with a 12-hour cycle
of light and darkness while being fed regular food (vital feed) and water. The
Institutional policies on the handling and use of experimental animals were
strictly followed during all processes.
Diabetes
induction: Rats in the study groups were kept apart from the diabetic control
group. The basal blood glucose level was assessed before the experimental group
developed diabetes. The rats were allowed to fast all night before receiving
sildenafil citrate injections. The rats were then given a dose of 5mg of
sildenafil citrate intraperitoneally per kg of body weight to induce diabetes.
Following induction, the same food and water were made available to the rats
without restriction. Blood samples were drawn from the rat tail tips and used
to check for diabetes and other hormone biomarkers after 72hours later.
Experimental
protocol: Twelve (12) male Albino rats weighing between 160 - 200 kg were
divided into four (4) groups as follows: Group 1: Control, Group 2:
Diabetes-induced (sildenafil citrate at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight), Group
3: Diabetes-induced (sildenafil citrate + a dose of 200mg/kg b.w of Mucuna
pruriens) rats, and Group 4: Diabetes-induced (sildenafil citrate + a dose
of 400 mg/kg b.w of Mucuna pruriens) rats. The rats were sacrificed and
submitted to further analysis after receiving a single oral dose of Mucuna
pruriens each day for three days.
The
statistical data analysis was carried out by using the SAS package.
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
Numerous
men experience diabetic ED, which has a detrimental effect on their health and
quality of life due to an increasing number of cases of diabetes. The majority
of reported cases of ED have organic origins (around 80%), whereas the
remaining occurrences are caused by psychological factors. Organic reasons for
ED may include changes in hormone (testosterone), injury to the penile nerve
supply (from an accident or surgery in the pelvic area), smoking, illnesses
(such as diabetes and high blood pressure), etc. Impaired penile arterial
inflow, corporal Veno-occlusive dysfunction, or abnormal corporal tone are the
pathologies that lead to the development of ED. (Sumanta et al.,2014). Given
these facts, the purpose of this study is to examine the possibility of reversing
diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction using extracts of traditional legumes (Mucuna
prurien).
In this current research work, we discovered
that the Wistar rat in group 1 (the control group) had blood sugar levels that
were typical or standard for the Wistar rats utilized in this experiment. When
compared to group 1 (the control group), the blood glucose level in group 2
(the diabetic-induced rats) significantly increased. However, when compared to
group 2 (the diabetes-induced group), groups 3 and 4 were treated with 200
mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of Mucuna prurien, shown in Tables 1 and 2 respectively,
displayed significantly lower blood sugar levels. Nevertheless, at a greater
dose of 400 mg/kg, the ethanolic leaf extract's impact is better and more
apparent. (Anukwu et al.,2023).
Follicle-stimulating
hormone (FSH)
In
this study, FSH levels were measured in four distinct groups of male Wistar rats.
Group 1 exhibited the highest FSH level with a value of (1.40 ± 0.50) followed
by Group 2 with a significant reduction in the FSH level with a value of (1.05
± 0.15). Subsequently, FSH levels dropped significantly in Group 3 and Group 4
reaching (0.30 ± 0.10) and (0.25 ± 0.05) respectively. The decreasing trend in
FSH levels across the groups could indicate a potential dose-response
relationship, suggesting that certain factors might be influencing FSH
production or regulation. While Group GP 1 demonstrated the highest FSH levels,
Group GP 4 exhibited the lowest levels, suggesting that there might be a
relationship between the experimental conditions and FSH production. These
variations could be attributed to HPG axis abnormalities (Jee-Young et
al.,2000), which influence insulin and leptin levels, GnRH pulses from the
hypothalamus, FSH secretion from the pituitary, testosterone production from
the Leydig cells, and sperm quality
Luteinizing Hormones
(LH)
Luteinizing
Hormone (LH) is crucial for male reproductive health, stimulating testosterone
production in the testes. There was a significant reduction in the LH level of
Group 2 (1.35 ± 0.55) Wistar rats when compared to Group 1(1.90 ± 1.00). Group
3 and Group 4 showed distinct changes, with Group 3 having a lower LH level of (1.50
± 0.40) and a higher LH level in Group 4(1.60 ± 1.30), potentially impacting
testosterone production and reproduction. The variations in LH levels could be
indicative of complex hormonal interactions and regulatory mechanisms. The fact
that LH levels did not decrease consistently, as FSH levels did, suggests that
different factors might influence LH production or response. Hormonal feedback
loops involving the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis could be at play,
influencing LH secretion more intricately. (Agbai et al., 2021).
Testosterone
Testosterone,
a key male sex hormone, in Group 2 (4.75 ± 2.15) showed a significant reduction
(P>0.005) in the testosterone level when compared to Group (14.80 ± 1.00).
This may be caused by insulin resistance (Jee-Young et al., 2000). Men with
impaired glucose tolerance had significantly lower levels of total testosterone
levels, according to research [Goodman et al., 2000]. Low testosterone levels
may indicate that Type 1 diabetes impairs testosterone levels in patients with
poor control, which may limit spermatogenesis [Erica et al., 2012]. Following the
administration of a varying dosage of M. pruriens to the induced
diabetes rats, testosterone levels increased in group 3 (5.70 ± 2.20). Group 4
has the lowest mean testosterone (1.25 ± 0.35).
The effect on the testosterone level is well pronounced at a dose of
200mg/kg, as shown in (Tables 1 & 2).
CONCLUSION
This
research work, reveals that ethanolic leaf extract of M. pruriens has
the potential to enhance sexual behavior with androgenic and anti-diabetic
effects in the sildenafil citrate-induced diabetic male rats.
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