Effects of Anthonotha macrophylla Leaf Sub-Fractions on Sexual Behavior and Biochemical Markers in Male Rats with Paroxetine-Induced Sexual Dysfunction

Paper ID : 1137-IGA

Authors

Abdulquadri Funmbi Olutoye *, Yakubu Toyin Musa University of Ilorin

Abstract

Background and Aim: Sexual dysfunction is often associated with neurotransmitter imbalance, enzyme hyperactivity, and hormone deficiencies. Paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is known to induce sexual dysfunction. This study investigated the aphrodisiac potential of Anthonotha macrophylla leaf fractions by evaluating sexual behavior, reproductive hormones, and biochemical markers in paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in male rats. Methods: Sexual dysfunction was induced in male Wistar rats through oral administration of paroxetine. The animals were divided into nine groups and treated with distilled water, sildenafil, or various sub-fractions of ethyl acetate and n-butanol obtained from A. macrophylla leaves. Sexual behavior was assessed, and hormone levels, nitric oxide (NO), cGMP, acetylcholinesterase (AchE), and phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) activities were evaluated. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to identify the bioactive compounds in the fractions. Results: Paroxetine-treated rats exhibited significant decreases in mount frequency, intromission frequency, and ejaculation frequency while showing increased mount and intromission latencies, post-ejaculatory interval, and PDE5 and AchE activities. Treatment with ethyl acetate and n-butanol sub-fractions reversed these effects. The most active sub-fractions (EASF A and NBSF B) significantly improved sexual behavior, increased testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and luteinizing hormone levels, and inhibited PDE5 and AchE activities. HPLC analysis revealed that gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, catechin, and epigallocatechin were present in these fractions. Conclusion: Sub-fractions of A. macrophylla leaves demonstrated potent aphrodisiac effects, primarily through inhibiting PDE5 and AchE activities, increasing NO and cGMP levels, and restoring hormonal balance. These findings suggest their potential as natural therapeutics for managing sexual dysfunction.

Keywords

Aphrodisiac, Sexual dysfunction, Anthonotha macrophylla, PDE 5 inhibition, Male sexual behavior

Status: Accepted