Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn. and Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees modulates enzymes associated with erectile dysfunction in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats

Ajiboye, Oluwapelumi Micheal; Oyeleye, Idowu Sunday; Adedayo, Bukola Christiana; Abua, Christopher Oshie; Adedeji, Oluwadayomi Esther; Oboh, Ganiyu

doi:10.22038/ajp.2025.25557

Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn. and Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees modulates enzymes associated with erectile dysfunction in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Oluwapelumi Micheal Ajiboye ¹

Idowu Sunday Oyeleye ²

Bukola Christiana Adedayo ³

Christopher Oshie Abua ⁴

Oluwadayomi Esther Adedeji ⁴

Ganiyu Oboh ⁴

¹ Department of Basic Sciences, School of Science, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.

² Department of Biomedical Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.

³ Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.

⁴ Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

10.22038/ajp.2025.25557

Abstract

Objective: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent complication among diabetic patients, and it is associated with oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and diminished nitric oxide generation. This study investigates the therapeutic efficacy of alkaloid extracts from Phyllanthus amarus and Andrographis paniculata on biochemicals related to ED in diabetic rats.
Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups: non-diabetic control, untreated diabetic, standard drug-treated diabetic (5 mg/kg glibenclamide), and four extract-treated diabetic groups (5 and 50 mg/kg of each plant alkaloid extract). Diabetes was induced via intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Treatments were administered orally, once daily, for a duration of 21 days.
Results: Biochemical analysis demonstrated that diabetic rats had elevated phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) and arginase activities and diminished antioxidant molecules. Treatment with plant extracts significantly inhibited PDE-5 and arginase activities, restored antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, and reduced glutathione), and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species levels, indicating their potential to mitigate oxidative stress. The extracts had an inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities, hence augmenting cholinergic signaling.
Conclusion: Alkaloid extracts of P. amarus and A. paniculata may enhance nitric oxide levels in endothelial cells, inhibiting key enzymes and improving antioxidant status. Their potential to inhibit PDE-5 and arginase, alongside their antioxidant properties, suggests they may offer a safer alternative to conventional treatments for diabetic ED. These findings highlight their therapeutic potential as a holistic approach to managing the complex nature of diabetes-related ED.

Keywords

Erectile dysfunction

Diabetes mellitus

Phyllanthus amarus

Andrographis paniculata

Endothelial dysfunction

Subjects