Crude ethanolic leaf extracts of Citropsis articulata: a potential phytomedicine for treatment of male erectile dysfunction associated with testosterone deficiency

Abstract

Citropsis articulata, also locally known as the Omuboro is a popular plant in Central and Western Uganda for its claimed aphrodisiac properties. The plant naturally grows in forests and locals uproot it to obtain the roots for treatment of erectile dysfunctions. The root of this plant has been cherished as one of the most valuable herbal Viagra by most rural communities in Uganda. 1 The fast disappearance of these culturally important medicinal plants due to poor utilization practices certainly pose major threat towards a looming extinction. Conservationists in the country are concerned that demand for the roots of the plant threatens the survival of this species' genetic diversity in conservation areas like Mabira forest. 2 The roots are either chewed while fresh/dried or pounded into powder form and then mixed with water to form a concoction. Other plants like Warburgia ugandenesis, Cola acuminata, Prunus americana and Ekebergia capensis have been used in the ABSTRACT Background: Erectile dysfunction is the inability to sustain erection of the penis firm enough for sexual intercourse in males. Citropsis articulata is used locally by communities in Uganda for the management of erectile dysfunction. The current study evaluated the effect of ethanolic leaf extract of C. articulata on the serum level of testosterone and mounting frequency in Male albino rats. Methods: The study animals were divided into four groups and the extract groups dosed daily orally with 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg of extract for three weeks. Sildenafil citrate (1mg/kg) and distilled water (10 ml/kg) were used as positive and negative control respectively. The mounting frequencies of the males exposed to estrus induced females rats on day (7 and 21), testosterone levels (day 21) and phytochemicals present in the extract were determined. Results: At 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg, both testosterone level and mounting frequency increased significantly (p<0.05) by third week. The mean testosterone level at 600 mg/kg (2.678 ng/ml) of the extract was higher than that of group treated with 1mg/kg sildenafil citrate (2.18 ng/ml). The aphrodisiac activity of this extract may be associated with presence of saponins and basic alkaloids in the plant extract. Conclusions: Taken together, the crude leaf extracts of C. articulata could be used as a cheap alternative for the treatment of low libido due to testosterone deficiency. However, further studies are needed on the safety profile and the identification of the molecules responsible for the biological activity of the plant extract.

Phytochemical and efficacy study on four herbs used in erectile dysfunction: Mondia whiteii, Cola acuminata, Urtica massaica, and Tarenna graveolens

“…This result thus indicates that the aqueous extract of T. graveolens could be useful in treatment of those with erectile dysfunction resulting from hypogonadism. More so, the increase in testosterone levels indicated by the aqueous extract of T. graveolens did not correspond to the mounting frequency, contrary to many reports including (Vudriko et al, 2014;Oloro et al, 2014). The extract of T. graveolens as indicated in this study could be improving sexual activity in men with suspected erectile dysfunction by increasing their testosterone level.…”

“…Although mounting was noted in some of the animal groups treated, the results were not statistically significant in comparison to those of the control groups (Table 2). Despite the presence of arginine and saponins in the extract and their being reported as substance known to regulate erectile function and increase in testosterone levels respectively T. graveolens at the dose of 250 mg/kg significantly increased testosterone levels in males rats (Table 3) more than that reported for Citropsis articulata leaf extract (Vudriko et al, 2014) and Citropsis articulata root bark extract (Oloro et al, 2014). Although not quantitatively determined, the increase in testosterone levels could suggest that there was a higher level of saponins in the extract of T. graveolens (Koumanov et al, 1982).…”

Effects of aqueous root bark extract of Citropsis articulata (Swingle Kellerman) on sexual function in male rats

“…The increased testosterone levels noted with the dose at 1000 mg/kg and the significant effects on mounting noted at the same dose could probably be indicating that, the aqueous extract of C. articulata improves sexual function by increasing testosterone levels, similar to the result found by Vudriko et al (2014) on the leaf extract of C. articulata on male rats. The testosterone levels noted in this case were however, lower than the results obtained from the use of A. polycantha ethanolic stem bark extract by Wawata et al (2010), but were much higher than that reported by El-Tantawy et al (2007) on the effects of Tribulus alatus extracts on free serum testosterone levels.…”

“…This ethnobotanical indigenous knowledge has not been earlier documented and scientifically validated for efficacy and safety, future drug discovery and development (Kamatenesi-Mugisha and Oryem-Origa, 2005). Available information indicate that the leaf extract of C. articulata improves testosterone levels and could be used to treat erectile dysfunction in men with low testosterone levels (Vudriko et al, 2014), but no data exist about the root extract which has been used for ages.…”

Occurrence of Citropsis articulata in Tropical Forests in Uganda: Implication for Ex Situ Conservation

“…Citropsis articulata is usually a shrub or small tree, ranging from 2.5 to 5 m in height but sporadically much taller [1,3]. is plant species is well known for its aphrodisiac properties, and recent studies have proven its antiplasmodial potential too [4,5]. Unfortunately, the plant part used for its medicinal purpose is the root and thus the most harvested, and this could endanger its existence.…”