MAT, a Novel Polyherbal Aphrodisiac Formulation, Enhances Sexual Function and Nrf2/HO‐1 Pathway While Reducing Oxidative Damage in Male Rats

Abstract

Mucuna pruriens, Ashwagandha, and Tribulus terrestris are known as the enhancers for sexual health, functional activities, vitality, and longevity. These herbs had been widely used in the Ayurveda medicine as aphrodisiacs through the ages, and their efficacy was also verified separately in our previous publication. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of Mucuna, Ashwagandha, and Tribulus complexes on sexual function in rats. Twenty-eight male rats allocated to four groups as follows: (i) negative control (C); (ii) positive control or sildenafil citrate treated group (5 mg/kg) (S); (iii) MAT1 (combination of 10 mg Mucuna (M) + 10 mg Ashwagandha (A) + 10 mg Tribulus (T)/kg BW); (iv) MAT 2 (20 mg Mucuna + 20 mg Ashwagandha + 20 mg Tribulus/kg BW). There was no significant difference found between the MAT1 and MAT2 groups while they showed significantly increased testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels when compared to the negative control. Significant increases in Nrf2/HO1 levels and decreases in NF-κB were detected in MAT groups similar to the decrease in serum and testis malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as compared to both controls. The sperm motility, count, and rate also significantly improved in both MAT groups, while ALT, AST, creatinine, ALP, and urea levels did not change in any of the groups. Oral consumption of MATs combination in male rats resulted in inhibition of NF-κB and MDA and also increased sex hormones with Nrf2-mediated HO-1 induction. MAT combinations may improve sexual functions by increasing levels of sexual hormones and regulation of NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways.

Allium cameleon extract improved androgenesis and sexual behavior in male rat (Rattus norvegicus) via attenuation of oxidative damages increased sexual hormone and NO/cGMP cascade

“…It appears from investigation that administration of plant extract, significantly improved serum concentration of studied hormones. Similar to our findings, pretreatment of animals with Tribulus terrestris and Mucuna pruriens alone and in combination was found to increase testosterone, FSH, and LH concentrations [29,30]. Comparable results have been reported on sexual functioning with different compounds, demonstrating increase of FSH, LH, and testosterone levels [31,32].…”

Scientific Validation of Ethnomedicinal Use ofIpomoea batatasL. Lam. as Aphrodisiac and Gonadoprotective Agent against Bisphenol A Induced Testicular Toxicity in Male Sprague Dawley Rats

“…Physiological concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are needed by spermatozoa for their fertilization, acrosome reaction, hyperactivation, motility, and capacitation. Excessive production of ROS may lead to idiopathic male infertility, sexual dysfunction, and oxidative stress-induced sperm DNA damage [5, 6]. Plasma membrane of sperm cell comprised polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) which are easily oxidized by ROS and have no robust preventive capacity and repair mechanism against them, ultimately leading to sperm death [7].…”

MOTILIPERM Ameliorates Immobilization Stress-Induced Testicular Dysfunction via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and Modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway in SD Rats

“…The present study demonstrates an Nrf2/HO-1 pathway-mediated antioxidant response following MOTILIPERM treatment in stressed rats. Nrf2 plays a direct role in induction of HO-1, a rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of heme into carbon monoxide, ferritin, and biliverdin [43]. Bilirubin and carbon monoxide exhibit anti-oxidant activities.…”