Date (Phoenix dactylifera L. Mill) fruit enhances sexual performance via modulation of oxido-inflammatory mediators and purinergic signaling in hypertensive male rats.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed at investigating the effect of dietary supplementation of Phoenix dactylifera, an important component of aphrodisiac supplements, on sexual performance, oxido-inflammatory mediators and purinergic signaling system in hypertensive rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Hypertension was induced via oral administration of 40 mg/kg L-NAME. Thereafter, the sexual performance of the experimental animals was determined and the hypertensive rats with impaired sexual activities were placed on P. dactylifera-supplemented diet for 21 days, and the effects of the treatment on the overall sexual behavior, antioxidant status, oxido-inflammatory biomarkers, and enzyme activity of the purinergic system were assessed. RESULTS: Hypertensive rats showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in sexual performance, elevated level of oxido-inflammatory mediators, and altered purinergic enzymes activity when compared with the control. However, sub-chronic feeding with P. dactylifera-supplemented diet improved sexual performance, significantly lowered oxido-inflammatory biomarkers, and enhanced the activity of purinergic enzymes in hypertensive rats. CONCLUSION: Findings presented in this study suggest that dietary inclusion of P. dactylifera could be useful in managing erectile dysfunction (ED) commonly observed in subjects with hypertension. Findings highlighted in this study thus provide the scientific basis supporting the folkloric use of P. dactylifera as a key ingredient in aphrodisiac supplements.

Chemical composition, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory properties of Rauwolfia vomitoria extract.

OBJECTIVES: Rauwolfia vomitoria is one ethno-botanicals in Nigeria used by traditional health practitioners in managing several human diseases. However, necessary information regarding its effect on enzymes implicated in the development and progression of erectile dysfunction is missing in the literature. Thus, this study investigated the antioxidant property and impact of Rauwolfia vomitoria extract on erectile dysfunction-related enzymes in vitro. METHODS: High performance liquid chromatography was used to identify and quantify Rauwolfia vomitoria's phenolic components. Then, utilizing common antioxidant assays, the extract's antioxidant properties were evaluated and finally the effect of the extract on some enzymes (AChE, arginase and ACE) implicated in erectile dysfunction was investigated in vitro. RESULTS: The results showed that the extract inhibited AChE (IC50=388.72 µg/mL), arginase (IC50=40.06 µg/mL) and ACE (IC50=108.64 µg/mL) activities. In addition, phenolic rich extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria scavenged radicals and chelated Fe2+ in concentration dependent manner. Furthermore, rutin, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, and kaempferol were found in large quantities by HPLC analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, one of the potential reasons driving Rauwolfia vomitoria's use in folk medicine for the treatment of erectile dysfunction could be its antioxidant and inhibitory activities on several enzymes linked to erectile dysfunction in vitro.

PERCEPTION AND WILLINGNESS TO THE UPTAKE OF COVID-19 VACCINE AMONG HOUSEHOLD-HEADS IN A RURAL COMMUNITY OF SOUTH-WESTERN NIGERIA.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and its vaccine have been met with varying perceptions that may have both negative and positive effects on the willingness to uptake the COVID-19 vaccine. The study is set to determine the perception and willingness of the household heads to the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine in a rural community in Southwestern, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 409 household heads selected through a multistage sampling technique. The instrument of data collection was a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire using the Health Belief model constructs. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS version 21.0 and Pearson's Chi-square test was used to determine the association between perception and willingness to uptake vaccine. P<0.05 was taken as significant at 95% confidence interval. Results: The majority of the unvaccinated respondents in the study were not willing to take the COVID-19 vaccine (60.1%). There was a poor perception of the susceptibility/severity of unvaccinated respondents to COVID-19 infection and a poor perception of the benefit/barrier to the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine. Perception of susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 infection were statistically related to the willingness to uptake the COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion: There should be an increase in awareness campaigns to change the perception of people positively to COVID-19 infection and uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Antioxidant-rich Terminalia catappa fruit exerts antihypertensive effect via modulation of angiotensin-1-converting enzyme activity and H2S/NO/cGMP signalling pathway in Wistar rats.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed at investigating the effect of Terminalia catappa fruits on blood pressure, NO/cGMP signalling pathway, angiotensin-1-converting enzyme and arginase activity, and oxidative stress biomarkers in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two Wistar rats were divided into seven groups. Hypertension was induced via oral administration of 40 mg/kg of L-NAME for 21 days. Thereafter, the hypertensive rats were treated with Terminalia catappa fruit-supplemented diet and sildenafil citrate for 21 days. The blood pressure was measured and cardiac homogenate was prepared for biochemical analyses. RESULTS: The results showed that L-NAME caused a significant (p < 0.05) increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate as well as ACE, arginase and PDE-5 activity, with a simultaneous decrease in NO and H2S levels as well as increased oxidative stress biomarkers. However, treatment with Terminalia catappa fruits-supplemented diets and sildenafil citrate lowered blood pressure and modulated ACE, arginase, and PDE-5 activity, improved NO and H2S levels, as well as antioxidant status. CONCLUSION: Findings presented in this study provide useful information on the antihypertensive property of Terminalia catappa fruits, alongside some possible mechanisms. Hence, Terminalia catappa fruits could be considered a dietary regimen and functional food in alleviating hypertension.

Nutraceutical potential of almond fruits in managing diabetes-related erectile dysfunction: Effect on Nrf-2 level and smooth muscle/collagen ratio.

Oxidative stress is one of the major crosstalk between diabetes and erectile dysfunction. Tropical almond is a natural antioxidant that works in a way to neutralize the effect of reactive oxygen species in disease management. This study therefore aimed to evaluate the effects of tropical almond on the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (nrf-2) level and smooth muscle/collagen ratio, as well as other biochemical indices in the penile tissue of diabetic rats. Six non-diabetic male rats (control) and 36 diabetic male rats were divided into six groups (n = 6). The diabetic male rats were placed on almond-supplemented diets except for the diabetic control group. Thereafter, the rats were sacrificed penile tissues were excised for nrf-2, smooth muscle/collagen ratio, and other biochemical analyses. The results revealed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in nrf-2 level, smooth muscle/collagen ratio, and total thiol level, with a concomitant increase in acetylcholinesterase activity in comparison to the control group. Interestingly, therapy with diets high in almond fruits significantly enhances the nrf-2 level, smooth muscle/collagen ratio, and total thiol level in comparison with the untreated diabetic group. In addition, dietary inclusion of almond fruits significantly reduced acetylcholinesterase activity in diabetic male rats. Therefore, the preventive management with almond fruits could be beneficial in combating erectile dysfunction associated with diabetes. The activities of almond fruits reported in this study could be due to their antioxidant property and the inherent phytoconstituents (amino acids, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids).

Almond and date fruits enhance antioxidant status and have erectogenic effect: Evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies.

This study was designed to investigate the efficacies of almond and date fruits on redox imbalance and enzymes relevant to the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction. The total polyphenol contents, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and vitamin C content were determined spectrophotometrically. Phenolic and amino acid compositions were quantified using HPLC; meanwhile, the antioxidant activities were determined using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and metal chelation. Also, the effect of almond and date extract on advanced glycated end-products (AGEs) formation, arginase, and phosphodiesterase-5 activities was evaluated in vitro. Thereafter, the influence of almond and date supplemented diets on copulatory behaviors in normal rats was assessed, followed by arginase and phosphodiesterase-5 activities determination in vivo. The results revealed that date and almond extracts exerted antioxidant properties, prevented AGEs formation in vitro, and inhibited arginase and phosphodiesterase-5 activities in vitro and in vivo. Besides, almond and date supplemented diets significantly enhance sexual behaviors in normal rats when compared with the control. Among the active compounds identified were gallic acid, ellagic acid, quercetin, and rutin. All the 20 basic amino acids were identified. Given the aforementioned, date and almond could represent a reliable source of functional foods highly rich in compounds with antioxidant activity, and arginase and PDE-5 inhibitory properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Fruits are essential part of the human diet that furnish the body with important nutrients. Despite the crucial roles of fruits in human diets, some fruits like almond and date are underutilized among Nigerians. However, we characterized the important compounds present in these fruits and how their presence contributes to the biological activities of the fruits. Finally, we relate the chemical composition and the observed biological activities to the overall health and wellness of the consumers.

Persea americana seed extract restores defective sperm quality and biochemical parameters relevant to reproduction in male wistar rats treated with cyclosporine A.

Studies have shown that some drugs impair spermatogenesis, thereby causing infertility. Thus, this study aims at investigating the effect of Persea americana seed extract on the male reproductive system in cyclosporine-induced rats. Thirty male albino rats were randomly divided into five groups; all groups were induced with cyclosporine except the control group. Group 3 was treated with 10 mg/kg of lisinopril, groups 4 and 5 received 50 and 100 mg/kg of PAE, respectively. The experiment lasted for 7 days. The antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)], and arginase activities were evaluated, nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) level of the penile tissue homogenate were determined with serum hormonal (follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone) concentration and sperm quality. This study showed that cyclosporine induction caused a significant (p < .05) decrease in the SOD, CAT, sperm quality, NO, and hormonal level as compared to the control group, with a simultaneous increase in arginase activity and MDA level. However, treatment with PAE and lisinopril significantly (p < .05) increase antioxidant enzyme activities, sperm quality, NO, and serum hormonal level, with a decrease MDA level and arginase activity when compared with cyclosporine-induced group. This study showed that P. americana seed extract could be useful in the management of hormonal disruption resulting from oxidative stress in male folks. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Some pharmaco-agents have been reported to alter spermatogenesis, thereby causing infertility. Plants represent natural resources use in the management of several human diseases from time immemorial. Persea americana seed is a part of the fruit that most people do throw away after consuming the edible portion of the fruit. However, the therapeutic and pharmacological activities of P. americana seed have been reported. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the effects of P. americana seed extract on cyclosporine-induced reprotoxicity.

Grapefruit peel extract mitigates paroxetine-induced erectile dysfunction in rats through stimulation of erectile response, antioxidant status, and inhibition of key enzymes related with impaired penile erection.

Despite the antidepressant potency of paroxetine, its side effect of erectile dysfunction is burdensome. Grapefruit peels (GFPs) are underutilized cultivar wastes with wide range of therapeutic potentials which have been attributed to their antioxidant behavior and phenolic contents' abilities to effectively inhibit enzymatic activities and manage endothelial dysfunction in cardiovascular disorders. This study aims to investigate the erectogenic potentials of GFP extract in a rat model of paroxetine-induced ED. Experimental rats were sectioned into five groups: [1: control; 2: paroxetine (10 mg/kg); 3: paroxetine + sildenafil (5 mg/kg); 4: paroxetine + GFP (50 mg/kg); 5: paroxetine + GFP (100 mg/kg)] and treated for 28 days. Sexual behavior of rats was assessed and effect of GFP on ecto-5' nucleotidases, phosphodiesterase-5, and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities was determined in rats' penile tissues. The levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide (NO) as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities were also determined. HPLC-DAD analysis showed the presence of naringin, rutin, caffeic acid, quercitrin, quercetin, and kaempferol glycoside. Oral administration of paroxetine reduced erectile response as revealed by their low intromission and mounting numbers as well as high intromission and mounting latencies. Paroxetine caused a significant elevation of ADA and phosphodiesterase-5 activities and malondialdehyde levels with drastic reduction in levels of NO, SOD, and catalase activities in rats' penile tissues. However, GFP extract reversed PDE-5, ADA, and antioxidant activities to normal levels, raised the concentration of NO. These results suggest the erectogenic effects and protective potentials of GFP extract against paroxetine-induced erectile dysfunction. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Grapefruit peels are an environmental menace in many countries and this study showed that the peels can be used in the prevention / management of erectile dysfunction. The therapeutic potentials of the peels are due to the presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Therefore, exploring the erectogenic potentials of the peels will translate to conversion of the wastes to therapeutic products.

Shaddock (Citrus maxima) peels extract restores cognitive function, cholinergic and purinergic enzyme systems in scopolamine-induced amnesic rats.

This study investigated the effect of shaddock peels extract on cognitive function in scopolamine-induced amnesic rats. Wistar rats were pretreated with shaddock peels extract (50 and 100 mg/kg) and donepezil (5 mg/kg) for fourteen days via oral administration. Memory impairment was induced at the end of the treatment period via a single intraperitoneal administration of scopolamine (3 mg/kg). Thereafter, the animals were subjected to behavioral studies (Morris water maze and Y-maze tests). Finally, the rats were sacrificed and the hippocampus of the rat's brain was isolated for biochemical analyses. The results showed a significant decrease in memory and cognitive function as revealed by Morris water maze and Y-maze tests in scopolamine-induced rats which were reversed by shaddock peels extract. Also, there was a significant decrease in the activity of adenosine monophosphohydrolase (AMPase) with a simultaneous increase in activities of adenosine deaminase (ADA), adenosine triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (ATPdase), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in scopolamine-induced rats when compared with the control. Besides, a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were observed in scopolamine-induced rats. However, donepezil or shaddock peels extract (50 and 100 mg/kg) caused a significant inhibitory effect on AChE, and ADA activities when compared to scopolamine-induced rats. Rats treated with shaddock peels extract also showed a significant reduction in MDA and ROS levels compared to scopolamine-induced rats. Therefore, our findings showed that the cognitive-enhancing effects of shaddock peels extract could be due to antioxidant activities and modulation of some enzymes linked with cognitive dysfunction.

Evaluation of different almond (Terminalia catappa) extracts against oxidative stress induced by cyclosporine in brain and liver of rats.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of almond (Terminalia catappa) leaf (ALE) and stem bark (ABE) extracts on the enzyme activities and oxidative stress markers in the brain and liver tissues of cyclosporine-A (CsA) stressed male albino rats. METHODS: Eighty-eight adult male rats weighing between 200 and 220 g were randomly distributed to into 11 groups (n=8) and different doses (100 and 200 mg/kg bwt.) of ALE and ABE were administered through oral gavages to the normal rats and 50 mg/kg/bwt/day CsA-stressed, while normal control rats was given a saline solution (p.o), and the treatment lasted for 14 days. Blood plasma, liver and brain tissues were prepared for biochemical analysis. RESULTS: Neuronal [acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butrylcholinesterase (BChE) and arginase] enzyme activities and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) level, plasma aspartate transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, liver non-protein thiol (NPSH) level were analyzed. The results revealed that, the administration of CsA induced a significant increase in neuronal AChE, BChE, arginase, TBARS level, but decreased nitric oxide (NO) level. CsA also increased ALT, AST, and ALP activities in the blood plasma of CsA stress rats compared to normal control, but were significantly reversed respectively (p<0.001) upon treatment with the ALE and ABE dose-dependently. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that ALE and ABE could prevent neuronal dysfunction and liver toxicity induced by CsA administration, however, higher dose (200 mg/kg) of the studied extracts appears to be more potent.

Effect of Andrographis paniculata leaves extract on neurobehavioral and biochemical indices in scopolamine-induced amnesic rats.

Andrographis paniculata is a medicinal herb that is used to treat various disease conditions due to its pharmacological properties. Thus, this study sought to assess the effect of A. paniculata extract on neurobehavioral and some biochemical parameters in scopolamine-induced amnesic rats. Thirty-five male rats were divided into seven groups and treated with aqueous extract of A. paniculata (50 and 500 mg/kg) and donepezil (5 mg/kg) for 14 days before administration of scopolamine. Behavioral studies (Morris water maze and Y-maze) were carried out to evaluate cognitive dysfunction in scopolamine-induced rats. Biochemical assays such as cholinesterases (AChE and BChE), monoamine oxidase (MAO), and purinergic activities were determined. Results revealed the presence of orientin, quercetin, caffeic acid, apigenin, and gallic acid in A. paniculata. Also, findings from this study showed that aqueous extract of A. paniculata had a modulatory effect on scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment and could be used in the management of memory loss. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Aqueous extract of A. paniculata characterized revealed the presence of polyphenols which are antioxidants. The inhibitory activity possessed by A. paniculata on some enzymes linked to neurodegeneration could be due to the antioxidant activity. Given this, we recommend that results gotten from this study could be used to develop treatment therapy for neurodegeneration. However, in-depth studies should be carried out on the toxic effect of A. paniculata to ascertain a safe dose for treatment.

Effect of dietary inclusion of almond fruit on sexual behavior, arginase activity, pro-inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers in diabetic male rats.

This study was designed to examine the effect of almond-included diets on sexual behavior, arginase activity, and pro-inflammatory markers in diabetic male rats. Forty-two male rats were divided into seven groups (n = 6). Diabetes was triggered via a single dose intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). Diabetes was confirmed 72 hr after STZ induction, and animals with blood glucose ≥ 250 mg/dl were considered diabetic and used for the experiment. The effects of almond-supplemented diets on glucose level, sexual function, NF-κB and TNF-α levels, arginase and purinergic enzyme activities, and levels of oxidative stress markers were assessed. A significant decrease in sexual activities with a simultaneous increase in pro-inflammatory markers, arginase and purinergic enzyme activities as well as TBARS and ROS levels was observed in diabetic rats. Interestingly, treatment with supplemented diets ameliorated the effects. Conclusively, intake of almonds could prevent the risk of erectile dysfunction in diabetic subjects. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Intake of diets rich in fruits, nuts, and vegetables has been reported to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. Here, we investigate the effect of dietary inclusion of almond fruit on sexual behavior, arginase activity, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory markers in diabetic male rats. Interestingly, data generated from this work reveal that the supplemented diets enhanced sexual activities, and reduced oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory markers in diabetic male rats. Thus, consumption of almond (drupe and seed) could prevent/reduce the erectile dysfunction in individual with diabetes.

Rutin restores neurobehavioral deficits via alterations in cadmium bioavailability in the brain of rats exposed to cadmium.

Many plant foods are rich sources of rutin, a flavonoid with many biological activities and health benefits. Exposure to cadmium has been implicated in neurotoxicity and cognitive dysfunction in animal models. However, there is a dearth of information on the effect of rutin on the cadmium bioavailability in the brain of rats exposed to cadmium. Thus, the present study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of rutin in an animal model of cognitive impairment via alterations of cadmium bioavailability in cadmium-exposed rats. Animals were divided into six groups (n = 6): group 1 served as control, groups 2 and 3 are normal rats received 25 and 50 mg/kg of rutin respectively, group 4 received cadmium (5 mg/kg), while groups 5 and 6 are cadmium-exposed rats treated with 25 and 50 mg/kg rutin respectively via oral administration for 21 days. Rutin was administered 30 min after cadmium administration each day. The spatial working memory of the exposed and treated rats was assessed using Morris water maze and Y-Maze tasks. Furthermore, the residual level of cadmium ion in the brain of the rats was estimated. The cholinesterase (AChE and BChE) activities and nitric oxide level were determined. Besides, the level of oxidative stress markers (ROS and MDA) was assessed. Results revealed that rutin significantly reduced cadmium bioavailability in the brain of cadmium-exposed rats. Moreso, cadmium increased cholinesterase (AChE and BChE) activities and level of oxidative stress markers in the brain, with a concomitant decrease in nitric oxide level. However, treatment with rutin decreased cholinesterase activities and the level of oxidative stress markers in cadmium-exposed rats. Also, rutin improved spatial working memory and learning processes as revealed by Morris water maze and Y-Maze tasks. Conclusively, rutin could be considered to possess cognitive-enhancing properties possibly through alterations of cadmium bioavailability in the brain of cadmium-exposed rats.

HPLC phenolic fingerprinting, antioxidant and anti-phosphodiesterase-5 properties of Rauwolfia vomitoria extract.

Background In Nigerian traditional medicine, Rauwolfia vomitoria has been reported to be useful in the management of various human diseases, but there is no relevant information to substantiate its involvement in managing diseases arising from vascular dysfunction and oxidative stress. However, this study sought to investigate the antioxidant property of R. vomitoria and its effect on phophodiesterase-5 activity in vitro. Methods The antioxidant property was assessed through ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), copper chelation, and ABTS radical-scavenging activity. In addition, the effect of R. vomitoria on phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) activity was assessed in vitro. Furthermore, analysis of phenolic compounds present in R. vomitoria was carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results The findings in this study revealed that R. vomitoria inhibited PDE-5 in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 = 252.42 µg/mL). Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of R. vomitoria was established through FRAP (19.68 mg AAE/g), ABTS radical-scavenging ability (74.25 mmol TEAC/g), and Cu2+-chelating ability (IC50 = 0.13 mg/mL). Conclusions The antioxidant property of R. vomitoria and its inhibitory effect on PDE-5 could be useful in the management of diseases arising from vascular dysfunction and oxidative stress.

Phenolic distribution, antioxidant activity, and enzyme inhibitory properties of eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum) cultivated in two different locations within Nigeria.

Solanum aethiopicum is commonly cultivated in Nigeria for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Although, information on the possible effect of location on the biological activities of S. aethiopicum has not been reported, however, present research work investigated the phenolic contents and distribution, antioxidative properties, and enzyme inhibitory activities of S. aethiopicum collected from two locations in Nigeria. HPLC phenolic profile, polyphenol contents, free radical scavenging activities, and inhibitory effect of eggplant extracts on carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes were carried out. Significant variations were observed in the phenolic profile, polyphenol contents, antioxidant activities, and enzymes inhibitory properties of the extracts from different locations. In most of the analyses carried out, extract of eggplant fruit collected from Uyo (UEF) showed higher activities than the one obtained from Ibadan (IEF). Thus, findings from this study revealed that geographical location may influence the phenolic contents, antioxidant, and enzymes inhibitory properties of eggplant fruits. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The geographical location of a particular place determines the nature and biological activities of plants cultivated in the area. Hence, we presented the effect of location on the phenolic profile, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory properties of eggplant fruit (S. aethiopicum) cultivated in two different locations in Nigeria. However, data generated in this study showed the effect of location on phenolic composition and biological activities of eggplant fruit cultivated in Nigeria.

Orange peels modulate antioxidant markers and key enzymes relevant to erection in the penile tissue of paroxetine-treated rats.

In comparison to other antidepressant drugs, erectile dysfunction (ED) is more pronounced in paroxetine use. On the other hand, orange (Citrus sinensis) peels commonly consumed in various forms are used in folkloric medicine for ED management. Thus, this study evaluated the effect of orange peels infusion on sexual behaviour, nitric oxide (NO) level and some enzymes (arginase, phosphodiesterase-5 [PDE-5], acetylcholinesterase [AChE] and adenosine deaminase [ADA]) in paroxetine-treated rats. Erectile dysfunction was induced with paroxetine (10 mg/kg body weight). The animals were grouped into five (n = 6): normal rats; paroxetine-induced rats; paroxetine-induced rats treated with sildenafil citrate (5 mg/kg); paroxetine-induced rats treated with orange peels infusion (50 mg/kg); Paroxetine induced rats treated with orange peel infusions (100 mg/kg). The results revealed a significant decrease in sexual behaviour, NO level and the activities of antioxidant enzymes, while there was a significant increase in arginase, PDE-5, AChE and ADA activities in paroxetine-induced rats. However, orange peel infusions ameliorated erectile dysfunction in paroxetine-treated rats. This study showed some possible biochemical basis underlying the use of orange peels infusion in erectile dysfunction management.

Rutin alleviates cadmium-induced neurotoxicity in Wistar rats: involvement of modulation of nucleotide-degrading enzymes and monoamine oxidase.

Rutin is a flavonoid commonly found in many vegetables, fruits and other plant species. Thus, this study investigated the protective role of rutin on cognitive function and impairment of ectonucleotidase, monoamine oxidase (MAO) and antioxidant enzymes activities in the cortex and hippocampus of cadmium-induced rats. Cognitive impairment was induced by an oral administration of 5 mg/kg Cadmium chloride for 14 consecutive days. Rutin was dissolved in 2% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and administered orally at the doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg for 14 days. Thereafter, animals were divided into six groups (n = 6) as follows: control, rutin 25 mg/kg, rutin 50 mg/kg, cadmium, cadmium plus rutin 25 mg/kg, cadmium plus rutin 50 mg/kg. After treatment period of 14 days, animals were sacrificed and the brain was dissected into cortex and hippocampus. Results showed that cadmium caused a significant increase in ectonucleotidases, adenosine deaminase (ADA) and MAO activities, with a concomitant decrease in thiol levels and antioxidant enzymes activities. However, treatment with rutin decreased ectonucleotidase, ADA and MAO activities in cadmium-induced rats. In addition, rutin reduced residual level of cadmium ion in the brain of cadmium-induced rats. Conclusively, present findings revealed that rutin could prevent/restored the impairment of the enzymes that regulate the purinergic and monoaminergic extracellular signaling and restore antioxidant status in cognitive impairment caused by prolonged cadmium exposure.

Anogeissus leiocarpus attenuates paroxetine-induced erectile dysfunction in male rats via enhanced sexual behavior, nitric oxide level and antioxidant status.

Sexual dysfunction is a side effect of the antidepressant drug paroxetine. Anogeissus leiocarpus is a medicinal plant with a wide range of biological activities which include antioxidant and antiulcer properties. With these in mind, we investigated the effect of Anogeissus leiocarpus stem bark extract on paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in male Wistar rats. Forty-two adult male Wistar rats were divided into seven experimental groups: normal control, PAR (10 mg/kg), PAR + sildenafil (5 mg/kg), ALE (50 and 100 mg/kg) and PAR + ALE (50 and 100 mg/kg). The experiment lasted for 21 days, after which the rats were subjected to sexual behavioral test. Various biochemical assays (phosphodiesterase-5, arginase, acetylcholinesterase, nitric oxide and MDA) were carried out on the penile tissue homogenate. From our findings, paroxetine significantly altered sexual behavior in male rats and increased phosphodiesterase-5, arginase and acetylcholinesterase activities with a concomitant decrease in nitric oxide level. Furthermore, paroxetine altered antioxidant status which revealed by increased MDA level and reduced thiol level. However, treatment with Anogeissus leiocarpus stem bark extract reversed the altered sexual behavior in male rats and boosted antioxidant status. In addition, administration of Anogeissus leiocarpus stem bark extract resulted in a significant attenuation of phosphodiesterase-5, arginase and acetylcholinesterase activities in paroxetine-induced rats. In view of the aforementioned findings, Anogeissus leiocarpus could be considered a promising natural agent in erectile dysfunction management.

Aphrodisiac effect of Hunteria umbellata seed extract: Modulation of nitric oxide level and arginase activity in vivo.

Hunteria umbellata has been reported useful in managing the male sexual related disorder, but there is a dearth of information on its possible mechanism of action. Hence, this study was designed to investigate the effect of H. umbellata on some sexual behavior parameters in male rats, in order to ascertain its acclaimed aphrodisiac property. Twenty-four male rats were divided into four groups (n = 6). The extract (50 and 100 mg/kg body weight/day) and sildenafil citrate (5 mg/kg body weight) were administered orally by gavages for 28 days. Some sexual behavior parameters (mounting number, mounting latency, intromission number, and intromission latency), and some anxiety behavioral tests (dark-light box test and open field test) were monitored. In addition, the effect of the extract on arginase activity, nitric oxide and antioxidant level in male rats was assessed. Results revealed that administration of H. umbellata extract increases the mounting number, intromission number, time spent at the light compartment, nitric oxide and antioxidant level when compared with animals in the control group. Conversely, administration of H. umbellata caused a significant decrease in mounting latency, intromission latency, and arginase activity. Findings in this study revealed that H. umbellata improves sexual behavior parameters in male rats, and the results indicate that aphrodisiac effect of H. umbellata, identified by its effect on nitric oxide level and arginase activity, may play an important role in initiating and maintaining an erection.

Modulatory Effects of Alkaloid Extract from Gongronema latifolium (Utazi) and Lasianthera africana (Editan) on Activities of Enzymes Relevant to Neurodegeneration.

Most alkaloids are produced by plants as a defense mechanism against herbivores. Since alkaloids are known to possess pharmacological effects, this study sought to investigate the in vitro modulatory effect of alkaloid obtained from two commonly consumed vegetables in southern Nigeria, Lasianthera africana (editan) and Gongronema latifolium (utazi), on some enzyme activities relevant to neurodegeneration. Effects of the alkaloids on cholinesterases (acetylcholinesterase [AChE] and butyrylcholinesterase [BChE]) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) activities were determined in vitro. In addition, Fe2+ chelating ability as well as radical-scavenging abilities were determined. Alkaloid profile was also determined using gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The results revealed that the alkaloids inhibited AChE, BChE, and MAO activities in a concentration-dependent manner, such that the alkaloid from G. latifolium showed higher enzyme inhibition (AChE [IC50 = 87.39 µg/ml], BChE [IC50 = 118.65 µg/ml], and MAO [IC50 = 61.37 µg/ml]) than L. africana (AChE = 115.60 µg/ml; BChE = 169.48 µg/ml; MAO = 73.72 µg/ml). In addition, GC-FID analysis revealed abundance of choline in both extracts. Gongronema latifolium and Lasianthera africana alkaloid extracts inhibit enzymes (acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and monoamine oxidase) implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, these vegetables could offer dietary supplement in the management of neurodegenerative diseases.