APHRODISIAC AND HYPOGLYCEMIC POTENTIAL OF ROOT BARK EXTRACTS OF FERETIA APODANTHERA DEL IN STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETIC MALE WISTAR ALBINO RATS

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is one of the prevalent chronic diseases.  Men with diabetes have a threefold higher chance of erectile dysfunction than men without the condition, which makes diabetes a known risk factor for male sexual dysfunction. Feretia apodanthera (Rubiaceae spp), is a dense and deciduous shrub with winding or twisting branches. The root bark of Feretia apodanthera del is believed to possess sex-enhancing properties in Nigerian indigenous medicine, although there is limited open-access scientific research on it. Therefore, the aphrodisiac potentials of root bark extracts of Feretia apodanthera del in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male wistar albino rats were investigated using standard methods. Phytochemical analysis was conducted on the aqueous, ethanol and n-hexane extracts of the root plant. Male wistar albino rats (150-200g) were induced with streptozocin (50mg intravenous injection .  The rats were randomised into seven groups (A, B, C, D, E, F and G). Animals in group A (control) received 1 ml of distilled water (vehicle), B (Diabetic control) and test groups C and D were administered 100 and 200mg/kg b.w aqueous extract, groups E and F received 100 and 200mg/kg b.w ethanol extract while G received a combination treatment of 5mg/kg b.w sildenafil citrate + 100mg Metformin). Quantitative analysis reveals the significant (p<0.05) presence of flavonoids, tannin, saponins and cardiac glycoside in aqueous extract compared to ethanol and hexane root bark extracts of Feretia apodanthera del. Sexual behaviour parameter was monitored in the male rats for 7, 14 and 21 days, after 7 doses, 14 doses and 21 doses respectively once daily by pairing with a receptive female (1:1). Mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculation frequency and ejaculation latency were significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.01) decreased in diabetic control rats and significantly (p<0.05) increased mount latency and intromission latency when compared with the normal control and treated groups. Rats treated with standard drugs combination and aqueous extract (200 mg/ kg body weight) showed significant (p<0.01) increase in mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculation frequency and ejaculation latency and a significantly (p< 0.05) decreased mount latency and intromission latency compared to normal control and other treated groups. Hypoglycemic effect of Feretia apodanthera del root bark reveals that the aqueous extract significantly (p<0.05) decreased the fasting blood sugar and concurrently enhanced the sexual functions. These results suggest that aqueous extracts of root bark of Feretia apodanthera del (200 mg/kg bw) administered for 28 days possesses significant sexual behaviour and antihypoglycemic properties among other therapeutic values justifying its use in folklore medicine.