PAUSINYSTALIA YOHIMBE ETHANOLIC EXTRACT RESTORE ERECTILE AND CARDIAC FUNCTIONS IN PAROXETINE-INDUCED ERECTILE DYSFUNCTIONAL RATS

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a continuous inability to achieve or maintain an erection, often linked to hormonal, vascular and neurological imbalances. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as paroxetine, can exacerbate ED by reducing nitric oxide (NO) availability and increasing phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) and arginase activities. This study investigated the effects of Pausinystalia yohimbe ethanolic extract (PYE) on paroxetine-induced ED in male Wistar rats. Thirty-six rats were divided into six groups: control, paroxetine untreated, sildenafil citrate, and three PYE-treated groups (10, 15, and 20 mg/kg). ED was induced with 10 mg/kg paroxetine, and treatments were administered for four weeks. Results showed a significantly lower (p < 0.05) penis-body ratio in the untreated group (0.380 ± 0.005) compared to the 20 mg/kg PYE group (0.790 ± 0.005). PDE5 and arginase activities were significantly elevated in the untreated group, while NO levels were lower. The 20 mg/kg PYE group showed the highest NO concentration and significantly reduced PDE5 and arginase activities. Lipid profile analysis revealed that the untreated group had elevated total cholesterol (27.384 ± 2.815 mmol/L) and triglycerides (10.434 ± 7.120 mmol/L), which were lowered by PYE treatment. PYE effectively reversed paroxetine-induced ED, with the 20 mg/kg dose demonstrating the strongest pro-erectile and cardioprotective effects. These findings suggest P. yohimbe as a promising natural alternative for managing SSRI-induced ED, worthy of further biochemical investigations.