Aqueous extract from Ficus capensis leaves inhibits key enzymes linked to erectile dysfunction and prevent oxidative stress in rats' penile tissue

Modulation of some markers of erectile dysfunction and malonaldehyde levels in isolated rat penile tissue with unripe and ripe plantain peels: identification of the constituents of the plants using HPLC

“…The penile tissue is a reservoir of cholinergic nerves and ACh molecule (Hedlund et al 2000). But, the increase activity of AChE reduces the concentration of ACh by catalyzing the conversion of acetylcholine to acetate and choline, respectively (Akomolafe et al 2016). As reported, inhibition of AChE increases the level of ACh, and consequently improves penile erection and rigidity (Andersson 2011;Nunes and Webb 2012).…”

“…The increase in the production of angiotensin-II as a result of elevated angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) activity induces ED (Bader 2010;Fraga-Silva et al 2013;Oboh et al 2015;Akomolafe et al 2016). Therefore, the inhibition of ACE activity in turn reduces angiotensin-II levels and improves erectile function in ED patients (Dorrance et al 2002).…”

“…Several studies have reported the relationship between ED and oxidative stress Akomolafe et al 2016). The reaction between superoxide and NO forms a highly toxic radical such as peroxynitrite, which is capable of reducing the available NO required for penile erection (Khan et al 2001;Agarwal et al 2006).…”

“…The use of antioxidants has been reported to ameliorate oxidative stress via scavenging of free radicals and chelation of transition metals (Adefegha et al 2015;Ademiluyi et al 2015). So far, polyphenols which are abundant in plant-based human diet such as fruits and vegetables have been reported to be efficient in the management of ED and other related diseases such as hypertension with little or no side effects (Ferreira et al 2006;Oboh et al 2015;Akomolafe et al 2016).…”

“…This has motivated a continuous search for herbal/medicinal plant with erectogenic potentials as there are less side effects associated with herbal medications (Saxena et al 2012;Oboh et al 2015;Akomolafe et al 2016). Plantain [Musa sapientum Linn.…”