Pfaffia glomerata tetraploid extract induces penile erection and modulates Leydig cell hormonal production

Abstract

Infertility and erectile dysfunction are significant global public health issues, and herbal remedies provide an alternative to the high costs of treatments. Pfaffia glomerata is commonly used as an aphrodisiac, and its biological effects have been proven. Due to commercial interest, a tetraploid P. glomerata plant was recently produced to achieve higher yields of secondary metabolites of interest. The present study aimed to observe whether the polyploid P. glomerata accession (BGEt) would negatively impact penile tissue and testicular parenchyma, thereby impairing the reproductive parameters of male Swiss mice. Thirty-six male Swiss mice were randomly divided into control (water) and control sildenafil citrate (7 mg/kg), with BGEt at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, and BGEDt 200 mg/kg (treated with BGE every three days). The data underwent normality testing and analysis of variance, with values of p < 0.05 considered significant. The testes and penises were fixed and frozen for Leydig cell and penile analyses. Damage to Leydig cells was observed, which did not interfere with hormone production. Testosterone and 17β-estradiol production were higher in the BGEt animals. Nitric oxide levels and the cavernous body increased following BGEt intake. Therefore, BGEDt enhances erection by elevating penile nitric oxide, collagen, and corpora cavernosa body size, without significantly altering hormone production by Leydig cells.