Moringa Oleifera Leaves Extract Attenuates Male Sexual Dysfunction

Problem statement: At present, the novel agent that is effective, cheap and easy to approach for treating male sexual dysfunction is required due to the current poor therapeutic efficacy. Though Moringa oleifera is reputed for aphrodisiac activity in traditional folklore, no scientific evidence is available. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effect of M.oleifera leaves extract on male sexual behaviors in animal model of sexual dysfunction. Moreover, the possible underlying mechanisms were also investigated. Approach: Male Wistar rats, weighing 200-250 g, had been orally given M.oleifera leaves extract at doses of 10, 50 and 250 mg kg^-1 BW once daily at 30 min before the exposure to 12-h immobilization stress for 14 days. They were assessed male sexual behaviors including mounting, intromission and ejaculation numbers and latencies after single administration and every 7 days until the end of experiment. To further investigate the possible mechanisms of action, we also determined serum testosterone level of all rats at the end of experiment together with the determination of suppression effect of the plant extract on MAO_B and PDE-5 activities. Results: The results showed that after single administration, rats subjected to M.oleifera extract at dose of 10 mg kg^-1 BW significantly enhanced mounting number. When the treatment was prolonged to 7 days rats subjected to the low dose of extract showed the enhanced intromission number whereas rats subjected to high dose of extract showed the enhanced mounting number. Our data also showed no significant change in serum testosterone level. However, the extract could also suppress MAO_B and PDE-5 activities. Taken all together, the extract could enhance male sexual desire and performance via the suppression of MAO_B and PDE-5 activities. Conclusion: M.oleifera can be the potential sexual enhancer particularly for acute and short term application. However, further researches are necessary.