Abstract:
Reactive oxygen species are implicated in multiple pathological conditions including erectile
dysfunction. This study evaluated the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential of the methanolic extracts
of Inula glomerata and Salacia kraussii. The plant materials were pulverized and extracted with
methanol. The phytochemical analysis, ability of the crude extracts to scavenge free radicals (ABTS,
DPPH, NO.) in vitro as well as the total phenolic and flavonoid contents was investigated. In vivo,
antioxidant potentials of the crude extracts (50/250 mg/kg body weight) were determined in an erectile
dysfunction rat model. The phytochemical analysis revealed that both plants contain flavonoids, tannins,
terpenoids, and alkaloids. The crude extracts at varying degree of efficiency, scavenged ABTS and DPPH
radicals. The crude extracts at low concentrations (50 mg/kg b.w) significantly (p<0.05) diminished the
level of malondialdehyde, augmented catalase activities and elevated glutathione levels. However, SOD
activities were significantly boosted in a dose-dependent manner by the crude extracts. Therefore, I.
glomerata and S. kraussii possess antioxidant properties, hence, can serve as a therapeutic modality in the
treatment of oxidative stress-induced erectile dysfunction.
