Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. and Thonn. and Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees modulates enzymes associated with erectile dysfunction in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats.

Objective: on biochemicals related to ED in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups: non-diabetic control, untreated diabetic, standard drug-treated diabetic (5 mg/kg glibenclamide), and four extract-treated diabetic groups (5 and 50 mg/kg of each plant alkaloid extract). Diabetes was induced via intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Treatments were administered orally, once daily, for a duration of 21 days. Results: Biochemical analysis demonstrated that diabetic rats had elevated phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) and arginase activities and diminished antioxidant molecules. Treatment with plant extracts significantly inhibited PDE-5 and arginase activities, restored antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, and reduced glutathione), and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species levels, indicating their potential to mitigate oxidative stress. The extracts had an inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities, hence augmenting cholinergic signaling. Conclusion: may enhance nitric oxide levels in endothelial cells, inhibiting key enzymes and improving antioxidant status. Their potential to inhibit PDE-5 and arginase, alongside their antioxidant properties, suggests they may offer a safer alternative to conventional treatments for diabetic ED. These findings highlight their therapeutic potential as a holistic approach to managing the complex nature of diabetes-related ED.