EFFECT OF β-CARYOPHYLLENE ON SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND KEY ENZYMES RELEVANT TO ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION IN RATS

Abstract

β-Caryophyllene (BCP) is an important essential oil component present in abundance in a number of spices, fruits, vegetables and herbs. This study sought to determine the effects of BCP on some enzymes linked to erectile function as well as antioxidant status in penile tissue of paroxetine-induced erectile dysfunction in rats. BCP was dissolved in 1% ethanol in the ratio of 1:10 v/v, Sildenafil citrate was dissolved in distilled water in the ratio of 1:10 v/v. Subsequently, 1, 1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2’–azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), reducing power and iron chelating abilities were carried out in vitro. The ability of the samples to inhibit FeSO4 induced lipid peroxidation in rat penile tissue were also assessed in vitro. The, the effect of the samples on some key enzymes relevant to erectile function [Phosphodiesterase-5’ (PDE-5’), arginase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE)] were also determined in vitro. Thereafter, the effect of BCP on sexual behaviour, and some biomolecules relevant to erectile function in normal and paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunctional rats were evaluated. After 14 days’ treatment, NPDE-5’, arginase, ADA, AChE and ACE activities as well as thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) levels were determined in rat penile tissues. The results revealed that both samples exhibited antioxidant properties, inhibited PDE-5’, arginase, ACE, AChE activities and TBARS levels in perecntage in vitro. The groups with BCP showed significantly increased sexual behaviour, as well as activities of AChE, PDE-5’, arginase, ACE and TBARS levels but modulatory effect on ectonucleotidase (NTPDase, and ADA activities). Furthermore, administration of BCP in PAR-induced rats modulated key enzymes relevant to erection, improved antioxidant status and could be potential nutraceuticals in the prevention and/or management of erectile dysfunction.