Bioactive compounds in Ocimum gratissimum found to improve erectile dysfunction

In this study, researchers from different universities in Nigeria examined the inhibitory effects of Ocimum gratissimum leaves on key enzymes associated with erectile dysfunction in the penile and testicular tissues of rats. The results of their study were published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

• O. gratissimum or African basil is a medicinal plant that grows in tropical and subtropical regions.
• In folk medicine, its leaves are used to make decoctions that enhance erectile performance in men. However, the mechanism of action of its active components remains unknown.
• To explore this, the researchers prepared an aqueous extract from O. gratissimum leaves and tested its effect on the activities of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5), arginase, angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in rat penile and testicular tissue.
• They also assessed the ferric reducing antioxidant property (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging ability of the extract.
• The researchers found that the O. gratissimum extract has higher PDE-5, ACE, AChE, and arginase inhibitory activity in rat penile tissue than in rate testicular tissue.
• The extract also scavenged free radicals effectively in a dose-dependent manner.

Based on these results, the researchers concluded that the O. gratissimum extract contains bioactive compounds that give it its antioxidant properties as well as its potential for the management of erectile dysfunction.

Read the full article at this link.

Journal Reference:

Ojo OA, Ojo AB, Oyinloye BE, Ajiboye BO, Anifowose OO, Akawa A, Olaiya OE, Olasehinde OR, Kappo AP. OCIMUM GRATISSIMUM LINN. LEAVES REDUCE THE KEY ENZYMES ACTIVITIES RELEVANT TO ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION IN ISOLATED PENILE AND TESTICULAR TISSUES OF RATS. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 19 March 2019;19(71). DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2481-0