Aphrodisiac Potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa: Phosphodiesterse-5 Inhibition and Sexual Behavior Study Using in Silico and in Vivo Models

Abstract

Background: Driven by in vitro, in silico, and in vivo studies, the current work investigates the therapeutic potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. flower extract in modulating male sexual function through phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibition. Sexual dysfunction cause is also a s metabolic disorder. The bioactive components including gossypitrin, luteolin, hibiscetin-3-glucoside, and delphinidin-3-sambubioside, were found using molecular docking studies to have beneficial binding affinities for PDE-5 that were either higher than or equivalent to those of the reference with sildenafil. The stability and potent intermolecular interactions of these compounds within the PDE-5 active site have been further demonstrated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, indicating their potential pharmacological significance.
Methods: To assess the extract's impact on male genitals, in vivo tests were carried out on rat’s models. at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, the animals were split into five groups: Measurements of parameters like mount frequency, mount latency, and intromission delay showed that sexual performance improved in a dose-dependent manner.
Results: The behavioral results were supported by biochemical analyses that showed a substantial rise in serum testosterone levels and nitric oxide concentration. Furthermore, the extract's PDE-5 inhibitory efficacy validated its mechanism of action in improving erectile function.
Conclusions: When combined, the results show that Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract is a potential natural substitute for enhancing male sexual health via a variety of multimodal mechanisms, such as nitric oxide modulation, testosterone regulation, and PDE-5 inhibition. Its therapeutic potential is highlighted by this integrated method that combines computational predictions with experimental confirmation, opening the door for the eventual development of phytotherapeutics that target erectile dysfunction.