Aphrodisiac Effect of Ethanol Extract of Tapak Liman (Elephantopus scaber L.) Leaves on Testosterone Levels and Testicular Histology in Rats
##plugins.themes.EpsilonTheme.article.main##
Yuneka Saristiana*
Novyananda Salmasfattah
Fendy Prasetyawan
Lisa Savitri
The demand for aphrodisiac use is substantial, however, many marketed herbal products contain synthetic drugs, underscoring the urgent need for safer natural therapeutic alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the aphrodisiac potential of ethanol extract of Elephantopus scaber (Tapak Liman) leaves on serum testosterone levels and testicular histology in male Wistar rats. The extract was obtained through maceration with 70% ethanol and subjected to phytochemical screening, which revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins/phenolics, and triterpenoids. Healthy male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: normal control, negative control, positive control (sildenafil), and two treatment groups receiving 100 mg/kg BW and 200 mg/kg BW of the extract for 21 days. Serum testosterone levels were measured using ELISA, while histological examination focused on the diameter of seminiferous tubules. The results demonstrated that the 200 mg/kg BW dose significantly increased testosterone levels (209.41 ± 0.62 ng/dL) compared with the negative control (120.32 ± 1.55 ng/dL) and restored the diameter of seminiferous tubules (220.56 ± 4.98 µm) close to normal conditions (225.30 ± 5.12 µm). The 100 mg/kg BW dose produced a moderate effect, while the positive control also showed notable improvement. The observed increase in testosterone and recovery of seminiferous tubule diameter indicate that the extract enhances spermatogenic activity and testicular function. In conclusion, the ethanol extract of E. scaber leaves at 200 mg/kg BW demonstrated significant aphrodisiac activity through hormonal stimulation and improvement of testicular histology, suggesting its potential as a natural agent to support male reproductive health.
Abarikwu, S. O., Simple, G., & Onuoha, C. S. (2020). Morphometric Evaluation of the Seminiferous Tubules and the Antioxidant Protective Effects of Gallic Acid and Quercetin in the Testis and Liver of Butyl Phthalate Treated Rats. Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry, 35(1), 20–31. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12291-018-0788-0
Aitken, R., & Krausz, C. (2001). Oxidative stress, DNA damage and the Y chromosome. Reproduction, 122(4), 497–506. https://doi.org/10.1530/rep.0.1220497
Al-Madhagi, H., & Tarabishi, A. A. (2024). Nutritional aphrodisiacs: Biochemistry and Pharmacology. Current Research in Food Science, 9, 100783. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crfs.2024.100783
Ara, A., Vishvkarma, R., Mehta, P., & Rajender, S. (2023). The Profertility and Aphrodisiac Activities of Tribulus terrestris L.: Evidence from Meta‐Analyses. Andrologia, 2023(1). https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/7118431
Bhasin, S., Brito, J. P., Cunningham, G. R., Hayes, F. J., Hodis, H. N., Matsumoto, A. M., Snyder, P. J., Swerdloff, R. S., Wu, F. C., & Yialamas, M. A. (2018). Testosterone Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 103(5), 1715–1744. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2018-00229
BPOM RI. (2021). Public Warning Obat Tradisional, Suplemen Kesehatan, dan Kosmetika Mengandung Bahan Kimia Obat/Bahan Dilarang Tahun 2021. BPOM RI-Pusat Data dan Informasi Obat dan Makanan. https://www.pom.go.id/siaran-pers/siaran-pers-public-warning-obat-tradisional-suplemen-kesehatan-dan-kosmetika-mengandung-bahan-kimia-obat-bahan-dilarang-tahun-2021
Brunetti, P., Lo Faro, A. F., Tini, A., Busardò, F. P., & Carlier, J. (2020). Pharmacology of Herbal Sexual Enhancers: A Review of Psychiatric and Neurological Adverse Effects. Pharmaceuticals, 13(10), 309. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph13100309
Choowong-in, P., Sattayasai, J., Boonchoong, P., Poodendaen, C., Wu, A. T., Tangsrisakda, N., Sawatpanich, T., Arun, S., Uabundit, N., & Iamsaard, S. (2022). Protective effects of Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens seeds on sexual behaviors and essential reproductive markers in chronic unpredictable mild stress mice. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 12(4), 402–413. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2021.12.001
Djati, M. S., Christina, Y. I., Dwijayanti, D. R., & Rahayu, S. (2024). Synergistic modulation of proinflammatory mediators and cytokines in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages: The therapeutic potential of Elephantopus scaber and Sauropus androgynus ethanol extract. Veterinary World, 17(3), 728–734. https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2024.728-734
Djati, M. S., Christina, Y. I., & Rifa’i, M. (2021). The combination of Elephantopus scaber and Sauropus androgynus promotes erythroid lineages and modulates follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels in pregnant mice infected with Escherichia coli. Veterinary World, 1398–1404. https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2021.1398-1404
Elterman, D. S., Bhattacharyya, S. K., Mafilios, M., Woodward, E., Nitschelm, K., & Burnett, A. L. (2021). The Quality of Life and Economic Burden of Erectile Dysfunction. Research and Reports in Urology, 13, 79–86. https://doi.org/10.2147/RRU.S283097
Enema, O., Umoh, U., Umoh, R., Ekpo, E., Adesina, S., & Eseyi, O. (2018). Chemistry and Pharmacology of Aphrodisiac Plants: A Review. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, 10(7). https://www.jocpr.com/articles/chemistry-and-pharmacology-of-aphrodisiac-plants-a-review.pdf
Grande, G., Barrachina, F., Soler-Ventura, A., Jodar, M., Mancini, F., Marana, R., Chiloiro, S., Pontecorvi, A., Oliva, R., & Milardi, D. (2022). The Role of Testosterone in Spermatogenesis: Lessons From Proteome Profiling of Human Spermatozoa in Testosterone Deficiency. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.852661
Hall, J. E. (2016). Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology (13th ed.). Elsevier.
Harborne, A. J. (1998). Phytochemical Methods A Guide to Modern Techniques of Plant Analysis. Springer Netherlands.
Hussain, G., Rasul, A., Anwar, H., Aziz, N., Razzaq, A., Wei, W., Ali, M., Li, J., & Li, X. (2018). Role of Plant Derived Alkaloids and Their Mechanism in Neurodegenerative Disorders. International Journal of Biological Sciences, 14(3), 341–357. https://doi.org/10.7150/ijbs.23247
Jamal, R. K., & Jose, V. (2017). Determination of phytochemicals by GC-MS in methanol extract of Elephantopus scaber L. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 6(6). https://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2017.v6.i6.2165/determination-of-phytochemicals-by-gc-ms-in-methanol-extract-of-elephantopus-scaber-l
Lee, H. W., Kil, K.-J., & Lee, M. S. (2020). Ginseng for Improving Semen Quality Parameters: A Systematic Review. The World Journal of Men’s Health, 38(3), 377. https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.190125
Leisegang, K., Finelli, R., Sikka, S., & Panner Selvam, M. (2022). Eurycoma longifolia (Jack) Improves Serum Total Testosterone in Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials. Medicina, 58(8), 1047. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina58081047
Li, L., Lin, W., Wang, Z., Huang, R., Xia, H., Li, Z., Deng, J., Ye, T., Huang, Y., & Yang, Y. (2024). Hormone Regulation in Testicular Development and Function. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(11), 5805. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25115805
Martin, L. J., & Touaibia, M. (2020). Improvement of Testicular Steroidogenesis Using Flavonoids and Isoflavonoids for Prevention of Late-Onset Male Hypogonadism. Antioxidants, 9(3), 237. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9030237
Nna, V. U., Bakar, A. B. A., Ahmad, A., & Mohamed, M. (2019). Down‐regulation of steroidogenesis‐related genes and its accompanying fertility decline in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic male rats: ameliorative effect of metformin. Andrology, 7(1), 110–123. https://doi.org/10.1111/andr.12567
Nouioura, G., Lyoussi, B., & Derwich, E. (2024). Rekindling desire: Unveiling the Aphrodisiac potential of Apiaceae Elixirs. Phytomedicine Plus, 4(2), 100530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100530
Rahmah, N., Wurlina, W., Madyawati, S., Utomo, B., Hernawati, T., & Safitri, E. (2021). Kaliandra honey improves testosterone levels, diameter and thickness of tubulus seminiferous epithelial of white rat (Rattus norvegicus) through stimulation of HSP70 due to malnutrition. Open Veterinary Journal, 11(3), 401. https://doi.org/10.5455/OVJ.2021.v11.i3.11
Sitasiwi, A. J., Mardiati, S. M., & Melati, A. K. (2023). Struktur Histologi Testis Tikus Putih (Rattus Norvegicus L.) Setelah Pemberian Sediaan Nanokitosan Ekstrak Etanol Daun Mimba (Azadirachta Indica A.Juss). Buletin Anatomi Dan Fisiologi, 8(2), 122–129. https://doi.org/10.14710/baf.8.2.2023.122-129
Souza, A. P. B. de, Schorr-Lenz, Â. M., Lucca, F., & Bustamante, I. C. (2017). The epididymis and its role on sperm quality and male fertility. Animal Reproduction, 14(Suppl. 1), 1234–1244. https://doi.org/10.21451/1984-3143-AR955
Ulloa del Carpio, N., Alvarado-Corella, D., Quiñones-Laveriano, D. M., Araya-Sibaja, A., Vega-Baudrit, J., Monagas-Juan, M., Navarro-Hoyos, M., & Villar-López, M. (2024). Exploring the chemical and pharmacological variability of Lepidium meyenii: a comprehensive review of the effects of maca. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2024.1360422
Vanderah, T. W. (2024). Katzung’s Basic & Clinical Pharmacology. McGraw-Hill.
Yakubu, M. T., Akanji, M. A., & Oladiji, A. T. (2005). Aphrodisiac potentials of the aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) stem in male albino rats. Asian Journal of Andrology, 7(4), 399–404. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-7262.2005.00052.x
Yuliani, Rachmadiarti, F., Dewi, S. K., Asri, M. T., & Soegianto, A. (2019). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of elephantopus scaber and ageratum conyzoides (Asteraceae) leaves extracts from various altitude habitats. Ecology, Environment and Conservation. https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85071093288
Zhu, W., Du, Y., Meng, H., Dong, Y., & Li, L. (2017). A review of traditional pharmacological uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of Tribulus terrestris. Chemistry Central Journal, 11(1), 60. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13065-017-0289-x
