M. Kimura, A. Abdelhamed, T. Noguchi
Apr 1, 2016
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Influential Citations
3
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Journal
The Journal of Urology
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is widely dispersed plant on high plateaus of the Andean mountain range in Peru. Maca is also known for its supportive effects on fertility and increase of libido. However, the influence of Maca on erectile dysfunction (ED) has not been fully investigated in diabetic rats. In the present study, we aim to investigate the influence of Maca on the Glucose metabolism and erectile function using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic rat. METHODS: 40 adult male rats (8 weeks age) were divided into five groups, including control, STZ diabetic, STZ with Tadalafil, STZ with Maca, and STZ with Maca/Tadalafil. Diabetes was induced by a single intra-peritoneal injection of STZ in 0.1 citrate buffer (pH4.5) in a dose of 60mg/kg. Rats with blood glucose1⁄4200mg/dl were considered diabetic. STZ rats received daily Maca of 100mg/kg and/or Tadalafil of 1mg/kg for 8 weeks. Body weight and blood glucose level were measured at baseline and 8 weeks after treatment. Intracavernous pressure (ICP) measurements with cavernous nerve electrical stimulation were conducted after 8 weeks of treatment. We investigated the results of ICP/ mean arterial pressure (MAP) ratios for each rat. One way ANOVA test was used to test significance among the study groups. Each group contained 6 to 8 rats. RESULTS: The body weight and blood glucose of STZ with Maca and STZ with Maca/Tadalafil groups were significantly decreased in comparison to STZ (P<0.001), and STZ with Tadalafil groups (P<0.001). In the STZ with Maca group, a significant increase in ICP/MAP was observed compared with STZ diabetic group (P<0.001). Similarly, In the STZ with Maca/Tadalafil group, a significant increase in ICP/MAP was observed compared with STZ diabetic group (P<0.001) and STZ with Tadalafil group (P1⁄40.010). CONCLUSIONS: Current data showed improvement of glucose metabolism and erectile function after 8 weeks of Maca treatment in STZ induced diabetic rats. Furthermore, synergetic effects of Maca along with PDE5 inhibitor administration were observed. Although more detailed mechanisms are needed to be elucidated, these findings suggest that Maca may exert beneficial effects for glucose tolerance and erectile dysfunction in diabetic patients.