Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Some Plants Used in the Management of Erectile Dysfunction by the BWA Community in Mali

Abstract

The erection has always symbolized strength and virile health. Erectile dysfunction is undoubtedly a concern as old as humanity. Tamarindus indica L., Guiera senegalensis J.F.Gmel and Ximenia americana L. are commonly used in the traditional treatment of erectile dysfunction by the Bwa community in Mali. The aim of this study was to measure the total polyphenols and flavonoids and then to evaluate the antiradical activity of the extracts (aqueous and hydroalcoholic macerated and decocted) of the organs of these species. The study found that for all species, the hydro-alcoholic macerated extract showed the best results. The polyphenol contents have been 36.85±0.21 mgGAE/g; 32.60±0.25 mgGAE/g and 29.79±0.51 mgGAE/g for Ximenia americana, Tamarindus indica and Guiera senegalensis respectively. The flavonoid contents have been 22.03±0.15 mgQE/g; 17.53±0.02 mgQE/g and 8.03±0.03 mgQE/g for Ximenia americana, Tamarindus indica and Guiera senegalensis respectively. The antiradical activity expressed in IC50 is 37.54±0.75 µg/mL; 52.75±0.71 µg/mL and 54.66±1.14 µg/mL for Ximenia americana, Tamarindus indica and Guiera senegalensis respectively. This study revealed that those plants are rich in total polyphenols and show a good antiradical activity. This wealth would justify their traditional use. The biological tests would be necessary to confirm their use in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Keywords: Erectile dysfunction, polyphenols, antioxidant activity, Bwatun-Mali.