RESEARCH ARTICLE

Hydroalcoholic Extract of Fruit Of Terminali chebula Alleviate

Diabetic Impotency in Alloxan Induced Male Diabetic Rats
Sujata Taware1, Neeraj Vyawahare2*, Swati Narkhede1, Smita Pillewan1, Sunil Bhalerao1
Abstracts: In the present study we investigated the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of fruit of Terminalia chebula (TCE) in
alleviating the diabetic impotency in rats. Male wistar albino rats were classified into two groups as normal control and diabetic
group. Normal control group rats were injected with distilled water (1ml/kg) while in diabetic group, diabetes mellitus was
induced by intraperitoneal injection of Alloxan monohydrate ( 120 mg/kg) freshly dissolved in normal saline solution. 21 days
after diabetes induction, the rats in diabetic group were individually tested for sexual potency by pairing them with oestrus
female rat. Diabetic rats showed a significant decline in the sexual potency as compared to the normal control groups. Following
this, the diabetic rats were divided into five groups and treated orally as: diabetic control group with distilled water 1 ml/day,
TCE-200 group with TCE 200 mg/kg, TCE-400 group with TCE 400 mg/kg, TCE-800 group with 800 mg/kg and standard group
with sildenafil citrate 5 mg/kg for 21 days. Their sexual behavior was evaluated on 14 th and 21st day of respective treatment.
The study revealed dose dependent improvement in all the parameters of sexual behavior against diabetic control group,
reflecting increased potency. These results suggest that TCE have beneficial activity against diabetic impotency in rats. This
observed activity of TCE may be due to the presence of phytoconstituents like tannins, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids. Further
studies required to determine the exact molecular mechanism of action of Terminalia chebula.

INTRODUCTION vomiting, hiccough, diarrhoea, bleeding piles, gout and

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common and distressing
problem in diabetes. ED defined as the inability to
achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory
sexual performance. It can cause significant bother for
diabetic patients and can affect their quality of life [1].
The prevalence of diabetes mellitus has continued to grow
over the past decade, and the disease increases the risk of
erectile dysfunction. Patients with diabetes were 3 times
more likely to develop ED than those who did not have
diabetes. The prevalence for ED in these patients was as
high as 75% [2] .Penile erection is a vascular event under
autonomic control . Nitric oxide (NO) has a central role in
the process. It is a neurotransmitter that is also produced
in the vascular endothelium, where it acts via cGMP.
Erectile dysfunction in diabetes has a multifactorial
aetiology, but is predominantly caused by failure of nitric
oxide-mediated smooth muscle relaxation, as a
consequence of both endothelial dysfunction and
autonomic neuropathy.There is evidence to suggest NO
derived from autonomic fibres initiates tumescence
whereas that from the endothelium is responsible for
the maintenance of erection[3]. Although treatment with
type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors has proved effective in
treating ED, a significant number of patients with DM do
not respond well to this therapy. It is therefore crucial to
explore new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of
diabetic ED [4] .
The dried ripe fruit of Terminalia chebula Retz.
(Combretaceae), is used extensively in Ayurveda and is
widely distributed throughout India. It is commonly
known as black myroblans in English and has traditionally
been used in the treatment of diabetes, asthma, sore throat,
1Department of Pharmacology, AISSMS College of Pharmacy, Kennedy
Road, Pune- 411001, Maharashtra, India.
2Padm. Dr. D Y Patil College of Pharmacy, Akurdi, Pune, Maharashtra,
India.
E-mail: neerajsv@rediffmail.com
*Corresponding author
heart and bladder diseases. It contains proteins
,carbohydrates, saponins ,tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids,
triterpenoids, glycosides. Tannins is the chief medicinal
compound present in the fruit [5]. The Terminalia chebula
have been reported to possess the antihyperglycemic and
antioxidant activity in different animal species [6-7].Also it
has been traditionally acclaimed and advocated for its use
in treatment of diabetes and its aphrodisiac activity [8-9].
However, its role in diabetic impotency has not been
studied. In light of this, the present investigation was
carried out to study the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of
fruit of Terminalia chebula in alleviating the diabetic
impotency in Alloxan induced male diabetic rats .
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Plant Extract
Hydroalcoholic extract of fruit of Terminalia chebula
received from Innocon Foods,Pune.
Chemicals and Drugs
Alloxan monohydrate,Estradiol benzoate AR, Progesterone
AR ,Hypnoket (Ketamine injection) Suhagra-50 (Sildenafil
citrate tablet), Framycetin cream (Soframycin) Sesame oil,
propylene glycol and cotton thread were purchased from
the local market.
Instruments Used
x Copulatory arena (V J Instruments, Karanja)
x Accu check Glucometer
Animals
Wistar albino rats of either sex were used. They were
maintained at 25 ± 2°C and relative humidity of 45 to 55%
and under standard environmental conditions (12 hour
light: 12 hour dark cycle). Animals were allowed to take
specified amount of standard laboratory feed (V. R. K.
Nutrition, Sangali, Pune) and water ad libitum. All the
experimental procedures and protocols used in this study
were reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal

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Table 1: Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on Copulatory Behavior Parameters of Male Rats

a) Mount Latency (Min)

Mean ± SEM
Group
Before diabetes induction 21 days after diabetes induction
Control 4.436 ± 0.7253 4.43 ± 0.4669
Diabetic 4.416 ± 0.3726 8.460 ± 0.2031#

b) Intromission Latency (Min)

Mean ± SEM
Group
Before diabetes induction 21 days after diabetes induction
Control 5.285 ± 0.7612 5.056 ± 0.8286
Diabetic 4.986 ± 0.3486 13.783 ± 0.4933#

c) Ejaculation Latency (Min)

Mean ± SEM
Group
Before diabetes induction 21 days after diabetes induction
Control 7.098 ± 0.9801 6.866 ± 0.9822
Diabetic 8.058 ± 0.4935 18.134 ± 0.4091#

d) Post Ejaculatory Interval (Min)

Mean ± SEM
Group
Before diabetes induction 21 days after diabetes induction
Control 5.098 ± 0.5838 5.731 ± 0.4502
Diabetic 5.157 ± 0.2694 11.211 ± 0.3230#

e) Mount Frequency

Mean ± SEM
Group
Before diabetes induction 21 days after diabetes induction
Control 10.833 ± 0.9098 10.00 ± 0.5774
Diabetic 10.033 ± 0.3603 4.166 ± 0.2495#

f) Intromission Frequency

Mean ± SEM
Group
Before diabetes induction 21 days after diabetes induction
Control 6.166 ± 1.014 6.00 ± 1.000
Diabetic 6.6 ± 0.3032 2.226 ± 0.1656#
The results were expressed as Mean r SEM (n=6 for control group, n=30 for diabetic group). The data was analysed using unpaired student ‘t’ test.
Statistically significant at #p<0.0001 compared to control.

Ethical Committee (IAEC) of AISSMS College of Pharmacy,
Pune which is constituted under Committee for Purpose of
Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals
(CPCSEA), approval no. is CPCSEA/IAEC/PC-07/12-2K11.
Ethical guidelines were strictly followed during all the
experiments.
Acute Toxicity Study
Healthy adult female Wistar albino rats (200-250g) were
subjected to acute toxicity studies as per guidelines (AOT
423) suggested by the OECD-2000. The maximum upper
limit dose 2000 mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extract of fruit of
Terminalia chebula was administered orally to three
female Wistar rats. Animals were observed individually
after dosing for the presence of any clinical signs, such as
changes in skin fur, lacrimation, salivation, piloerection,
diarrhea, and mortality. The gross behaviors, e.g. body
positions, locomotion, rearing and tremors were observed.
Survived animals were observed for outcomes for a period
of 24 hours. The animals were under supervision upto 14
days for any sign of toxicity or mortality.
Surgery
All female rats were ovariectomised (OVX) 30 days prior to
testing using standard aseptic surgical techniques and
under deep anesthesia, induced by intraperitonial
administration of 100 mg/kg ketamine, in a volume of 0.1
ml/kg. All females received at least one week of
postoperative care prior to initiation of experiment [10] .
Induction of Behavioral Estrus
For induction of behavioral estrus, OVX female rats were
subcutaneously (SC) administered with 25 μg estradiol
benzoate (in 0.1 ml sesame oil) 48 h prior to behavioral

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Table 2: Effect of TCE Treatment on Copulatory Behavior Parameters of Male Rats (ML, IL, EL, PEI)

Group Control Diabetic Control TCE 200 TCE 400 TCE 800 Sildenafil 5
Mount latency (ML) (min)
Day 0 4.43 ± 0.4669 8.258 ± 0.3167# 8.295 ± 0.5188 8.315 ± 0.3753 8.561 ± 0.4647 8.871 ± 0.6450
Day 14 3.575 ± 0.5525 7.286 ± 1.521# 5.201 ± 0.3524 4.415 ± 0.6911* 3.855 ± 0.5795** 2.948 ± 0.3234**
Day 21 4.068± 0.5919 8.066 ± 1.258# 5.096 ± 0.4271* 3.976 ± 0.4791** 3.201 ± 0.3361** 2.925 ± 0.2907**
Intromission latency (IL) (min)
Day 0 5.056 ± 0.8286 14.428 ± 1.028# 12.95 ± 1.227 14.14 ± 1.263 13.69 ± 1.112 13.71 ± 1.189
Day 14 4.595 ± 0.5124 14.668 ± 0.8936# 12.265 ± 0.9403 11.91 ± 0.6320* 7.223 ± 0.5749** 6.571 ± 0.6806**
Day 21 4.073± 0.3314 14.196 ± 0.8325# 11.451 ± 0.4924* 6.911 ± 0.8310** 5.291 ± 0.5590** 3.938 ± 0.5852**
Ejaculation latency (EL) (min)
Day 0 6.866 ± 0.9822 17.93 ± 0.9983# 18.266 ± 0.6347 18.466 ± 1.183
18.133 ± 0.9534 17.896 ± 1.058
12.816 ± 10.856 ±
Day 14 6.511 ± 0.7300 18.063 ± 0.9124# 16.496 ± 0.7140 14.596 ± 0.9608*
0.7501** 0.6735**
Day 21 5.12 ± 0.4617 17.42 ± 1.201# 14.583 ± 0.6565* 11.415 ± 0.6558** 8.953 ± 0.4022** 5.788 ± 0.7598**
Post ejaculatory interval (PEI) (min)
Day 0 5.731 ± 0.4502 11.001 ± 0.8863# 11.423 ± 0.7879 10.965 ± 0.7154 11.191 ± 0.6437 11.476 ± 0.8053
Day 14 4.915 ± 0.3213 11.095 ± 0.9589# 10.576 ± 0.6220 8.773 ± 0.4401* 7.556 ± 0.5340 ** 6.565 ± 0.4552**
Day 21 5.111 ± 0.3440 11.048 ± 0.8499# 8.766 ± 0.4317* 7.353 ± 0.4616** 5.313 ± 0.5815** 4.758 ± 0.4357**
Results are expressed as Mean r SEM (n=6). The unpaired Student’s t-test was used for analyzing the data between Control and Diabetic control group,
whereas multiple comparisons were done by using One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett’s ‘t’ test. #p<0.0001 compared with
control; *p<0.05, **p<0.01 compared with Diabetic control.

Table 3: Effect of TCE Treatment on Copulatory Behavior Parameters of Male Rats (MF, IF)

Group Control Diabetic Control TCE 200 TCE 400 TCE 800 Sildenafil 5
Mount Frequency (MF)
Day 0 10.00 ± 0.5774 4.000 ± 0.5774# 3.666 ± 0.4944 4.666 ± 0.5578 4.166 ± 0.6009 4.333 ± 0.6667
6.000 ±
Day 14 9.833 ± 0.7032 4.166 ± 0.4773# 4.666 ± 0.4944 6.666 ± 0.4216** 7.000 ± 0.3651**
0.3651*
6.666 ±
Day 21 10.00± 0.5774 4.166 ± 0.4773# 6.000 ± 0.3651* 7.166 ± 0.3073** 8.166 ± 0.4014**
0.3333**
Intromission Frequency (IF)
Day 0 6.000 ± 1.0000 2.333 ± 0.4216# 2.333 ± 0.3333 2.5 ± 0.2236 2.000 ± 0.4472 2.166 ± 0.4773
Day 14 6.000 ± 0.5774 2.000 ± 0.3651# 2.666 ± 0.3333 3.5 ± 0.3416* 4.000 ± 0.2582** 4.5 ± 0.2236**
Day 21 6.5 ± 0.3416 1.833 ± 0.3073# 3.5 ± 0.2236 * 4.5 ± 0.5627** 5.166 ± 0.4773** 5.833 ± 0.4773**
Results are expressed as Mean r SEM (n=6). The unpaired Student’s t-test was used for analyzing the data between Control and Diabetic control group,
whereas multiple comparisons were done by using One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett’s ‘t’ test. #p<0.0001 compared with
control; *p<0.05, **p<0.01 compared with Diabetic control.

Table 4: Effect of TCE Treatment on Serum Glucose Level

Blood Glucose Concentration (mg/dl)

Group
Day 0 Day 14 Day 21
Control 99.83 ± 1.515 101.5 ± 1.708 101.33 ± 1.892
Diabetic control 261.5 ± 2.952# 267.33 ± 3.029# 279.33 ± 2.871#
TCE 200 260.83 ± 3.380 231.83 ± 3.240** 210.66 ± 4.971**
TCE 400 265.83 ± 2.600 208.66 ± 3.148** 182.5 ± 4.097**
TCE 800 267.83 ± 2.344 171.66 ± 4.232** 158.00 ± 2.295**
Sildenafil 5 262.00 ± 3.679 265.00 ± 3.400 271.83 ± 3.070
Results are expressed as Mean r SEM (n=6). The unpaired Student’s t-test was used for analyzing the data between Control and Diabetic control group,
whereas multiple comparisons were done by using One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett’s ‘t’ test. #p<0.0001 compared with
control; **p<0.01 compared with Diabetic control.

testing and 500 μg of progesterone (in 0.1 ml propylene
glycol) 5 h before testing [11] .
Selection of Male Rats for Inclusion in the Study
To make sexually experienced, male rats were given 04
training sessions (twice a week for 02 weeks) with
receptive females for the period of 30 minute. Only males
displaying at least 02 ejaculations during these 04 training
test sessions were included in the study [12] .
EXPERIMENTAL INDUCTION OF DIABETES MELLITUS
The Alloxan monohydrate (AL) (120 mg/kg) freshly
dissolved in normal saline was injected intraperitoneally
(i.p.) to male Wistar rats after overnight fasting. After AL
treatment, all animals were given free access to food and
water. Blood glucose levels were measured after three days
of AL injection and only animal with blood glucose levels
higher than 200 mg/dL were considered diabetic and
included in study [13,14] .

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 RESEARCH ARTICLE

10 # 18
# # # #
9 # 16
Control Control
8 14 * *
7 Diabetic 12
Diabetic
ML (min)

6 * control

IL (min)
* TCE 200 10 control
5 ** ** ** ** TCE 200
8 **
4 ** ** ** TCE 400 **
6
3 ** TCE 400
TCE 800 4
2
2 TCE 800
1 Sildenafil 5
0 0
0 14th 21st 0 14th 21st
Days Days
Results are expressed as Mean r SEM (n=6). The unpaired Student’s t-test Results are expressed as Mean r SEM (n=6). The unpaired Student’s t-test
was used for analyzing the data between Control and Diabetic control was used for analyzing the data between Control and Diabetic control
group, whereas multiple comparisons were done by using One-way group, whereas multiple comparisons were done by using One-way
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett’s ‘t’ test. #p<0.0001 Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett’s ‘t’ test. #p<0.0001
compared with control; *p<0.05, **p<0.01 compared with Diabetic control. compared with control; *p<0.05, **p<0.01 compared with Diabetic control.
Figure 1 : Effect of TCE treatment on mount latency Figure 2: Effect of TCE treatment on intromission latency

25 14
# # #
# # # 12
20 Control Control
10 * *
* *
PEI (min)

15 Diabetic ** ** Diabetic
EL (min)

** 8
** ** control ** control
10 ** TCE 200 6 ** TCE 200
**
**
TCE 400 4 TCE 400
5
TCE 800 2 TCE 800
0
0
0 14th 21st
0 14th 21st
Days
Days
Results are expressed as Mean r SEM (n=6). The unpaired Student’s t-test Results are expressed as Mean r SEM (n=6). The unpaired Student’s t-test
was used for analyzing the data between Control and Diabetic control was used for analyzing the data between Control and Diabetic control
group, whereas multiple comparisons were done by using One-way group, whereas multiple comparisons were done by using One-way
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett’s ‘t’ test. #p<0.0001 Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett’s ‘t’ test. #p<0.0001
compared with control; *p<0.05, **p<0.01 compared with Diabetic control. compared with control; *p<0.05, **p<0.01 compared with Diabetic control.
Figure 3: Effect of TCE treatment on ejaculation latency Figure 4: Effect of TCE treatment on post ejaculatory interval

12 8
7
10 **
Control 6 Control
** **
8 ** 5 ** ** Diabetic
** ** Diabetic
** ** control
* * control
IF

4 * * TCE 200
MF

6 TCE 200
# # #
4 #
TCE 400
2 TCE 800
0
0 14th 21st
Days
Results are expressed as Mean r SEM (n=6). The unpaired Student’s t-test
was used for analyzing the data between Control and Diabetic control
group, whereas multiple comparisons were done by using One-way
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett’s ‘t’ test. #p<0.0001
compared with control; *p<0.05, **p<0.01 compared with Diabetic control.
Figure 5: Effect of TCE treatment on mount frequency
3 # # TCE 400
2 TCE 800
1 Sildenaf
0 il 5
0 14th 21st
Days
Results are expressed as Mean r SEM (n=6). The unpaired Student’s t-test
was used for analyzing the data between Control and Diabetic control
group, whereas multiple comparisons were done by using One-way
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett’s ‘t’ test. #p<0.0001
compared with control; *p<0.05, **p<0.01 compared with Diabetic control.
Figure 6: Effect of TCE treatment on intromission frequency

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 RESEARCH ARTICLE
300
# #
Blood glucose level (mg/dL)
250
200
150
100
50
0
0 14thDays
Results are expressed as Mean r SEM (n=6). The unpaired Student’s t-test was used for analyzing the data between Control and Diabetic control group,
whereas multiple comparisons were done by using One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett’s ‘t’ test. #p<0.0001 compared with
control; **p<0.01 compared with Diabetic control.
Figure 7. Effect of TCE treatment on serum glucose level
Experimental Design
Evaluation of Sexual Behavior Parameters
A total of 36 male wistar rats (30 diabetic surviving and 6
normoglycemic rats) were used. Before and 21 days after
diabetes induction; rats were individually paired with OVX
estrus female rats in copulatory arena and were observed
for sexual behavioral parameters like Mount latency (ML),
Intromission latency (IL), Ejaculation latency (EL), Mount
frequency (MF),Intromission frequency (IF),Post-
ejaculatory Interval (PEI). After recording of these
parameters, the rats in diabetic group were subdivided into
five groups (n=6) and treated orally as: diabetic control
group with distilled water 1 ml/day, TCE-200 group with
TCE 200 mg/kg, TCE-400 group with TCE 400 mg/kg, TCE-
800 group with 800 mg/kg and standard group with
Sildenafil 5 mg/kg for 21 days. On the day 14th and 21st of
respective treatments, the male rats were individually
placed in the copulatory arena. They were given 10 min
adaptation periods, after which an OVX estrous female rat
was placed in the arena and the male rats were observed
for aforementioned sexual behavior parameters. Tests
were normally ended immediately after the first post
ejaculatory intromission or after 30 min [15].
Blood Glucose Estimation
Blood samples from the tail vein were collected for the
measurement of blood glucose .Blood glucose level of all
animal were measured on 0, 14th and 21st day of treatment
by using Accu check glucometer [16].
Statistical Analysis
The results are expressed as mean + SEM. Comparison
between the control and diabetic group was made with
unpaired Students t test. Comparison between test groups
and diabetic control was made with one way analysis of
variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett’s t test.
RESULT
Acute Toxicity Study
The OECD guidelines AOT-423 was followed for estimation
of acute toxicity study in rats. Symptoms like lethargy and
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#
**
** Control
**
** ** Diabetic control
**
TCE 200
TCE 400
TCE 800
Sildenafil 5
21st
sleep were seen in TCE treated group animals. Any other
toxic symptom or death was not seen in both groups for
first four hours and thereafter for 14 days. All rats were
free of any toxicity as per acceptable range given by the
OECD guidelines upto the dose of 2000 mg/kg.
Effect of Alloxan Induced Diabetes Mellitus on
Copulatory Behavior
Before induction of diabetes; copulatory behavior
parameters (ML, IL, EL, PEI, MF and IF) of diabetic male
rats were not significantly different than the control male
rats. After 21 days of diabetes induction, all the copulatory
behavior parameters of diabetic rats were adversely
affected as compare to control animals (Table 1). After 21
days of diabetes induction, diabetic male rats showed
significant increase (p<0.0001) in the ML, IL, EL and PEI as
compare to control male copulatory parameters. Diabetic
animals were having significant (p<0.0001) decrease in the
MF and IF as compare to control animals (Table 1).
Effect of TCE Treatment on Copulatory Behavior
Parameters
Mount Latency (ML)
After 14 days of respective treatment, TCE 800 and
Sildenafil 5 treated animals showed significant (p<0.01)
decrease in ML as compare to diabetic control animals.
After 21 days of treatment TCE 200 treated animals
showed significant (p<0.05) decrease in ML ,Whereas TCE
400, 800 and Sildenafil 5 treated animals showed more
significant (p<0.01) decrease in ML as compare to diabetic
control male rats (Table 2, Figure 1).
Intromission Latency (IL)
After 14 days of respective treatment, TCE 400 , 800 and
Sildenafil 5 treated animals showed significant decrease in
IL as compare to diabetic control animals .After 21 days of
treatment TCE 200 treated animals showed significant
(p<0.05) decrease in IL whereas TCE 400, 800 and
Sildenafil 5 treated animals showed very significant
(p<0.01) decrease in IL as compare to diabetic control male
rats (Table 2, Figure 2). Dose dependent decrease in IL was
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observed after 21 days of treatment with TCE 200, 400 and
800.
Ejaculation Latency (EL)
After 21 days of treatment TCE 200 treated animals
showed significant (p<0.05) decrease in EL whereas, TCE
400, 800 and Sildenafil 5 treated animals showed very
significant (p<0.01) decrease in EL as compare to diabetic
control male rats (Table 2, Figure 3).
Post Ejaculatory Interval (PEI)
After 14 days of respective treatment, TCE 400, 800 and
Sildenafil 5 treated animals showed significant decrease in
PEI as compare to diabetic control animals. After 21 days of
treatment TCE 200 treated animals showed significant (p
<0.05) decrease in PEI as compare to diabetic control. After
21 days of treatment, TCE 400, 800 and Sildenafil 5 treated
animals showed very significant (p<0.01) decrease in PEI as
compare to diabetic control male rats (Table 2, Figure 4).
Mount Frequency (MF)
After 14 days of respective treatment, TCE 800 and
Sildenafil 5 treated animals showed significant (p<0.01)
increase in MF as compare to diabetic control animals
.After 21 days of treatment, TCE 200 treated animals
showed significant (p<0.05) increase in MF whereas TCE
400, 800 and Sildenafil 5 treated animals showed more
significant (p<0.01) increase in MF as compare to diabetic
control male rats (Table 3, Figure 5).
Intromission Frequency (IF)
After 21 days of treatment,TCE 200 treated animals
showed significant (p<0.05) increase in IF whereas TCE
400, 800 and Sildenafil 5 treated animals showed more
significant (p<0.01) increase in IF as compare to diabetic
control male rats (Table 3, Figure 6).
Effect of TCE Treatment on Serum Glucose Level
Rats in diabetic control group showed significant
(p<0.0001) increase in serum glucose level on 14th and 21st
day of treatment as compare to normal control animals.
TCE 200, 400 and 800 treated animals showed significant
(p<0.01) reduction in serum blood glucose level after 14
days of treatment as compare to control. Dose and time
dependent decrease in serum glucose level was observed
till 21 days of treatment. Sildenafil 5 treated group rats
showed no any significant change in serum glucose level till
21 day of treatment as compare to diabetic control animals
(Table 4, Figure 7).
DISCUSSION
In diabetes, chronic and persistant hyperglycemia coupled
with associated risk factors, participates in the
development of erectile dysfunction. Although the nature of
diabetic impotance is multifactorial, several studies have
reported the incidence of vascular erectile dysfunction to
be as high as 75% [2].
Diabetes and its complications is usually screened by
using different preclinical models of diabetes.
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Streptozotocin and alloxan are common diabetogenic
agents and are useful to study the multiple aspects of the
diabetes. Alloxan is chemically unstable pyrimidine
derivative, which is toxic to pancreatic β cells because it
generate toxic free oxygen radicals during redox cycling in
the presence of reducing agent such as glutathion and
cystein [17]. In our study, the alloxan-induced diabetic rats
showed high blood glucose level. This hyperglycemia was
evident throughout the entire experimental period
indicating state of diabetes.
In our study, diabetes mellitus significantly increased
Mount latency (ML), Intromission latency (IL) and
significantly decreased Mount frequency (MF),
Intromission frequency (IF) which are considered as the
indices of sexual motivation (libido) and sexual arousal [18].
Many experimental and clinical studies have revealed that
libido was adversely affected in diabetes mellitus [19-20]. Our
data showed agreement with these findings. In our study,
there was observed significantly increased Ejaculation
latency (EL) in diabetic rats as compare to the control
which indicates that the diabetic animals had increased
ejaculatory threshold. Post ejaculatory interval (PEI) is the
time period immediately after ejaculation during which
sexual activity is minimal or negligible. PEI is indicative of
sexual vigor [18]. Diabetic animals showed decreased sexual
activity as indicated by increased PEI.
Terminalia chebula et al doses significantly decreased
the mount latency in addition with intromission latency,
ejaculation latency and Post ejaculatory interval and
enhanced the sexual vigor after 21 days of treatment.
Decrease in ML, IL, EL and PIE was found to be dose
dependant in TCE treated groups. The study showed that
that the TCE at all doses significantly increased the MF
and IF as compared to diabetic control but less than that of
the sildenafil citrate drug. Furthermore action was dose
dependent. significant increase in mounting and
intromission frequencies are indicating of aphrodisiac
activity of TCE.
Many researchers reported the deleterious effect of
diabetes mellitus on male reproductive function, possibly
through an increase in oxidative stress and reduction of
endogenous antioxidants [21-22].Tannins and flavonoids
have been shown to exhibit varying degree of anti-oxidant
activity. Anti-oxidant compounds and flavonoids have been
reported to alter the androgen levels, and androgens are
reported to play a very important role in sexual excitation
[23-25]. In present study, the phytochemical investigation of
TCE showed to contain Tannins and flavonoids. Further
hydroalcoholic extract of fruit of Terminalia chebula have
been reported for the antioxidant activity in rats
[7].Terminalia chebula traditionally claimed for aphrodisiac
effect [9, 26]. Reduction in oxidative stress associated with
hyperglycemia along with aphrodisiac activity could be its
probable mechanism in alleviating impotency in diabetic
rats.
TCE 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg treated animals showed
significant reduction in blood glucose level after 14th day of
treatment as compare to control. Our study supported the
reported and traditionally claimed antidiabetic activity of
6 2012 pep 718, CCC: $10 © Inventi Journals (P) Ltd
Published on Web 11/09/2012, www.inventi.in
 RESEARCH ARTICLE
Terminalia chebula ,as the test doses 200, 400 and 800
mg/kg showed dose dependent antihyperglycemic activity
in alloxan induced diabetic rats. The ability of
Hydroalcoholic extract of fruit of Terminalia chebula in
effectively controlling the increase in the blood glucose
level in diabetic groups of rats may be attributed to its
antihyperglycemic effect.Further antihyperglycemic
activity of Terminalia chebula may be associated with an
increase in plasma insulin level , suggesting an
insulinogenic activity of TCE. Terminalia chebula stimulate
insulin secretion from remnant β cells or regenerated β
cells [27].To conclude, hydroalcoholic extract of fruit of
Terminalia chebula showed beneficial effect against
diabetes induced impotency in male rats.
CONCLUSION
Hydroalcoholic extract of fruit of Terminalia chebula (TCE)
significantly increased sexual motivation, arousal and vigor
along with lowering of ejaculatory threshold and glucose
level in diabetic male rats as evidenced from their
performance in mating test .Hence TCE showed beneficial
effect against diabetes induced impotency in male rats.
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Cite this article as: Sujata Taware, Neeraj Vyawahare,
Swati Narkhede, Smita Pillewan, Sunil Bhalerao.
Hydroalcoholic Extract of Fruit Of Terminali chebula
Alleviate Diabetic Impotency in Alloxan Induced Male
Diabetic Rats. Inventi Rapid: Ethnopharmacology,
2012(4): 1-7, 2012.
7 2012 pep 718, CCC: $10 © Inventi Journals (P) Ltd
Published on Web 11/09/2012, www.inventi.in