Androgen disruption and toxicity tests of Butea superba Roxb., a traditional herb used for treatment of erectile dysfunction, in male rats.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effects of Butea superba tuberous powder on blood testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, as well as its toxicity in male rats, particularly in relation to potential use for erectile dysfunction (ED).
Results Summary
The study found dose-dependent adverse effects, including altered blood chemistry, hematological changes, and decreased testosterone levels at higher doses (150-200 mg/kg BW/day). No significant effect on LH was observed. Limitations include the focus on subchronic toxicity in rats rather than clinical efficacy in humans.
Population
Adult male Wistar rats (animal study).
Effective Dosage
10, 100, 150, or 200 mg/kg BW/day orally for 90 days.
Duration
90 consecutive days.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
B. superba powder suspension at 150 mg/kg BW/day | increase | spleen relative weight | male Wistar rats | - | increase | #1 |
B. superba powder suspension at 150 mg/kg BW/day | increase | serum level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) | male Wistar rats | - | increased | #2 |
B. superba powder suspension at 150 mg/kg BW/day | increase | serum level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) | male Wistar rats | - | increased | #3 |
B. superba powder suspension at 200 mg/kg BW/day | decrease | blood levels of neutrophil | male Wistar rats | - | significant decreased | #4 |
B. superba powder suspension at 200 mg/kg BW/day | increase | blood levels of eosinophil | male Wistar rats | - | increased | #5 |
B. superba powder suspension at 200 mg/kg BW/day | decrease | serum creatinine levels | male Wistar rats | - | decrease | #6 |
B. superba powder suspension at 150 mg/kg BW/day | decrease | testosterone | male Wistar rats | - | dose-dependent decrease | #7 |
B. superba powder suspension at 200 mg/kg BW/day | decrease | testosterone | male Wistar rats | - | dose-dependent decrease | #8 |
B. superba powder suspension at 150 mg/kg BW/day | no change | LH | male Wistar rats | - | not | #9 |
B. superba powder suspension at 200 mg/kg BW/day | no change | LH | male Wistar rats | - | not | #10 |
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of the tuberous powder of Butea superba Roxb. (Leguminosae) on blood testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH), and toxicity in male rats. METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats were orally treated with 0, 10, 100, 150 or 200 mg/kg BW/day of B. superba powder suspension in 0.7 ml distilled water for 90 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected every 30 days and submitted to testosterone and LH analysis. On the 90th day of treatment, blood and the main organs were collected for haematological and histopathological analysis, respectively. RESULTS: The adverse effects found included an increase in spleen relative weight, and increased serum level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in rats treated with 150 mg/kg BW/day B. superba powder. At 200 mg/kg BW/day treatment, rats showed significant decreased and increased blood levels of neutrophil and eosinophil, respectively, and a decrease in serum creatinine levels. Serum hormonal analysis revealed a dose-dependent decrease in testosterone, but not LH, in rats treated with 150 and 200 mg/kg BW/day B. superba powder. CONCLUSION: Subchronic treatment of B. superba tuberous powder suspension at high doses in male rats exhibited adverse effects to blood chemistry, haematology, and blood testosterone level. The results of the study should initiate awareness of the possible adverse risk of over-dose consumption of B. superba products for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in mature males.