Investigative parameters for the preclinical screening of potential of medicinal plants for the management and treatment of male sexual dysfunction

Abstract

Male sexual dysfunctions manifested by disorders of sexual desire (hypoactive and hyperactive), disorders of erection (erectile dysfunction), disorders of ejaculation (premature, absent/delayed and painful ejaculation, disorders of orgasm, and failure of detumescence). Conventional medicine is the knowledge, skills, and practice of holistic health care and recognized and accepted for its role in the maintenance of health and the treatment of diseases. It is based on indigenous theories, beliefs, and experiences that are handed down from generation to generation. Conventional medicine is practiced in many countries; it has always been part of the cultural and religious life of Indian people. Herbal treatments are the most popular forms of traditional medicine and are highly lucrative in the international marketplace. Today, more than 80% population of the developing countries depends on plants for their medical needs. Therefore, the increasing search for medicinal plants used in the treatment and management of male sexual dysfunction has necessitated. There are many herbal drugs that have been used for the treatment and management of male sexual dysfunction with varying degrees of success such as Tribulus terrestris, Withania somnifera, Eurycoma longifolia, Ginkgo biloba, and Myristica fragrans. Based on historical experience in traditional system of medicines, herbal medicinal plants are recommended for the treatment and management of male sexual dysfunction, and few of them have been scientifically validated. Recently, preclinical screening models including use of small animals such as rats and mice have been developed for better assessment of the pharmacological potential of medicinal plants against male sexual dysfunction. The present article has summarized the preclinical screening parameters with their significance including mating performance analysis, changes in reproductive organs index, reproductive hormonal estimations, sperm analysis, and histoarchitecture investigations.