Aqueous and ethanol extracts of Dracaena arborea (Wild) Link (Dracaenaceae) alleviate reproductive complications of diabetes mellitus in rats

Reproductive dysfunction is one of the most prevalent diabetes complications. Draceana arborea is known to enhance sexual function in diabetic rats, but the underlying mechanisms have not been thoroughly elucidated. This study examined the effects of D. arborea on some reproductive complications of diabetes in rats. Aqueous and ethanol (500 and 100 mg/kg respectively) extracts of D. arborea, Sildenafil citrate (1.44 mg/kg), trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO, 20 mg/kg) and distilled water (10 ml/kg) were orally administered for 28 days to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Glycaemia, body and reproductive organ masses, fertility parameters, total proteins, antioxidant enzymes activities, serum and testicular testosterone and the histology of the testes and epididymis were determined. Results revealed significant decreases in body and absolute and relative masses of testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate and vas deferens, fertility parameters, epididymal and testicular total proteins, serum and testicular testosterone levels as well as antioxidant enzymes activities. Interestingly, while having minor anti-hyperglycaemic effects, these abnormalities associated with testicular and epididymal alterations were alleviated by D. arborea especially the aqueous extract (500 mg/kg). These outcomes provided evidence of the androgenic properties of D. arborea in diabetic rats, which could be useful for a better management of sexual dysfunctions in diabetic patients.