Pro-erectile effects of an alkaloidal rich fraction from Aspidosperma ulei root bark in mice

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the search for novel natural substances active against erectile dysfunction. Plants that belong to the genus Aspidosperma (Apocyanaceae) are known to be very rich in indole alkaloids and have an ethnomedical history of use as traditional remedies for erectile dysfunction. This study examined whether the indole alkaloidal rich fraction (F(3-5)) from Aspidosperma ulei Markgr. root bark could manifest penile erection-related behavioral responses (penile erection, erection-like and genital grooming) in mice. Intraperitoneal injection of F(3-5) (25 and 50mg/kg) elicited all the three different behavioral responses in a manner similar to yohimbine (2mg/kg, i.p.), a known indole alkaloid. Seventy-five percent of mice treated with yohimbine or F(3-5) showed penile erections, which were completely blocked by clonidine, an alpha-2-adrenoceptor agonist and haloperidol, a dopaminergic antagonist and as well as by l-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. These results point out that F(3-5) facilitates penile erection in mice possibly through the activation of central dopamine and blockade of presynaptic alpha-2 adrenoceptors with a subsequent enhancement in nitric oxide release from the penile nerves and arteries. This study further supports the traditional use of extracts from Aspidosperma species in erectile dysfunction.