Phytochemical Profiling by UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS, In Vitro Antioxidant, In Vivo Antidiabetic, and Pro-Sexual Effects of...

Our study assessed the phytochemical composition and the effects of Salvia balansae flower aqueous extract (FAE) on sexual dysfunction in diabetic rats. Total phenolic and flavonoid content, quantification of phytochemicals by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-electrospray ionization (ESI)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) method, and in vitro antioxidant capacity of FAE extract were elucidated. For the in vivo study, diabetes was induced by one intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (40 mg/kg), and treated diabetic rats were given FAE at 200 mg/kg. Rats were subjected to a sexual incentive motivation test (SIM) and a mating behavior test, and then serum testosterone levels and sperm quality were analyzed. Our study indicates that FAE contained a large amount of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, and 13 constituents were quantified; cynaroside (3.8 mg analyte/g extract) was the main compound, followed by rosmarinic acid (3.145 mg analyte/g extract), thus confirming its high antioxidant capacity. FAE treatment significantly reduced blood glucose levels, improved sexual motivation and copulatory behavior, increased testosterone levels, and enhanced sperm quality in diabetic-treated rats compared to diabetic untreated rats. The present work demonstrates the therapeutic potential of S. balansae flowers in enhancing reproductive function in diabetic rats, potentially through its antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and aphrodisiac properties.