Ademiluyi, A. O., Oyeleye, S. I. and Oboh, G.

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Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem among men. Kola nut seeds are claimed to possess aphrodisiac

effects and have been employed in folklore for the management of ED. This study investigated the possible

mechanism of actions behind the aphrodisiac properties of some tropical Cola spp [Cola nitida (white and red) and

Cola acuminata] and, Garcinia kola via their antioxidant properties and possible inhibition of some key enzymes

(AChE, ACE and Arginase) linked to ED in vitro. The aqueous extract was prepared and the radicals (DPPH* and

ABTS*) scavenging and Fe chelating abilities, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) as well as the effects on

2+

the Fe-induced lipid peroxidation in rats' penile homogenate were determined. The total phenolic (phenol and

flavonoids) contents were also determined. The extracts scavenged the radicals, chelated Fe , and inhibited Fe -

2+ 2+

lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent pattern. The results revealed that Cola acuminata had the higher arginase

and AChE inhibitory activities than Garcinia kola while the later had the highest ACE inhibitory effect. Interestingly,

Cola acuminata had the highest phenolic content among the entire Cola sample tested. These antioxidative and

enzyme inhibitory effects of the selected kola nut seeds may be due to their phenolic contents and these could also be

some possible mechanisms underlying their erectogenic potential in folklore medicines.

Keyword: Cola spp, aphrodisiac, erectile dysfunction, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition