Title : Subchronic effects of sildenafil-adulterated traditional herbal aphrodisiacs on renal function in Wistar rats
Abstract:
Background: The adulteration of herbal aphrodisiacs with undeclared synthetic compounds such as sildenafil represents a growing public health concern. These products are widely consumed under the assumption of safety, despite potential toxicological risks associated with hidden pharmaceutical ingredients.
Methodology: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to analyze two widely consumed traditional aphrodisiac formulations, coded AT and CM. Sildenafil content was quantified, and subchronic nephrotoxicity was evaluated in male Wistar rats following 90 days of oral exposure to sildenafil (5 mg/kg) or graded doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) of AT and CM extracts. Renal function biomarkers, electrolyte balance, oxidative stress parameters, and histopathological changes were assessed.
Results and discussion: Both formulations were confirmed to contain sildenafil at pharmacologically active concentrations, approximately 1 mg/g dry matter. Chronic exposure resulted in dose-dependent increases in relative kidney weight, serum creatinine, and urea levels, indicating impaired renal function. Significant electrolyte disturbances were observed, including hypernatremia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, and hypophosphatemia. Enzymatic alterations included increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and decreased γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity. Oxidative stress was evidenced by elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreased antioxidant defenses (SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx). Histopathological analysis revealed tubular necrosis, glomerular atrophy, and inflammatory infiltration, particularly at higher doses. These findings suggest that the observed nephrotoxicity may result from combined effects of sildenafil and bioactive phytochemicals present in the formulations.
Conclusion: Traditional herbal aphrodisiacs adulterated with sildenafil can induce significant nephrotoxicity following chronic exposure. These results highlight the health risks associated with unregulated herbal products and emphasize the urgent need for toxicological surveillance and stricter regulatory control.
