<i>Morinda lucida</i> Leaf Metabolites Ameliorate Aluminium Chloride‐Mediated Chronic Inflammation and Modulate Proteins‐Linked to Erectile Dysfunction in Rat Testes

The investigation examined the protective potential of aqueous extract of Morinda lucida leaf (ML) on aluminium chloride (AlCl₃)-mediated testicular damage in rats (male) and determined if its secondary metabolites could modulate proteins linked with erectile dysfunction. Rats in the treatment groups were administered 30 mg/kg bw AlCl₃, with doses of 125 mg/kg bw and 250 mg/kg bw of the plant extract. Phytocompounds identified in the plant were also screened for potential phosphodiesterase-5 and arginase inhibitor molecules. After 21 days of treatment, sperm count in the animal group treated with only AlCl₃ decreased significantly, though with no effect on sperm motility. Administration of ML improved sperm morphology in the extract-treated group compared to the untreated group. Moreover, the leaf extract reversed the elevated myeloperoxidase activity, IL-6, TNF-α, and nitrite concentration observed in the untreated group to near control levels in the plant treatment groups. Molecular docking analysis showed that stigmasterol (-10.2 kcal/mol) and oruwacin (-8.2 kcal/mol) had the best respective binding energies against the phosphodiesterase-5 and arginase proteins. The 300 ns dynamics simulation further revealed the compounds' good stability at the enzymes' active sites. Further experiments will be required to determine the potential alternative therapeutic interventions of the plant in preserving male fertility.