Hepatotoxic Effects of Sildenafil Adulterated Herbal Aphrodisiacs (Attoté and Congnons-moussos), Following Chronic Exposure in Male Wistar Rats

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Résumé

The adulteration of traditional aphrodisiac formulations with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i),
particularly sildenafil, represents a significant public health concern due to the toxicological risks associated with their uncontrolled and prolonged use. This study investigated the subchronic hepatotoxic effects of two commercially available aphrodisiac preparations, called Attoté (AT) and Congnons-moussos (CM), both containing sildenafil (1 mg/gdry matter), in male Wistar rats. Animals were allocated into eight groups and received distilled water (control), pure sildenafil (5 mg/kg b.w.), and increasing doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg b.w.) of AT and CM by oral gavage for 90 consecutive days. Hepatic function was evaluated through serum biochemical markers such as Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, albumin, total proteins, glucose, hepatic tissue enzymes, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), oxidative stress biomarkers Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dimutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), Reduced Glutathione (GSH), and histopathological examination of liver sections. The results showed a dose-dependent hepatocellular injury, with increased ALT, AST, total bilirubin, glucose, and ALP, accompanied by decreased albumin, total proteins, and GGT activity. Oxidative stress was evident through elevated MDA levels and a marked reduction in antioxidant defenses. Histopathological findings confirmed liver damage, showing vacuolization, sinusoidal congestion, and inflammatory infiltration.

Mots-clés

Hepatotoxicity, Herbal Aphrodisiacs, Oxidative Stress, Sildenafil Adulteration, Wistar Rats