Great Burdock Extract on Rabbit Corpus Cavernosum

Abstract

Great burdock (Arctium lappa) is an edible vegetable that is also used as herbal medicines in many countries. Traditionally, burdock is used to slow aging, cure male impotence and in beauty care. However, the relevant mechanisms and scientific proof of its actions have not yet been elucidated. The expansion of the corpora cavernosum smooth muscle cells of the penis is the main regulating factor of erection, and the nitric oxide-soluble guanylyl cyclase-cyclic guanine monophosphate (NO-sGC-cGMP) pathway plays an important role in maintaining expansion of the corpora cavernosum. The current study aims are to investigate the effects of burdock extract on a rabbit's corpora cavernosum. The effects of burdock on the protein expression in the cavernosum tissues and smooth muscle cells were investigated, and the changes in cGMP level were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit analysis. Our results showed that burdock extract increased the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase, cGMP-dependent kinase, sGC_α1 and sGC_β1 in the smooth muscle cells and tissues of the corpora cavernosum, while the expression of phosphodiesterase-5 was inhibited. Additionally, cGMP levels become elevated in the smooth muscles after treatment with burdock extract. In summary, our data suggest that burdock can facilitate in the relaxation of the corpora cavernosum; however, the benefits of burdock in treating erectile dysfunction remain to be resolved.