Attenuating effects of Mucuna pruriens on paroxetine-induced male sexual dysfunction in Wistar rats: behavioural, hormonal, antioxidant, and histological evaluation

Background: Male sexual dysfunction is a common adverse effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine, mediated through oxidative stress, nitric oxide dysregulation, and androgen deficiency. This study investigated the attenuating effects of Mucuna pruriens 70% ethanolic seed extract on paroxetine-induced male sexual dysfunction in Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty adult male Wistar rats (10-12 weeks old) were randomly allocated to five groups (n = 6): control (distilled water), paroxetine only (10 mg/kg/day), paroxetine plus sildenafil (5 mg/kg/day), and paroxetine plus M. pruriens extract at low (200 mg/kg/day) and high (400 mg/kg/day) doses, administered concurrently for 21 days. Sexual behavior indices, hormonal profiles, oxidative stress biomarkers in testicular and penile tissues, and histological changes were evaluated. Results: Paroxetine impaired sexual behaviour, reduced testosterone, and disrupted antioxidant balance. Co-treatment with M. pruriens dose-dependently attenuated paroxetine-induced changes in sexual performance, increased testosterone, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, and ameliorated testicular cytoarchitecture, with the high-dose extract showing the most pronounced improvement. Conclusion: These findings provide preclinical evidence supporting the ethnomedicinal use of M. pruriens and suggest potential for further investigation as an adjunct in managing SSRI-associated male sexual dysfunction.