Probing the Aphrodisiac Potential of Waltheria indica: Characterization, In Silico, In Vivo, and Mechanistic Studies

Background

The root extracts of Waltheria indica L. (Malvaceae) are used in African traditional medicine to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). This use, however, is not supported by compelling scientific data or linked to any characterized active constituent(s). Therefore, our aim was to determine the major active compound(s) in the ethanol root extract of Waltheria indica (EEWI) responsible for the possible aphrodisiac action and the probable mechanism(s) involved.