Chlorogenic Acid Enhanced Testosterone-Mediated Libido Through Improved Glycemic Control and Redox Homeostasis in Diabetic Male Rats
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2026.13191Keywords:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Chlorogenic acid, HbA1c, Oxidative stress, SOD, Testosterone, Libido, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Chlorogenic acid, HbA1c, Oxidative stress, SOD, Testosterone, LibidoAbstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) induces chronic metabolic disruption characterized by sustained hyperglycemia, oxidative–antioxidant imbalance, and impaired steroidogenesis, resulting in progressive deterioration of male reproductive and sexual function. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a polyphenolic compound with metabolic and antioxidant activities, and has shown potential benefits in mitigating diabetes associated reproductive dysfunction. This study evaluated the effects of CGA on glycemic control, oxidative stress, testosterone levels, and libido parameters in male Wistar rats with T2DM. Thirty rats were divided into six groups (n = 5 per group): healthy controls, diabetic controls, diabetic + metformin, and diabetic treated with CGA at 6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg/kg BW. Glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and testosterone were measured on day 32. Sexual behavior was recorded over three consecutive days. CGA demonstrated a dose-dependent improvement across all biological parameters. The highest CGA dose is 25 mg/kg BW and can reduce HbA1c levels, decrease MDA, and increase SOD, testosterone levels and libido activity close to those of normal controls. Correlation analyses revealed strong relationships between glicemic control, oxidative, hormonal, and libido variables. In conclusion, CGA enhances glycemic control and redox balance, restores testosterone, and improves libido-related behavior in diabetic rats, with broader restorative effects compared to metformin. CGA represents a promising adjunctive strategy for addressing diabetes-related reproductive dysfunction
HIGHLIGHTS
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus reduces glycemic control, increases oxidative stress, and disrupts hormonal balance and libido activity in male rats.
- Administration of chlorogenic acid (CGA) improves HbA1c, oxidative–antioxidant status, and testosterone levels in a dose-dependent manner.
- Improvements in metabolic and oxidative parameters are closely related to the recovery of libido activity, particularly the frequency of introduction and climbing.
- Libido activity reflects the integration of metabolic, oxidative, and hormonal improvements following CGA administration in diabetic rats.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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