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Scientific Validation of Ethnomedicinal Use of Ipomoea batatas L. Lam. as Aphrodisiac and Gonadoprotective Agent against Bisphenol A Induced Testicular Toxicity in Male Sprague Dawley Rats

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam.), known as “Shakarqandi” in Pakistan, is an imperative root vegetable with large size, traditionally used as aphrodisiac, antiprostatic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, cardiotonic, and anticancer agent. Present study was conducted to gauge aphrodisiac potential of Ipomoea batatas ethyl acetate (IPT-EA, IPA-EA) and methanol (IPT-M, IPA-M) extracts from tuber and aerial part, respectively, via behavioral and biochemical tests and their possible protective role in BPA-induced gonadotoxicity at the dose 300 mg/kg in male Sprague Dawley rats. Phytochemical analysis was done qualitatively and quantitatively through total phenolic and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC) and high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC-DAD) fingerprinting while antioxidant profiling used multimode in vitro assays. To calculate sexual excitement mount latency, intromission latency, mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculatory latency, and postejaculatory interval were examined while for biochemical ratification semen characteristics, levels of testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol were measured. Gonadoprotective ability was assessed through comet assay and histomorphological examination of testes. Qualitative analysis ensured the presence of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanin, saponins, coumarins, terpenoids, and betacyanin. Quantitatively maximal TPC (304.32±7.20 μg GAE/mg dry extract) and TFC (214.77±4.09 μg QE/mg DE) were estimated in IPA-EA extract. IPT-EA yielded maximum rutin (7.3±0.12) and myricetin (2.7±0.14 μg/mg DE) while IPA-EA and IPA-M yielded maximum caffeic acid (4.05±0.22 and 1.92±0.17 μg/mg DE, respectively) in HPLC-DAD analysis. Extracts enhanced sexual excitement, improved semen quality, levels of testosterone, FSH, LH, and estradiol, and successfully attenuated toxic effects of BPA. Levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, POD, and GSH) were restored and NO abundance was minimized. Significant stimulation in sexual behavior, amelioration of toxicity symptoms, elevated spermatic production, raised viability, vitalized levels of gonadal hormones, maintained endogenous enzymes, genoprotection, and reformed testicular histology endorsed I. batatas as a better aphrodisiac alternative and gonadoprotective agent.


Introduction
Among primary organic needs and biological drives, sexual urge stands very next to hunger, thirst, and sleep [1]. Libido, erection, orgasm, ejaculation, and detumescence are the principal events in defined order that describe normal sexual function. Any interference in the defined ordered sequence of the events in this response cycle leads to male sexual dysfunction (MSD) and erectile dysfunction (ED) [2]. ED is the inability to achieve and uphold erections for the satisfactory sexual performance. Data shows that almost 52% of men aging 40-70 are experiencing ED of varying degrees and defective sperm functions like low sperm density and motility [3]. Numeral studies have been conducted since last decades to figure out the exact reason resulting decline in sperm density and count [4]. Positive

Material and Methods
. . Preparation of Extract. Dr. Rizwana Aleem Qureshi, Professor at Department of Plant Sciences, identified and authenticated the plants samples collected from Sargodha District. After awarding accession number (PHM-501), plant specimen was preserved at Herbarium of Pakistan, Quaidi-Azam University, Islamabad. Plant's tubers and veins were gently washed with running tap water to remove all dust and were shade dried in open airy place with no direct sunlight. After complete exhaustion of the water contents from plant, fully dried parts were crushed to powder. This powdered plant material was subjected to successive extraction using N-hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and distilled water as solvents. Solvents from the extracts were removed under vacuum in a rotary evaporator at 40 ∘ C and fully dried samples were tested via preliminary biological screening. Ethyl acetate (IPT-EA, IPA-EA) and methanol (IPT-M, IPA-M) extracts from tuber and aerial part, respectively, showed maximal phytoconstituents and significant antioxidant activity which was the selection criteria for further in vitro and in vivo experimentation.
. . Phytochemical Analysis . . . Qualitative Assessment ( ) Assessment of Phenols and Flavonoids. Qualitative investigation for the traces of phenols and flavonoids was carried out by following standard procedure of Trease and Evans [25]. Suspending 1 mg of aliquote (sample) in 2 ml off distilled water (DW) enriched with 10% Iron III chloride (FeCl 3 ) developed blue or green color confirming presence of phenols. Similarly mixture of extract sample (1 mg) with BioMed Research International 3 2 N sodium hydroxide (1 ml) producing yellow color as end results assures presence of flavonoids.
( ) Assessment of Coumarins and Saponins. Presence of coumarins was assured by mixing 1 mg/ml plant extract with 10% NaOH (1 ml) and development of yellow color as end result, while formation of soapy layer with vigorous shaking of mixture containing 1 mg sample and 1 ml DW confirms saponins [26].
( ) Assessment of Terpenoids and Triterpenoids. Mixing of 0.5 mg plant sample with 2 ml each of chloroform concentrated sulphuric acid gives red brown colored layer in the middle of two layers when terpenoids are present. Similarly development of bluish-green color on mixing 1.5 ml of plant sample with 1 ml of Liebermann-Burchard Reagent (conc.H 2 SO 4 + acetic anhydride) confirms presence of triterpenoids [25].
( ) Qualitative Assessment of Tannins and Quinones. Development of dark blue or greenish black color by mixing aliquot (1 mg) and 2 ml of 5% FeCl 3 is confirmation for the presence of tannins in the sample, while red color as end product by mixing sample (1 mg/ml) to conc: sulphuric acid confirms quinones [25].

( ) Qualitative Assessment of Anthocyanin and Betacyanin.
Presence of anthocyanin and betacyanin in plant samples was qualitatively assessed using established protocol of Trease and Evans [25]. By boiling mixture of 1 mg/ml solution of plant sample in 2 ml NaOH (1 N) for ten minutes, if bluish-green color is developed, it confirms anthocyanins are present. And if yellow color develops, it assures that sample is rich in betacyanin.

. . . Quantitative Analysis ( ) Quantification of Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents.
The total phenolic contents (TPC) were estimated using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent as illustrated by Fatima et al. [27] and expressed as g gallic acid equivalent per mg dry extract ( g GAE/mg extract). Similarly quantifying flavonoids method followed by Majid et al. [28] was adopted with minor modifications. Quercetin was used as standard to quantify equivalent flavonoid content in the samples and expressed as g QE/mg extract.
( ) High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Analysis. Diode-Array Detection aided HPLC (HPLC-DAD) fingerprinting for the polyphenol's detection and quantification was performed adopting established protocol earlier followed by Zahra et al. [29]. External standard method was used to quantify detected polyphenols by integration of the peaks.
. . Antioxidant Profiling. Each plant sample with varying concentrations (0-500 g/ml) was used to evaluate its in vitro antioxidant potential. Standard protocol [28] was adopted to gauge antioxidant capacity of IPT-EA, IPA-EA, IPT-M, and IPA-M extracts. Multimode assays like DPPH scavenging, nitric oxide inhibition, hydroxyl radical inhibition, and iron chelation capacity assay were performed. The % inhibition of free radicals was calculated as % scavenging activity = 1 − (OD of sample) (OD of control) × 100 (1) Reducing power and total antioxidant capacity was determined by the methodology illustrated by Ahmed et al. [30]. The results were expressed as g quercetin equivalent per mg of extract ( g QE/mg).
. . Animal Ethical Statement. Guidelines of ethical committee (Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan) were strictly followed to conduct in vivo studies. Letters for animal care (Letter No. QAU-PHM-017/2016) and experimentation (Letter No. QAU-PHM-023/2016) were duly approved by ethical committee (dated 24/10/2016). This study plan strictly followed the guidelines that the use of animals for the experimentation should significantly provide new knowledge or lead to animal's wellbeing with least distress, pain, and discomfort to them, providing appropriate sedation, analgesia and anesthesia. Rats were euthanized by cervical dislocation under chloroform anesthesia.
. . Toxicity Assessment . . . DNA Protection Assay. Genoprotective capacity of plant extracts was evaluated by conducting assay of DNA protection by previously reported method [31]. According to protocol 0.5 g/3 l of Plasmid DNA (pBR322 Fermentas) was treated with 5 l of sample (100 g/ml). Fenton reaction was induced by mixing 30% (v/v) hydrogen peroxide (4 l) with 3 l ferrous sulphate (2 mM). Control DNA (untreated), treated DNA with 2 mM FeSO 4 , 30% H 2 O 2 + DNA, and DNA treated with 2 mM FeSO 4 and 30% H 2 O 2 were run at the same time as control. The incubation period for reaction mixture was 60 min at 37 ∘ C. 3 l of loading dye (Bromophenol blue) was added right after incubation to each reaction mixture. Samples were run on 1% (w/v) agarose gel loaded with ethidium bromide and TBE buffer and visualized with Syngene InGenius3 gel documentation system. Photo excitation of samples was avoided by performing experimentation in dark.
. . . Acute Toxicity Valuation in Rats. To investigate single booster dose effect of extracts, assay of acute toxicity was conducted. Male Sprague Dawley rats were arranged in sets representing controls and test groups. Each group contained five rats. Five doses (100, 300, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg) were fed orally to the respective test groups as single booster dose and examined for fortnight for development of any toxic effects. Study was targeted to notice appearance of any visual toxic effects, mortality, behavioral changes like aggression, lethargy, loss of appetite, and balance, defecation, urination, and sleep. Increase in bodily secretions like salivation, nasal secretions, lacrimation, or any type of physical injuries was also observed during test period. Control group received single oral dose of normal saline (10 ml/kg). Guidelines 425 of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) were strictly followed during the study.
. . Experimental Design. Standardized conditions (12 h light/dark cycle, 25±1 ∘ C temperature) were provided to the experimental animals (Rattus norvegicus) weighing approximately 150-200 g/each. All test animals were properly fed and supplied with plentiful fresh water. For experimentation, 16 groups of animals (7 rats/each) were set accordingly. Specified doses (300 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg) of IPT-EA, IPA-EA, IPT-M, and IPA-M extracts, vehicle (10% DMSO), and positive (sildenafil 10 mg/kg) were administered using gastric cannula, while BPA (50 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally. The study plan has two major portions, i.e., behavioral study to evaluate aphrodisiac ability of I. batatas and its gonado protection assessment through BPA intoxication.
Group I. Control group remained untreated.
Group II. Vehicle group received 10% DMSO in water, administered orally at 10 ml/kg body weight (BW) on alternate days.
Group III. Positive group received sildenafil 10 mg/kg BW dissolved in 10% DMSO, given orally on alternate days.
Group IV. BPA group received 50 mg/kg BW dissolved in 10% DMSO, injected intraperitoneal on alternate days.
Group V. IPT-EA group received 300 mg/kg in 10% DMSO given orally on alternate days.
Group VI. IPT-M group received 300 mg/kg in 10% DMSO given orally on alternate days.
Group VII. IPA-EA group received 300 mg/kg in 10% DMSO given orally on alternate days.
Group VIII. IPA-M group received 300 mg/kg in 10% DMSO given orally on alternate days.
Protocol illustrated by Ola-Mudathir et al. [32] was followed and the study was conducted for 21 days.
. . . Behavioral Assessment. For the evaluation of sexual behavior, 12 groups of the experimental design were used. Group I served as control, Group II as vehicle, Group III as positive control, and Group IV as negative control (BPA group) and Group V-XII were given 300 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg of IPT-EA, IPA-EA, IPT-M, and IPA-M extracts accordingly, on alternate days for 21 days. Eightyfour female rats (n=7) were brought to heat cycle (estrous) by the sequential dosing of estradiol benzoate (10 g/100 g BW) and progesterone (0.5 mg/100 g BW) via subcutaneous injections, 48 h and 4 h, respectively, before pairing [33]. After one hour of dosing, rats were paired in separate room and their sexual behavior was monitored. Before bringing female to the male cages, adaptation period of 20 min was given to the male rats to get familiar with environment.
. . . Assessment of Sexual Parameters. The following male sexual behavior parameters were calculated on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 after monitoring for 1 h:    (v) Ejaculatory Latency (EL). The time interval between the first intromission and ejaculation. This is characterized by longer, deeper pelvic thrusting and slow dismount followed by a period of inactivity.
. . . Collection of Organ and Blood Sample. By the end of the treatment rats were kept unfed for next 24 hours. Afterwards, rats of each group were euthanized in chloroform rich environment. Blood was collected to separate serum for analysis and epididymis was cut out for weight and sperm analysis. Excised testes from various groups were homogenized in 10X buffer (100 mM potassium phosphate buffer mixed with 1 mM EDTA having pH 7.4). Homogenates were then centrifuged at 12000×g at 4 ∘ C for half an hour. Supernatant material was collected carefully and stored for BioMed Research International 5 use in biochemical assays. A portion of testes was excised and preserved using 10% formalin solution to use for histological studies.
. . . Gonadal Size, Weight, and Relative Organ Weight Determination. At the final day of the study rats of each group were weighed and sacrificed under anesthesia. The testes were excised, cleared of adhering connective tissues. Then their size was measured using Vernier caliper and weighed. Relative organ weight of the testes was found by the following formula.
ROW stands for relative organ weight, AOW stands for absolute organ weight (g), and BW stands for body weight on final day (g).
. . . Epididymal Sperm Assessment. Epididymal sperm count and sperm progressive motility were evaluated by the method followed by Ola-Mudathir et al. [32]. Accordingly, epididymal spermatozoa were obtained by mincing the epididymis with anatomical scissors and 0.9 ml of physiological saline was mixed with 0.1 ml of epididymal fluid and incubated at 32 ∘ C for 2 min. An aliquot of this solution was placed in Neubauer hemocytometer and motile sperms were counted by using microscope at 40X magnification. Nonmotile sperm numbers were first determined, followed by counting of total sperm. Sperm motility was expressed as a percent of motile sperm of the total sperm counted.
. . . Hormone Quantification. Quantification serum testosterone concentrations were estimated using Astra Biotech kit (Immunotech Company). Sensitivity of the kit is 0.2 nmol/ L-50 nmol/L. LH, FSH and estradiol were purchased from Erba Fertikit, Germany. These hormones were measured via immunoenzymatic method using ELISA reader. The experiment was performed according to the instruction [35].

. . . Quantification of Endogenous Antioxidant Enzymes.
The supernatant from the testicular homogenates was subjected to several biochemical assays. Activities of catalase (CAT) were evaluated by monitoring the rate of H 2 O 2 hydrolysis at 240 nm using methodology followed by Sajid et al. [36]. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide (NO) inhibition activity in homogenate were gauged by standard procedure [37]. Similarly to estimate peroxidases (POD) levels in homogenates, method described by Phull et al. [38] was used with minor modifications, while reduced glutathione (GSH) was estimated by methodology adopted by Shah and Khan [39].
DNA mutilation was evaluated by following the protocol of Dhawan et al. [40]. For 1st layering, about 3/4th part of sanitized slides was dipped in 1% solution of normal melting point agarose (NMPA) and was allowed to fix at room temperature. A tiny portion of testes was minced in 1 ml cold lysing solution and mixed with 85 l of low melting point agarose (LMPA) solution. This lysate solution containing tissue with LMPA is gently applied to precoated slides and covered cover slip. These slides were then allowed to cool for 10-12 minutes on ice bags. Then after complete drying, cover slips were removed and 2nd coating of LMPA was applied. Coated slides were again placed on ice packs to solidify media. After 3rd and final coating with LMPA, slides were exposed to lysing solution for a period of 10 min and frozen for 120 min. After 2 hours of freezing, electrophoreses were performed and slides were stained with 1% ethidium bromide dye and visualized under fluorescent microscope. CASP 1.2.3.b software for image analysis was used to calculate DNA damage. At average 50-100 cells were observed in each sample for comet parameters (head length, comet length, tail moment, tail length, and amount of DNA in head) of gonadal cell's nuclei.
. . . Histopathological Study of Tissues. At last day of the study plan (21st day), rats were sacrificed. Then testes of the rats were excised and a portion of it was fixed by exposure of 12 hr to 10% buffered formaldehyde (pH 7.4). This tissue sample was washed repeatedly with ethanol to remove traces of water. 5 m thick tissue slice was cut using rotary microtome and stained with Eosin and Haematoxylin (H &E staining). These stained slides were then observed under Nikon Microscope (Eclipse 80i, Japan) for histomorphological variations following the parameter evaluated by Sajid et al. [41].
. . Statistical Analysis. Data obtained in this study was presented as Mean±SD. One-way analysis of variance was performed to determine the variability among groups by Statistix 8.1. CASP 1.2.3.b software was used for comet analysis and Graph Pad Prim 5 to construct different graphs. Tukey's multiple comparison and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to calculate significant differences among groups at P < 0.05. . . . Quantitative Analysis. Considering the standard regression lines for gallic acid (y = 0.0083x+0.0182; R 2 = 0.9766) and quercetin (y = 0.0088x+0.0151; R 2 = 0.9922), TPC and TFC quantification was performed (Table 1).   (Figure 1). Traces of rutin, gallic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, apigenin, myricetin, and quercetin were identified and quantified in different extracts of I. batatas. Maximal quantity of rutin was detected in IPT-EA (7.3±0.12 g/mg dry extract) and caffeic acid in IPA-EA (4.05±0.22 g/mg dry extract) whereas apigenin was minimum in IPT-M. All the results are tabulated as Table 2.

Results
. . In Vitro Antioxidant Activities. Dose dependent antioxidant activity in various in vitro antioxidant assays was exhibited by I. batatas extracts (Figure 2). I. batatas showed antioxidant capacity in different assays in the order of nitric oxide scavenging > iron chelating ability > DPPH free radical scavenging > hydroxyl radical (OH − ) scavenging. Total antioxidant capacity by plant extracts was greater than its total reducing power as shown in Table 1.  . . Acute Toxicity Investigations. As a result of acute toxicity assessment, plant extracts did not show any significant findings regarding variation in behavioral pattern, toxicity, or death incident during this time period. Doses ranging from 100 to 2000 mg/kg of rats were found to be safe as no deaths of the experimental groups occurred with no visible signs of toxicity observed. So these extracts were declared as nontoxic and safe to check their additional pharmacological potential within described range.
. . Aphrodisiac Activity. Aphrodisiac activity was conducted to check the potential of IPT-EA, IPA-EA, IPT-M, and IPA-M extracts. Obvious chasing of male rats towards the females in all the groups was observed, with precopulatory behaviors such as pursuing and/or anogenital sniffing leading to mounting, intromission, and ejaculation. No significant indication of tiredness was observed which was an obvious manifestation that the extract did not produce sedative effect throughout the observatory period.
. . . Effects on Mount Latency and Intromission Latency. The mean mount latency was gradually increasing in the BPA group of rats throughout the period of experiment, while the mount latency of the rats administered with sildenafil, IPT-EA, IPT-M, IPA-EA, and IPA-M extracts decreased from days 1 to 21. The rats in normal and vehicle showed no significant change in the latency of mounting. The IPA-EA (300 mg/kg) extract significantly decreased the latency of mount especially when compared with the control, vehicle, sildenafil, and BPA groups ( Figure 4). There was a general decrease in the mean IL with the passage of time that was statistically significant (P < 0.05) when compared with control, vehicle, sildenafil, and BPA groups (Figure 4).

. . . Effects on Mount Frequency and Intromission Frequency.
The highest mount frequency (MF) was recorded in the rats administered with sildenafil (10 mg/kg body weight), followed by IPA-EA and IPT-EA (300 mg/kg), and the least in BPA group with gradual decrease till the end of the study. Control and vehicle showed no significant change throughout the specified time tenure ( Figure 5). In this study, IPA-EA showed significant increase (P < 0.05) in mount frequency from the 1st day to day 21 in comparison to sildenafil. In a similar way IPA-EA (300 mg/kg) showed the highest frequency of intromission comparable to sildenafil while intromission frequencies decrease was statistically significant (P < 0.05) in BPA group when compared with control and vehicle ( Figure 5).

. . . Effects on Ejaculatory Latency and Postejaculation
Interval. The EL of the rats administered with BPA (50 mg/kg) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) from the control and vehicle. The EL of rats administered with IPT-EA, IPA-EA, IPT-M, and IPA-M extracts increased since 1st day of administration till end of the study. The highest EL was shown by sildenafil followed by IPA-EA, IPT-EA, IPA-M, and IPT-M extracts (Figure 6), while IPT-EA stood highest among I. batatas extracts to decrease PEI on the final day comparable to sildenafil followed by IPA-EA. However, those rats administered with BPA (50 mg/kg) showed significant increase in PEI from days 1 to 21 as compared to control and vehicle ( Figure 6).
. . Effect on Size, Weight, and Relative Organ Weight of Testes. At the end of experiment, testes of dissected rats were excised and measured. As illustrated in Table 3, the size and weight of the test group IPA-EA (300 mg/kg) have significantly (P < 0.05) increased (36.4±1.5 mm and 2.96±0.16 g,   (Table 3).
. . Effect on Sperm Quality. Epididymal sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm viability, and dead/demorphed cell count is given in Table 4. Significant (P < 0.05) decrease in sperm count, % motility, and viability has been recorded in the group treated with BPA (50 mg/kg) with the highest percentage (33.9±0.06%) of dead/demorphed cells. Here IPA-EA, IPT-EA, IPT-M, and IPA-M extracts only (300 mg/kg) showed significant improvement in the sperm characteristics almost comparable to sildenafil. Test group (BPA+IPA-EA 300 mg/kg) provided maximum protection against BPAinduced gonadotoxicity and increased the concentration as well as quality of the sperms (Figure 7). to controls and vehicle. The group treated with BPA showed the lowest serum concentrations of FSH, LH (5.71±0.31 and 1.41±0.14 mIU/ml respectively), testosterone (1.47±0.06 ng/ml), and raised levels of estradiol (26.19± 0.16 ng/ml) clearly indicating gonadotoxicity. Test group (BPA+IPA-EA 300 mg/kg) on the other hand showed maximum reforms in hormonal levels. Dose dependent restoration of hormones in BPA-intoxicated rats has been observed which is given in Table 5.   showed comparable restoration of endogenous enzymes and NO levels.
. . Effect on DNA Integrity. DNA protection capacities of IPT-EA, IPA-EA, IPT-M, and IPA-M extracts were tested in gametocytes as displayed in Figure 8. Comet parameters such as comet length, head length, tail length, % DNA in head, % DNA in tail, and tail moment being in complete agreement with control significantly (P < 0.05) show genoprotective nature of I. batatas. All the results are given in Table 7.
. . Effect on Histology of Testes. Histological investigations render I. batatas as gonadoprotective and validating the results of comet assay. Slides significantly proved high dose (300 mg/kg) and low dose (150 mg/kg) of IPT-EA, IPA-EA, IPT-M, and IPA-M extracts which are proactive in BPAinduced toxicity (Figure 9). The control group displayed normal morphology of testes with spermatocytes, spermatids, spermatogonium, cells of Sertoli and Leydig cells, normal architecture of seminiferous tubules, normal developmental stages, and concentration of sperms in the seminiferous  tubules. Test groups showed marked protection in terms of morphology of the seminiferous tubules and high density of germ cells while BPA caused significant damage and abrasions to seminiferous tubules with low cellular density.

Discussion
Aphrodisiacs are substances that stimulate or increase sexual desire and sexual performance. Hunt for effective aphrodisiacs to attain long lasting sexual powers has been a constant pursuit since time immemorial [42]. Plants like Piper guineense, Fadogia agrestis, Aframomum melegueta, Bulbine natalensis, Lepidium meyenii, Apium graveolens (Celery), Terminalia catappa, Turnera diffusa, Allium tuberosum, Cnestis ferruginea, and Curculigo orchioides have been used since centuries to cope with sex and fertility problems [1]. Various types of phytoconstituents sanction virtues and potential of the medicinal plants to play protective role against many types of diseases provide strength to the body. Previous data shows that terpenoids [43], polyphenols [44,45], vitamins [46], -carotene [47], caffeic acid [48], anthocyanin [49], and zinc [50] have gonadoprotective and spermatogenic properties. So presence of such divine medicinal groups of phytochemicals in I. batatas is landmark of its aphrodisiac and gonadoprotective ability. The present study describes aphrodisiac and sexual stimulant activities of I. batatas extracts and their gonadoprotective capacity against bisphenol A induced toxicity in Sprague Dawley male rats.
Qualitative phytochemical screening of IPT-EA, IPT-M, IPA-EA, and IPA-M extracts confirms the presence of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanin, saponins, coumarins, terpenoids, and triterpenoids. Presence of such divine phytoconstituents sanction I. batatas supreme antioxidant potential as these groups of compounds make plant capable as hydrogen donor, singlet oxygen quencher, and potent reducing agent [51].  the food plant. HPLC-DAD aided significant quantification of rutin, caffeic acid, catechin, gallic acid, apigenin, myricetin, and quercetin in extracts is additional indication for therapeutic knack of this food plant. Rutin, quercetin, and gallic acid are acknowledged and well alleged secondary metabolite of plants with admirable role in gonadoprotection and improving quality of sperm [52,53]. Similarly complementary antioxidant potential shown by plant extracts is due to these biologically proficient polyphenols. These polyphenols added considerable antioxidative capacities to I. batatas extracts to scavenge blends of oxidants.
To check the genoprotective abilities of I. batatas extracts DNA protection studies on pBR322 plasmid DNA were conducted. Hydroxyl radicals were generated by Fenton reaction to cause base alteration, deoxyribose fragmentation, and strand breakage of DNA. Polyphenols, tannins, and terpenoids in plant extracts scavenge the free radicals, decrease ROS stress, donate hydrogen to OH radical to convert it into water molecule, and irreversibly bind to the active sites of Fe +2 to make it inert, hence preventing Fenton reaction to complete. In the present study, the pBR322 DNA treated with Fenton reagent resulted in fragmented DNA. Marked DNA protection was observed for IPT-EA, IPT-M, IPA-EA, and IPA-M extracts, as much of the DNA content was intact and circular and moved downward in the gel. Our study is in agreement with the findings of Manikandan et al. [54] who reported protective effects of Azadirachta indica leaf fractions  [55]. In the present study, increase in mount frequency (MF) and intromission frequency (IF) following the administration of IPT-EA, IPT-M, IPA-EA, and IPA-M extracts was observed which indicates enhanced sexual vigor/libido and sustained penile erections in the rats with improved sexual potency. The substantial increase in EL complies that the extracts extended the duration of coitus, which is an indicator of increase in sexual motivation. Also decreased PEI was observed which indicates libido enhancement, improvement of erectile function, and the ability to perform enhanced copulation. As I. batatas is rich in polyphenols, vitamins, proteins, and iron, the blood circulation within reproductive organs resulting in persistent erections was enhanced. Similarly, polyphenols, terpenoids, tannins, anthocyanin, and zinc significantly enhance spermatogenic capacity. Enhanced copulatory performance in rats administered with extracts is confirmation that I. batatas is aphrodisiac in nature. On the other hand, rats administered with BPA showed decrease in the frequency of mounting and intromission and increased hesitation time of the male rats towards the receptive females clearly indicating gonadotoxicity in those rats which ultimately caused depressed sex drive. Chauhan et al. [56] reported that ethanol extract of seeds of Bryonia laciniosa Linn administered orally to groups of male albino rats at the dose levels of 50, 100, and 150 mg kg −1 body weight per day for 28 days significantly enhanced sexual vigor and copulatory performance.
Spermatic production can be quantified by measuring the testicular weight and size and weight of epididymis, as testes are mainly composed of seminiferous tubules and its high All the data are represented as Mean±SD (n=7), means with different superscript letters ( a-j ) in a column specify significant difference at P < 0.05. CAT, catalase, POD, peroxidase, SOD, superoxide dismutase, and GSH, glutathione.
volume indicates increased spermatogenesis. FSH and LH are called gonadotropins as they stimulate the gonads (testes) in males. Within testes, FSH binds with estrogen receptor in the Sertoli cells and LH binds to estrogen receptor in Leydig cells and increases production of testosterone and stimulates spermatogenesis. Testosterone maintains normal sexual desire, nocturnal penile tumescence, and nonerotic penile erections in most men [57,58]. Oral treatment of rats with polyphenol rich I. batatas extracts and sildenafil significantly increased size, weight, and relative weight of testes and epididymis in comparison to the control and vehicle group which clearly indicates the high spermatic production due to increase in length of seminiferous tubules and proliferation of germ cells. Similarly raised levels of serum FSH, LH, and testosterone and lowered estradiol level indicate enhanced spermatogenesis. BPA has good fat solubility and hence can easily cross blood brain barrier and effect brain-gonads-pituitary gland axis function, therefore, disturbing development of reproductive organs, testosterone excretion, and spermatogenesis [59]. Rats given BPA showed expressive decrease in size, weight, and relative weight of testes and epididymis which clearly suggest high level of testicular toxicity. Similarly in BPA-intoxicated testes proliferation of Sertoli and Leydig cells causes destruction of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and inhibin which are necessary for the negative feedback of FSH, LH, and ultimately testosterone influencing production of gonadotropins and testosterones. Test groups with oral treatment of I. batatas along with intraperitoneal administration of BPA showed prominent recovery of testicular toxicity because polyphenols and terpenoids are good at reversing ROS induced gonadotoxicity. Also flavonoids, terpenoids, and trace elements especially zinc vitalize central nervous system ultimately improve sexual potency. High levels of gonadotropins and testosterones are validating the behavioral parameters being investigated. Comparable investigations have been conducted by Shah and Khan [39] on Jurinea dolomiaea extract in rat model.
BPA-induced testicular injuries are associated with depleted amount of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and raised nitrite production. Endogenous antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, POD, and GSH) provide a first line of defense inside the body against ROS. As ROS concentration rises inside the body, expression of these enzymes is increased to cope with the stressed situation. No significant change in CAT, SOD, and POD has been calculated in groups treated with I. batatas (300 and 150 mg/kg) and sildenafil (10 mg/kg) in comparison to the control and vehicle. Because polyphenol rich I. batatas provided a strong defense against blends of free radicals and mitigated the oxidative stress, raised nitrite levels in BPA-intoxicated rats are the indication of injuries to the vascular endothelium or the activation of neutrophils in damaged testicular tissue which caused synthesis of NO. Similarly levels of GSH are found raised in test groups as glutathione is present in high amounts on the surface of the sperm and increased sperm motility [60,61]. Hence increased spermatogenesis might be the reason of elevated expression of GSH. Increased levels of GSH and low NO concentration are validating the high percentage of sperm motility and viability in test groups while vice versa for BPA group. Previously extract of Pistacia chinensis have been reported to have similar aptitude and raised the GSH level in testes [7].
Male reproductive system comprises a composite arrangement of Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and epididymal and germ cells in which each one is substantial member of spermatogenesis and critical for male fertility. Continuous exposure of genetic material to endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) like BPA causes raised oxidative stress, hypomethylation, mutations, testicular disruption, and strand breakage of sperm DNA resulting immature or demorphed spermatozoa [62]. To check BPA-induced toxicity in testicular morphology and genome and genoprotective aptitude of I. batatas, testicular histology and comet assay have been conducted. Cross section of seminiferous tubules has shown marked toxicological effects of test groups treated with BPA showing destructed Leydig cells, desorbed seminiferous tubules, and profuse round spermatids while I. batatas showed significant protection (Figure 9). Similarly large amount of genetic content in comet tail ( Figure 8) is indication of DNA fragmentation induced by BPA while comet tail was much smaller proving DNA protective aptitude of the extracts. As generation of ROS is considered to be involved in the oxidative DNA damage, polyphenol rich I. batatas extracts provide solid defense line by decreasing the ROS level and DNA fragmentation and increasing the cell viability. The nontoxic nature of plant sanctioned its safety and suitability as alternative aphrodisiac source with satisfactory outcomes. Kazmi et al. [63] have conducted similar type of genoprotective study on Q. dilatata.

Conclusion
Complete scheme of behavioral and in vivo studies in rat model declared that I. batatas (IPT-EA, IPT-M, IPA-EA, and IPA-M) extracts are capable of coping with infertility problems and BPA-induced gonadotoxicity. Significant stimulation in sexual behavior, elevated spermatic production, raised viability, optimal gonadal hormones production, maintained endogenous enzymes, genoprotection, and reformed testicular histology endorsed plant as a better aphrodisiac alternative with significant phytochemical and antioxidant profile. Still mechanism based studies on molecular levels are needed for optimal verification.

Data Availability
The data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Ethical Approval
We further confirm that any aspect of the work covered in this manuscript that involved experimental animals has been conducted by strictly following the guidelines as approved by the ethical committee of Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan (Letter no. QAU-PHM-017/2016 for the animal care and Letter no. QAU-PHM-023/2016 for experimentation, dated 24/10/2016) for this study.

Consent
We confirm that we have given due consideration to the protection of intellectual property associated with this work and that there are no impediments to publication, including the timing of publication, with respect to intellectual property. In so doing we confirm that we have followed the regulations of our institutions concerning intellectual property.

Conflicts of Interest
We wish to confirm that there are no known conflicts of interest associated with this publication and there has been no significant financial support for this work that could have influenced its outcome.