In Vitro Nitric Oxide Scavenging by Libido-Enhancing Homeopathic Remedies: A Comparative Study

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) is a key regulator of vascular tone and smooth muscle relaxation through activation of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway. Excessive NO, however, can contribute to oxidative stress via peroxynitrite formation. Homeopathic medicines traditionally associated with sexual health continue to be widely used; however, experimental studies examining their potential redox-related interactions with NO remain limited. This article aims to screen selected homeopathic medicines for in vitro NO-scavenging activity and discuss the findings using a standardized cell-free chemical assay. Eight homeopathic medicines, Yohimbinum Q, Ginseng quinquefolium Q, Damiana Q, Agnus castus Q, Ashwagandha Q, Nuphar luteum Q, Lycopodium clavatum 1M, and Caladium seguinum 6C, were analyzed using the sodium nitroprusside-based Griess assay. Sildenafil citrate served as a reference compound under identical assay conditions, while 60 and 91% ethanol acted as solvent controls. All tested medicines demonstrated measurable interaction with NO or NO-derived reactive species. Yohimbinum Q showed the strongest inhibition (13.1% NO release), comparable in magnitude in this chemical assay to sildenafil citrate (14.4%), while Ginseng quinquefolium Q (17.3%) and Lycopodium clavatum 1M (17.8%) showed moderate effects. Ethanol controls also showed significant scavenging (18.9–19.0% release), however, the activity of Yohimbinum Q remained statistically distinct from its corresponding solvent control. One-way analysis of variance revealed significant differences among test groups (F(11,372) = 86.41, p < 0.001). The findings indicate that selected homeopathic medicines possess distinct in vitro NO scavenging properties. These results should be interpreted as biochemical screening data and do not imply direct physiological modulation or therapeutic efficacy.