Anti-androgenic and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract in Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Biochemical and GC-MS Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71637/toxicologydigest.vol5no1.52Keywords:
Prostate, Dihydrotestosterone, Prostate-specific antigen, 5-alpha reductase, Corchorus olitorius, PhytomedicineAbstract
Background:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an androgen-dependent disorder characterized by progressive prostate enlargement, inflammatory activation, and altered androgen metabolism. Although 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are effective, long-term therapy may be associated with adverse effects, prompting interest in plant-based alternatives.
Objective:
This study evaluated the effects of the methanol leaf extract of Corchorus olitorius on testosterone-induced BPH in adult male Wistar rats and identified its bioactive constituents using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Methods:
Twenty-five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Normal Control (NC), BPH-induced untreated (TP), Finasteride-treated (TPF), and extract-treated groups receiving C. olitorius leaf extract at 100 mg/kg (E100) and 400 mg/kg (E400). BPH was induced using testosterone propionate (5 mg/kg subcutaneously for 21 days). Serum testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), 5-alpha reductase, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The prostatic index was calculated. Statistical analysis employed ANOVA at p < 0.05.
Results:
Testosterone induction significantly increased prostate weight, prostatic index (178.5%), DHT, PSA, 5-alpha reductase, and IL-6, while reducing serum testosterone (p < 0.05). Treatment with C. olitorius extract significantly restored testosterone (1.21 ± 0.02 ng/mL at 400 mg/kg) and reduced DHT (48.38 ± 4.16 pg/mL), PSA (5.57 ± 0.20 pg/mL), 5-alpha reductase (0.24 ± 0.01 pg/mL), and IL-6 (197.99 ± 15.23 pg/mL). GC-MS analysis identified phytosterols, terpenoids, and unsaturated fatty acids, including β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, phytol, oleic acid, and linoleic acid.
Conclusions:
Corchorus olitorius leaf extract attenuates testosterone-induced BPH by modulating androgenic and inflammatory pathways and suggests potential as a complementary phytotherapeutic candidate.
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