Evaluation of the Effect of Diazepam on Prostate of Animals Administered with Elaeis Guineensis

Abstract

The prostate gland is a hormonally regulated accessory reproductive organ whose structural integrity is essential for normal male reproductive function. Exposure to certain pharmacological agents may alter prostatic tissue through oxidative stress, vascular disruption, or endocrine imbalance. This study evaluated the effect of diazepam on the prostate of adult mice administered Elaeis guineensis. Sixteen adult mice weighing 25–40 g were acclimatised for two weeks and randomly assigned to four groups (n = 4). Group A served as the control and received water and feed only. Group B received E. guineensis, followed by diazepam (18.75 mg/mL) two hours later. Group C received diazepam, followed by E. guineensis two hours later, whereas Group D received diazepam only. The experiment lasted 28 days. At the end of the study period, prostate tissues were harvested under chloroform anaesthesia and fixed in 10% formalin for histological processing and haematoxylin–eosin staining. Microscopic examination showed that the control group maintained normal prostate architecture with well-distributed connective tissue. Group B exhibited generally preserved tissue architecture but showed stromal haemorrhage, suggesting partial protection by E. guineensis when administered before diazepam exposure. Group C showed near-normal histology with mildly distorted connective tissue distribution, indicating some recovery following post-treatment. In contrast, Group D demonstrated stromal haemorrhage despite relatively preserved connective tissue, indicating diazepam-induced vascular instability in prostatic tissue. The protective and ameliorative effects observed in the treated groups may be associated with the antioxidant constituents of E. guineensis, including tocotrienols, tocopherols, and carotenoids, which may reduce oxidative stress and support tissue repair. In conclusion, E. guineensis exhibited protective and restorative potential against diazepam-associated prostatic alterations, although the extent of protection may depend on the timing of administration.