Effect of Ethanol Extract of Abrus precatorious Seed on Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Aim: To assess the effects of Abrus precatorious seed extract on prostate weight and hormonal levels (dihydrotestosterone, testosterone and estrogen) of male Wistarrats. Study Design: The study was divided into six groups A, B, C, D, E and F. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan between February and March, 2016. Methodology: Thirty adult male rats were divided into six groups (n=5). Group A received water orally and groups C and D received 40 and 60 mg/kg of extract orally for 28 days respectively. Benign prostatic hyperplasia was induced in groups B, E and F via subcutaneous injection of 3 mg/kg of testosterone. Groups E and F received concurrently 40 and 60 mg/kg of extract orally for 28 days respectively. Hormonal levels, epididymis, testis and prostate weight were determined. Sperm analysis and histological analysis of the testis and prostate were conducted. Results: Relative prostate weight decreased (P= .05) in groups C (0.022 ± 0.0025) and D (0.016 ± 0.0029) when compared to group A (0.0730 ± 0.0058), and in groups E (0.080 ± 0.0084) and F (0.096 ± 0.0075) when compared to group B (0.14±0.0016). The serum estrogen level decreased in groups E (16.20 ± 0.80) and F (16.40 ± 0.51) as compared to group B (19.40 ± 1.33), and also in groups C (11.80 ± 0.66) and D (11.60 ± 0.51) when compared to group A (15.20± 0.58). Prostate dihydrotestosterone levels increased in groups C and D compared to group A, and in groups E and F compared to group B. There was severe cystic prostate hyperplasia in group B. Conclusion: Abrus precatorious seed has potential to reduce severity of testosterone-induced BPH.