Effect of Ethanol Extract of Abrus precatorious Seed on Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Adult Male Wistar Rats
I. I. Bello *
Department of Animal Health and Production Technology, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Oyo State, Nigeria
O. T. Kunle-Alabi
Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
T. F. Abraham
Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Y. Raji
Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
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.
Keywords: Abrus precatorious, testosterone, estrogen, benign prostatic hyperplasia, male rats