Combined extracts of Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) and Xylopia aethiopica (Negro pepper) seeds inhibit testosterone propionate-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in Wistar rats

Abstract

Objective: Study aimed to determine the inhibition of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) in rats using combined extracts of Syzygium aromaticum and Xylopia aethiopica. Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups:(i) normal control (NC) received normal saline (0.5 mL); (ii) testosterone propionate (TP); (iii) and (iv)testosterone propionate + 200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt of the extract. Injection was performed subcutaneously, followed by daily oral administration of the extract for 30 days. Results: Prostate weight, testosterone, prostate specific antigen (PSA), and total protein levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the TP only compared with those in the NC and decreased in the treatment groups. Cholesterol, TAG, and LDL-chol increased in TP relative to TP-200 and TP-400. HDL increased non-significantly (p > 0.05) across the test groups compared to TP. MDA levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the TP compared with those in the test groups. Catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the TP group compared to those in the NC, TP-200, and TP-400 groups. Similarly, superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased inTP-400 compared to that in the TP and NC groups. Decreased PCV %, Hb, RBC and platelets, except WBC, were recorded in TP compared to TP-200 and TP-400. TP-200 and TP-400 presented relatively normal prostatic histomorphology compared with TP. Conclusion: The mechanisms of BPH inhibition involve the regulation of sex hormone levels and the amelioration of conditions caused by oxidative damage. Abbreviations: BPH: benign prostatic hyperplasia; CAT: catalase; DTH: dihydrotestosterone; GPx: glutathione peroxidase; HDL-Chol: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL-C: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; MDA: malondialdehyde; NC: normal control; PI: prostatic interstitium; PVC: packed cell volume; PSA: prostate specific antigen; SOD: superoxide dismutase; TP: testosterone propionate; TAG: triacylglycerol