Effects of different natural extracts in an experimental model of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

To characterize the impact of inflammatory process and oxidative stress in the degree of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition in which chronic inflammation plays a crucial role, we investigated the effect of different plant extract preparations in an in vivo model of BPH as new therapeutic target. BPH was made in rats with daily administration of testosterone propionate (3 mg/kg) for 14 days. Rats were randomized into different groups to receive oral administration of plant extract preparations: Serenoa repens with selenium (SeR 28.5 mg/kg associated with Se 0.005 mg/kg), Teoside (2 mg/kg), and Puryprost (14 mg/kg containing Teoside 50% 2 mg/kg and Epilobium 12 mg/kg). After 14 days, rats were killed and histological changes, prostate weight and apoptotic pathways were assayed. The results obtained demonstrated that the association of treatments reduced prostate weight and hyperplasia, while treatment with Puryprost demonstrated a greater trend of protection compared to the other treatments. Thus, our results indicate that plant extract could be considered as new useful therapy in the treatment of BPH with particular attention on Puryprost that represents a rational approach to reduce BPH through modulation of inflammatory process and anti-oxidant process.