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

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: 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.

MATERIAL: BPH was made in rats with daily administration of testosterone propionate (3 mg/kg) for 14 days.

TREATMENT: 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).

METHODS: After 14 days, rats were killed and histological changes, prostate weight and apoptotic pathways were assayed.

RESULTS: 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.

CONCLUSION: 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.