Modulatory Effects of Aqueous Fruit Extract of Annona muricata on Testosterone Propionate Induced Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) in Orchiectomized Wistar Rats

Abstract

The urological condition benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) affects 50 years and older men with histological evidence present in 50% of this age group. The clinical knowledge about BPH remains incomplete despite its widespread occurrence. The therapeutic properties of Annona muricata (soursop) have been documented but researchers have not thoroughly studied its effects on BPH. This research examined how aqueous A. muricata fruit extract affects BPH in orchiectomized Wistar rats that received testosterone-propionate. The acute toxicity test evaluated extract safety through testing various doses from 10 mg/kg to 5000 mg/kg. The research involved 48 adult male rats who received six different treatments including normal control and positive control (testosterone propionate-induced) as well as finasteride-treated and three extract-treated groups at  100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg. The 42-day treatment period ended with euthanasia followed by tissue collection on day 43 for biochemical and gene expression analyses. A. muricata extract demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) MDA reduction while activating antioxidant enzymes SOD, GPx, and CAT in a dose-dependent pattern. The extract did not cause any major adverse effects on kidney or liver function. The 400 mg/kg extract dose produced major gene expression reductions of androgen receptor (AR) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). The research indicates A. muricata reduces BPH through antioxidant effects which decrease oxidative stress and inflammation. The research demonstrates that A. muricata fruit extract has therapeutic value as a natural BPH treatment modulator.