EVALUATION OF THE BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA ATTENUATION ACTIVITY OF THE CHLOROFORM FRACTION OF THE ETHANOL EXTRACT OF Cassia alata (Linnaeus) LEAVES IN RAT MODEL

ABSTRACT

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition affecting older men, characterized by the proliferation of prostatic cells which leads to bladder outlet obstruction and significant urinary dysfunction. This research evaluated the potential therapeutic effects of the chloroform fraction of Cassia alata leaf ethanol extract in modulating hormonal levels and prostate parameters in a BPH rat model. The chloroform fraction was obtained from dried leaves by extraction using ethanol and the fractionating the extract using chloroform. Thirty-six male albino rats were assigned to six groups of six animals each. These were; normal, negative and positive (finasteride) control groups. Also, the fraction treated groups received 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of the fraction respectively. All animals, except the normal control group were induced with BPH by daily subcutaneous trearment of  testorterone injection for 28 days, after which animals were sacrificed and serum obtained. The analysis of the serum focused on the changes in serum levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), oestrogen, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), as well as measurements of prostate weight and volume post-treatment. Results indicated that specific doses of the chloroform fraction significantly impacted hormone levels and prostate metrics, suggesting a potential therapeutic role in managing BPH symptoms. The findings advocate Cassia alata as a promising alternative or complementary therapeutic option for BPH treatment, warranting further studies to elucidate its biochemical mechanisms and verify its long-term efficacy and safety.