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Significance of the Study
In this study, 28-day consecutive treatment of rats with testosterone caused a significant increase in prostate weight, prostate index, serum testosterone, and prostate-specific antigen, suggestive of an ameliorative effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Moreover, testosterone-induced disruption of prostate morphology as well as an increase in oxidative stress parameters were attenuated by M. oleifera. Hence, M. oleifera could be a potential phytotherapeutic agent in the treatment of BPH.
Introduction
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common urological disease in elderly men, affecting well over 42% of men in their 50s and more than 80% of octogenarians [1]. BPH is a chronic, slowly progressive disease which begins as a simple micronodular hyperplasia that evolves into macroscopic nodular enlargement [2]. It is the most common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms in men. It clinically manifests as urinary hesitancy or straining in initiating urination, causing deterioration in urinary function and quality of life. Several stimuli, including infectious agents, hormones, urinary reflux, metabolic syndrome, ageing process, and autoimmune response, have been described as triggers for the dysregulation of the prostatic immune system through different molecular pathways involving the development of inflammatory infiltrates [3]. Based on the pathophysiology, subsequent tissue damage and chronic tissue healing could result in the development of BPH nodules [2, 3].
The mainstay in the clinical management of BPH are α1-blockers and/or 5α-reductase inhibitors, but not without adverse effects. The majority of the populace in developing countries depend on herbal medicines for their health care needs [4]; hence, this could be a better alternative for the discovery of cheap and safer drugs for BPH. Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringaceae), also known as the “drumstick,” “horseradish,” or miracle tree, is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree cultivated across the lowland dry tropics worldwide for its nutritious leaves [5]. It is an affordable and readily available source of major essential nutrients and nutraceuticals. The different parts of the M. oleifera tree, including roots, bark, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds, are traditionally used in various therapeutic applications, including abdominal tumours, hysteria, scurvy, paralysis, helminthic bladder, prostate problems, sores, and skin infections [6]. Dried leaves of M. oleifera are a good source of polyphenol: total flavonoid concentration...