The Effects of Ethanolic Extracts of Polyalthia longifolia Seeds on Experimentally Induced Benign Prostatic Enlargement in Adult Male Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition among older men, often accompanied by lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction that impair quality of life. Although surgical and pharmaceutical options exist, limited research has explored alternative therapies such as Polyalthia longifolia. This study investigated the effects of ethanolic seed extracts of P. longifolia on experimentally induced prostate enlargement in adult male Wistar rats. Twenty mature rats were acclimatised for two weeks and then divided into four groups. BPH was induced in groups 1–3 using subcutaneous testosterone (2.5 mg/kg bw) and ethinylestradiol (0.5 mg/kg bw) on alternate days for two weeks. By week three, treatment was commenced: Group 1 - high dose received 2.5 ml/kg bw of P. longifolia ethanolic extract (PLEE), Group 2 -low dose 1.25 ml/kg bw PLEE, Group 3- treated control, and Group 4- normal control received distilled water. After two weeks of treatment, prostate and testis tissues were excised for histology, and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Hormonal induction significantly increased prostate and seminal vesicle weight while reducing testicular weight and sperm count (p ? 0.05). Treatment with P. longifolia extract reduced prostate epithelial and acinar structures in a dose-dependent manner. Histological analysis revealed widening of prostatic acini, reduced epithelial thickness, and improved concretions. Additionally, extract administration modulated lipid profiles and increased serum protein levels. In conclusion, ethanolic extracts of P. longifolia seeds demonstrated therapeutic potential against BPH, alleviating prostate enlargement and histopathological changes in a dose-dependent fashion, warranting further clinical investigation.
Key Words: Polyalthia longifolia seed, induced BPH, sperm count, lipid profile