Comparison of Different Doses of Petroleum Ether Extracts of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn Against Dutasteride on Testosterone and PSA in Murine Model of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Abstract

Introduction: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common health problem of male elderly population resulting in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), characterized by frequency, urgency, hesitancy, nocturia, dysuria and incomplete voiding.

Aims & Objectives: To compare the different doses of petroleum ether extracts of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn (SiP) against Dutasteride, on hormonal parameters (serum testosterone and PSA) in testosterone induced BPH in albino mice.

Place and Duration of study: This experimental study was conducted at the Animal House of PGMI, Lahore for 6 months.

Material & Methods: Thirty-six healthy adult male mice, divided into 6 groups, were administered testosterone, different doses of petroleum ether extract SiL extracts (SIP) and dutasteride. Animals in group 1, taken as control, were given 0.1ml corn oil daily subcutaneously for 28 days. The animals in the remaining 5 groups (# 2-6) were given 3 mg/kg body weight testosterone dissolved in corn oil subcutaneously for 28 days, to induce BPH. The animals in group 3 were given 20 mg/kg/day Dutasteride orally for 28 days. Animals in groups 4-6 were given 25,50mg and 75mg/ kg body weight petroleum ether extract (SIP) orally for 28 days. Blood samples were drawn on day 0, 14 and 28 for the estimation of serum testosterone and serum PSA, by ELISA technique. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 20.0. Comparison (between groups at baseline, day14 and day 28)was done by using one-way ANOVA and Post Hoc Tukey’s test

Results: Decrease in PSA level and increase in serum testosterone supports the alpha reductase inhibiting activity of SiP, in a dose dependent manner, in testosterone induced BPH. SI petroleum ether extract 75mg/kg exhibited efficacy similar to that of dutasteride.

Conclusion: Sphaeranthus indicus Linn (SiP) has shown efficacy equal to that of dutasteride in attenuating the testosterone induced BPH, in albino mice.