EFFECT OF ETHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF VERNONIA AMYGDALINA ON SERUM LIPID PROFILE OF TESTOSTRONE PROPIONATE-INDUCED BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA IN WISTAR RATS
Abstract
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition affecting aging men, leading to urinary discomfort. This study investigated the potential therapeutic effects of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) on testosterone-induced BPH in Wistar rats. Twenty-one (21) rats induced with BPH were arbitrarily divided into three (3) sample groups (groups 2-3) consisting of seven (7) rats each, whereas seven rats (non-induced) constituted group one (1). Group one was given 14ml of vehicle (distilled water) . Group two: 3mg/kg body weight testosterone. Group three: 3mg/kg testosterone+ 150mg/kg V.Amygdalina. Group 4: 3mg/kg testosterone +5mg/70kg Finasteride. After the experiment, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, 5-α reductase activity, and lipid profile were assessed. The results obtained for serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in BPH group when compared with the normal control group, while treatment with Vernonia amygdalina significantly (p < 0.05) reduces PSA concentration when compared with BPH group. Serum 5-α reductase activity significantly (p < 0.05) increases in BPH group when compared to the normal control group. Treatment with Vernonia amygdalinasignificantly (p < 0.05) reduces this increase compared to the BPH group. Serum total cholesterol (TC) showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in BPH group when compared with the normal control group, while treatment with Vernonia amygdalina significantly (p < 0.05) reverses the increase compared to the normal control group. The serum total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), triglyceride (TG), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) of the BPH group show significant(p < 0.05) increases compared to normal control group, while treatment with Vernonia amygdalina recorded significant (p < 0.05) decreases in TC, HDL-c TG, VLDL-c, LDL-c compared to BPH group. The observed therapeutic effects of Vernonia amygdalina may be attributed to their phytochemical constituents, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, which have been reported to possess anti-proliferative, anti-androgenic, and hypolipidemic properties (Atawodi et al., 2014).The inhibition of 5-α reductase activity by Vernonia amygdalina may also contribute to its therapeutic effects, as 5-α reductase is involved in the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, a key factor in BPH pathogenesis. In conclusion this study demonstrates the potential therapeutic benefits of Vernonia amygdalina in managing BPH and associated lipid profile alterations.
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