Phenolic Compound Contents, Anti-inflammatory Activities and Effect of Hydroethanolic Extract of Pericopsis laxiflora (Benth.) Roots on Prostate-Specific Antigen Content in Male Wistar Rats Induced with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Abstract

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common pathology in elderly men that causes urinary disorders. Objective: To determine the phenolic compound content of the hydroethanolic extract of Pericopsis laxiflora roots, to evaluate its anti-inflammatory activities and to study its effect on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration in male Wistar rats induced with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Methods: To achieve this objective, the methodology was based on an experimental study involving male Wistar rats weighing between 173 and 261 g and induced with BPH by an injection of 3 mg/kg bw of testosterone propionate. These animals were divided into four groups: a control group, a BPH-induced group, a group treated with P. laxiflora extract, and a group receiving Finasteride (reference molecule). The effect of the extract on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration was evaluated by ELISA assay after 28 days of treatment. In addition, a phytochemical screening was performed and the content of phenolic compounds was determined. Results: The results showed that the extract significantly reduced PSA content. Indeed, the dose of 200 mg/kg allowed to approach the PSA levels of the normal control group and the statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between the PSA levels of the batch treated with the extract and that treated with Finasteride. In addition, the phytochemical analysis allowed the identification of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides and saponins. However, the content of total phenolic compounds (98.15 ± 6.17 mg GAE/g) in the extract was significantly higher than that of flavonoids, which recorded 32.25 ± 1.54 mg QE/g of extract. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study highlights the therapeutic potential of Pericopsis laxiflora in the management of BPH, particularly through its effects on PSA reduction. These results suggest that this plant is a significant source of bioactive molecules for the development of less expensive and more natural alternative treatments.