Effect of Cuscuta reflexa Extract in Mitigating Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats: Targeting Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Background: Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a significant health issue in the aging male population. BPH prevalence is on the rise, due to an increase in modifiable metabolic risk factors. The development of BPH has been linked to inflammation, cell proliferation, and oxidative stress. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of Cuscuta reflexa (CR) on testosterone-induced BPH in male Wistar rats. Methods: For four weeks, the rats were given an injection of testosterone propionate (3 mg/kg/day) to cause BPH. During the study, they were also given either CR ethanolic extract (400 mg/kg/day) or finasteride (5 mg/kg/day) along with the testosterone injection. Results: There was a significant rise in the prostate index, a rise in the prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and changes in the tissue that are typical of BPH after testosterone administration. Moreover, testosterone prompted an increase in inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and an increase in nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and oxidative stress indicators (increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and decrease in glutathione (GSH)). However, intervention with CR extract effectively mitigated these changes, possibly via anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of CR extract as adjunctive therapies for BPH, offering an approach for targeting inflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, long-term studies are necessary to assess the safety and efficacy of Cr extract in managing BPH.