Benzyl Benzoate Isolation from Acridocarpus smeathmannii (DC.) Guill. & Perr Roots and Its Bioactivity on Human Prostate Smooth Muscle Contractions

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> This study is the first report on isolating a natural benzyl benzoate (nBB) from <i>Acridocarpus smeathmannii</i> (DC.) Guill. & Perr roots. <b>Methods</b>: The structure was verified using GC-MS, HPLC-UV-VIS, and two-dimensional NMR. Since it is known for its vasodilatory and anti-spasmolytic actions, we investigated the biological effects of nBB on human prostate smooth tissue (rPx) obtained from a radical prostatectomy. For this purpose, rPx was incubated with nBB (0.05, 0.25, or 0.5 µM) in an organ bath, and then cumulative concentration-response curves were constructed for adrenergic agonists and electrical field stimulation (EFS). <b>Results</b>: Adding the various concentrations, nBB showed potential inhibition during agonist-induced contractions (0.1-100 µM). Also, neurogenic contractions of rPx by EFS (2-32 Hz) were reduced by up to 57%. <b>Conclusions</b>: Overall, this study reports on an efficient protocol of nBB isolation from <i>A. smeathmannii</i> and its contractility effects on human prostate smooth muscle. Potentially, this could contribute to the natural production of BB from <i>A. smeathmannii</i> species while giving it evolutionary recognition. However, since BB influences prostate smooth muscle contractility, caution in patients taking herbal supplements containing nBB is essential, as this may play a role in contributing to the symptoms of urinary tract conditions.