Hormonal Effect of Telfairia occidentalis Seed-Oil Based Ketogenic Diet on Testosterone Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Rats

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common non-cancerous prostate enlargement in older men, driven by hormonal imbalances. Although, conventional medicinal treatments are effective, they often cause adverse hormonal effects, prompting interest in safer nutritional options. This researched is aimed at assessing the hormonal effects of Telfairia occidentalis seed-oil based ketogenic diet on testosterone induced BPH rats. This study evaluated the hormonal impacts of a Telfairia occidentalis (pumpkin) seed-oil-based ketogenic diet (KD) on testosterone-induced BPH in rats. Thirty-five rats were divided into seven groups of five: negative control, BPH model, BPH + standard drug (Dutasteride), KD control, BPH + KD, BPH + KD + Dutasteride, and normal + KD + Dutasteride. BPH was induced by subcutaneous injection of 5mg/kg body weight testosterone propionate for 28days, followed by 21days of treatments. Blood was analyzed for biochemical and hormonal biomarkers. Results showed KD groups had significantly higher serum β-hydroxybutyrate (p < 0.05) than normal chow groups, confirming ketosis. BPH + KD + Dutasteride rats had lower PSA (3.29 ng/mL) than BPH + Dutasteride alone (3.47 ng/mL), though higher than non-BPH controls. Prostatic acid phosphatase rose in KD-fed rats. KD increased serum testosterone and lowered estradiol in BPH rats, reducing the estradiol-testosterone ratio (p < 0.05) versus untreated BPH. Despite elevated lipid profiles, KD lowered the LDL-HDL ratio compared to normal and BPH chow-fed rats. Rat weights dropped initially upon KD intake. These findings suggest that pumpkin seed-based KD modulates metabolic and hormonal profiles in BPH management, supporting it as a safe, accessible nutritional intervention for prostate health.