Effects of Lindera aggregata Linderae Radix on Testosterone Propionate-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats

Linderae Radix, the root of Lindera aggregata, has shown beneficial effects on bladder function in experimental studies, but whether it can attenuate benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) remains unknown. This study evaluated an ethanol extract of L. aggregata roots (LAE) in a testosterone propionate (TP)-induced rat model of prostatic hyperplasia. Castrated male Sprague–Dawley rats received TP (3 mg/kg/day, subcutaneously) and LAE (200 mg/kg/day) or finasteride (1 mg/kg/day) orally for 14 days. LAE significantly reduced total and ventral prostate weights and indices, together with ventral prostate histological scores and epithelial thickness. The serum dihydrotestosterone/testosterone ratio was significantly lower in the LAE group than in the control group. In the ventral prostate, aromatase protein expression was significantly reduced by LAE treatment. Significant changes in apoptosis-related proteins included increased Bax and cleaved caspase-3 levels, decreased procaspase-9 levels, and higher cleaved/procaspase ratios of both caspases. These findings demonstrate that LAE attenuated TP-induced prostatic hyperplasia in rats. The accompanying hormonal and protein expression changes provide a basis for further mechanistic investigation. Further evaluation of LAE as a potential therapeutic option for BPH is warranted.