Effect of Aqueous Decoction Extract of Whole Plant of Leptadenia hastata (Pers.) Decne, on Testosterone Propionate-induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Castrated Wistar Rats

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is associated with enlargement of the prostate and may adversely affect quality of life. This study evaluated the effects of an aqueous decoction extract of the whole plant of Leptadenia hastata in a testosterone propionate-induced model of benign prostatic hyperplasia in castrated Wistar rats. Thirty rats were castrated and allocated to six groups of five animals. Five groups received testosterone propionate at 3 mg/kg body weight, while the blank control received distilled water. Testosterone-treated animals additionally received either no intervention, flutamide at 1 mg/kg body weight, or L. hastata extract at 100, 400, or 800 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Prostate and selected organ weights were determined, and malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were assessed in prostate homogenates. Testosterone propionate significantly increased the prostate index compared with the blank control. The 800 mg/kg extract significantly reduced the prostate index and decreased prostate malondialdehyde levels compared with the positive control. Treatment with the extract also modified superoxide dismutase and catalase levels. However, the higher extract doses were associated with increased relative liver weight, and changes in kidney weight were also observed. These findings indicate that the aqueous decoction extract of L. hastata influenced prostate enlargement and oxidative-stress parameters in this experimental model. Further studies incorporating histopathological, hormonal, and comprehensive toxicity assessments are required before its potential relevance to benign prostatic hyperplasia can be established.