Effect of Citrullus Colocynthis Schrad on Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

The study from 2009 examined the effects of Citrullus colocynthis Schrad fruit extract and a steroidal compound isolated from it on testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Wistar rats. The rats were treated with 100 mg/kg of the extract or with doses of 1, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg of the isolated steroidal fraction, with Finasteride as a control. Results indicated that both the extract and the isolated compound significantly reduced prostate weights and altered prostate histo-architecture, suggesting less epithelial involution and reduced connective tissue. Additionally, both exhibited inhibition of 5-alpha reductase activity in vitro, with the isolated compound showing higher inhibitory potency than Finasteride. The study concluded that the extract and the isolated steroidal compound could be potential treatments for BPH and possibly other androgen-dependent conditions.