Effects of Lespedeza Cuneata Aqueous Extract on Testosterone-Induced Prostatic Hyperplasia

The study investigated the effects of Lespedeza cuneata aqueous extract (LCW) on testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia (TPH) in rats and BPH-1 cells. LCW significantly reduced prostate weight, serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, and 5α-reductase expression. It also inhibited inflammatory cytokines and reduced mRNA expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). In BPH-1 cells, LCW decreased androgen receptor (AR) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. These findings suggested that LCW could be a potential therapeutic agent for treating prostatic hyperplasia, comparable to finasteride, and could be considered as a functional food supplement. Further research was needed to identify the active compounds and molecular mechanisms responsible for its efficacy.