Trapa Bispinosa Roxb. Pericarp Extract Exerts 5α-Reductase Inhibitory Activity in Castrated Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Model Mice

The study explores the effects of Trapa bispinosa Roxb. pericarp extract (TBE) on 5α-reductase activity in a mouse model of castrated benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). TBE, rich in polyphenols, showed concentration-dependent inhibition of 5α-reductase, similar to finasteride, and effectively reduced prostate size and cell proliferation. The study involved 4-5 mice per group and demonstrated that TBE suppressed testosterone-induced prostate cell proliferation and reduced prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and TMPRSS2 expression. These findings suggest TBE's potential as a natural therapeutic agent for managing BPH and possibly androgenic alopecia, although further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and efficacy.