Ursolic Acid Reduces Prostate Size and Dihydrotestosterone Level in a Rat Model of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

January 2012 in “ Food and chemical toxicology ”

In–Sik Shin, Mee-Young Lee, Da-Young Jung, Chang‐Seob Seo, Hyekyung Ha, Hyeun‐Kyoo Shin

ursolic acid benign prostatic hyperplasia testosterone testosterone propionate dihydrotestosterone DHT prostatic hyperplasia BPH

Studysummary In a testosterone-induced BPH rat model, this study found that ursolic acid treatment significantly reduced prostate weight and hormone levels, suggesting it may inhibit BPH development.

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The study investigated the effects of ursolic acid on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) using a testosterone-induced BPH rat model. Over four weeks, rats received daily subcutaneous injections of testosterone propionate to induce BPH, and a subset was treated with 5 mg/kg of ursolic acid via oral gavage. Results showed that ursolic acid significantly reduced prostate weight and levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in both serum and prostate tissue compared to untreated BPH-induced rats. Histopathological examination confirmed that ursolic acid suppressed prostatic hyperplasia, suggesting its potential as an effective treatment for BPH.

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