Ursolic acid reduces prostate size and dihydrotestosterone level in a rat model of benign prostatic hyperplasia

In a study from 2012, researchers explored the effects of ursolic acid on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in a rat model. BPH, a condition involving the enlargement of the prostate gland, was induced in rats using daily subcutaneous injections of testosterone propionate for four weeks. Concurrently, ursolic acid was administered orally at a dose of 5 mg/kg. The results showed that rats treated with ursolic acid had significant reductions in prostate weight and levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in both serum and prostate tissue compared to rats with BPH that did not receive ursolic acid. Histopathological examination confirmed that ursolic acid suppressed prostatic hyperplasia. These findings suggest that ursolic acid has the potential to inhibit BPH development and could be considered as a treatment option.