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Effect of the Methanolic Extract of Trichosanthes cucumerina Seed (Snake Gourd/Tomatoe) on Experimentally Enlarged Prostate Gland in Adult Wistar Rats

Abstract

To determine the effect caused by the methanolic extract of Trichosanthes cucumerina seed on experimentally enlarged prostate gland in adult Wistar rats. We included 20 adult male Wistar rats, of 4 groups (Normal control NCTRL, Hormone treated control HTC, High dose of extract HDT/C, Low dose of extract LDT/C) with each group comprising of 5 animals each, with individual rats weighing between 150g-320g. The prostatic hyperplasia was achieved by the simultaneous induction of 400ng/ml of Estradiol and 1250ng/ml of Testosterone (with respect to the subject’s body weight), which were administered via the inguinal region for a period of 3 weeks (in alternate days). After the period of hormonal administration, two of the subjects from groups NC and HTC were sacrificed in other to appreciate the prostatic hyperplasia in the HTC group as compared with the NC. Furthermore, with the methanolic extract of the plant’s seed, the animals grouped in HD/TC and LDT/C was treated with respect to their body weight, for a period of 3 weeks. After which, the animals were sacrificed and the prostate glands excised for histological studies. All results were expressed as Mean ± Standard Deviation (S.D) for each group. All grouped data were statistically evaluated using SPSS 15.0 software. Hypothesis testing methods included the independent – samples t–test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The experimentally induced enlargement was able to be reversed back to normal due to the effect of the methanolic extracts of Trichosanthes cucumerina seed. The combined administration of Testosterone and Estradiol caused an enlargement in the prostate due to an increase in the prostatic acini, tubules and epithelium size however there was a reversal to the normal state with the number of the prostatic acini and tubules per unit area reduced after the dosage (high and low) administration of the extract

Akinyemi RA, Huthman IO, Adesanya OA, Akpan HB, and Adefule AK

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