Effect of Methanol Leaf Extract of Duranta erecta in Rats Induced with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Abstract

The prostate gland is one of the parts that make up the male reproductive system. It is located at the base of the urinary bladder where it aids in the production of fluid that is alkaline in nature. This fluid helps to protect the sperm. 1 When there is an overgrowth of the prostate gland; it results in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). 2 BPH is one of the most frequent diseases in ageing men. Benign prostatic hyperplasia manifests in 30-40% of men within the age of 40 years, and its prevalence increases linearly to 70-80% in men older than 80 years. 3 BPH disease is depicted by a noncontrollable and rapid increase of the prostate epithelial cells and stromal cells, which results in enlargement of the prostate size. 4 As prostate increases, it narrows the urethra, thus decreasing the rate of urine outflow. The retention of urine in the bladder could lead to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). 5 The disordered physiological processes associated with the disease are still unclear. However, several researchers have proposed that any of the following; oxidative stress, suppression of apoptosis and uncontrollable increase in cell proliferation play vital roles in the initiation and progression of BPH. 6