Cucurbita pepo inhibits benign prostatic hyperplasia induced by testosterone in sprague-dawley rats. (c2011)

Abstract

The Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seeds are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study examines the effects of pumpkin seeds on dihydrotestosterone produced from testosterone that induces the hyperplasia of the prostate gland of male rats. Hyperplasia was induced by a subcutaneous injection of testosterone that was given in the form of Sutanon 3.568 mg/kg body weight. When the increase in the size of the prostate was achieved in 30 days, simultaneous oral administration of pumpkin seeds with rat chow was given at doses of 10% w/w, 20% w/w, 30% w/w, 60% w/w and 30% w/w + Xatral 1 mg/kg body weight. Animals were weighed before dissection and the influence of testosterone and pumpkin seed on the weight gain of the rats were observed. Rats were sacrificed at days 12, 24, and 36. The prostate was removed, and weighed immediately. Then prostate weight to body weight ratio were calculated. Blood samples were collected to examine the effects of pumpkin seeds on blood lipid profile and liver enzymes. Results show that pumpkin seeds affect some of the blood lipid test and have no significant effect on the amount of sGOT-AST enzyme and ALP, but there is an increase in the activity of sGPT-AST enzyme for the groups treated with 60% and 30% Xatral. There is no significant influence on the weight gain of rats treated with testosterone and pumpkin seeds. Whereas testosterone increases the weight of the prostate (p < 0.05), pumpkin seeds at 30% w/w inhibit hyperplasia and has no effect on the blood profile test. This result is confirmed by the histopathological studies that show that this group has the same appearance of the negative group. There is abundant stoma between glandular cells. In addition there is lack of papillary projections into the lumen of the glands. In conclusion, pumpkin seeds at 30% w/w can inhibit prostate hyperplasia induced by testosterone, and improve the histology of the prostate.