In vivo evaluation of hot water extract of Acorus gramineus root against benign prostatic hyperplasia

BACKGROUND Acorus gramineus has been reported to exhibit various pharmacological effects including inhibition of cholesterol synthesis, enhancement of lipid metabolism, prevention of dementia and inhibition of mast cell growth. According to the Chinese compendium of materia media, it has been reported that Acorus spp. is effective for sedation, dementia prevention as well as diuretic effect. In addition, it showed more than equivalent activity compared to furosoemide, a drug known to be effective in diuretic action in animal model study. However, their effectiveness against benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) of Acorus gramineus has not been reported. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of Acorus gramineus root hot water extract (AG) against BPH in vivo. METHODS Male rats, 10 weeks of age and weighing 405 g ± 10 g, were used for this study. Biomarkers were evaluated including prostate weight, prostate weight ratio, hormonal changes, 5-α reductase type II androgen receptor (AR) of the prostate gland and anti-oxidant activation factors related to BPH. These biomarkers were measured in vivo test. RESULTS AG showed significant effect at the 250 and 500 mg/kg/day in rats. Groups treated with AG displayed significantly lower levels of prostate gland weight (0.79 g) compared to the BPH induced group (1.19 g). Also, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) level was decreased from 61.8 to 100% and androgen receptor expression level was decreased from 111 to 658%. Any hematological toxicity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level wasn't observed. CONCLUSION This study indicated that AG was effective for reducing BPH symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION Not applicable.