Ameliorative effects of Tetrapleura tetraptera seed oil on hormonal dysregulation in a rat model of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a urological disorder driven by androgen imbalance along side other molecular mediators. The current medications come with slew of side effects making the disease  a global health burden. This study evaluated the effects of Tetrapleura tetraptera seed oil ((TtSO) on prostate index (PI), prostate specific antigens (PSA) and testicular hormones in  testosterone propionate (Tp)-induced BPH in male Wistar rats. Oil extraction and chemical analyses were done using standard biochemical methods. The study utilized 48 adult male albino rats randomly assigned into six groups (n=8). Group A received clean water and rat chow (normal control). Groups  B, C, D, E and F were administered  subcutaneous injection of  testosterone propionate (10 mg/Kg b.w) once daily for two weeks. Group B (negative control) received no further, while  C was administered 3 mg/Kg b.w of finasteride (standard control). The TtSO was administered to groups D, E and F at  doses of 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 mL/Kg b.w respectively by  intragastric gavage twice daily for 4 weeks.  Prostate index, PSA and testicular  hormones were estimated using standard laboratory  methods. Extraction yielded 26.36% oil. Injection of Tp increased prostate index (PI) of the animals significantly (P<0.05) above  the normal control. Howbeit, administration of the TtSO significantly (P<0.05) reduced the PI compared with the negative control. There was a significant (P<0.05) increase  in plasma PSA, FSH, LH and testosterone concentrations following testosterone propionate injection compared with the normal control. Conversely, administration of the oil resulted in a remarkable (P<0.05)  reversal of the hitherto increased concentrations of  PSA, FSH, LH and testosterone. From findings of the study, it can be concluded that seed oil from Tetrapleura tetraptera can reduce prostate index, PSA and testicular hormones concentrations validating  its potentials to ameliorate the molecular imbalances associated with  benign prostatic  hyperplasia.