EFFICACY OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF OCIMUM GRATISSIMUM IN MODULATING PROSTATE SIZE, ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY, AND HISTOPATHOLOGY IN TESTOSTERONE INDUCED BENIGN PROSTATE HYPERPLASIA IN MALE ALBINO RATS

Background: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in aging men, caused by the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, frequently linked to oxidative stress and impaired prostate function. Aim: This study evaluates the effectiveness of methanol extract of Ocimum gratissimum in modulating pathological markers in testosterone-induced BPH in male wistar rats. Methods: A total of 36 rats were allocated into six experimental groups: normal control, BPH control (testosterone-induced), and four treatment groups receiving different doses of Ocimum gratissimum extract (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg) and a standard treatment (finasteride, 5 mg/kg). BPH was induced by administering subcutaneous testosterone propionate (3 mg/kg) for 14 days. Results: The results revealed that the extract significantly reduced prostate size and weight in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, Ocimum gratissimum extract demonstrated potent antioxidant effects by increasing catalase (CAT) activity and decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, markers of oxidative stress, In comparison to the BPH control group. The extract also improved serum lipid profiles, with significant reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction, while enhancing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and histopathological improvements, including reduced inflammation and hyperplasia. Conclusions: The findings support the therapeutic potential of Ocimum gratissimum in managing BPH by alleviating prostate enlargement, improving antioxidant defenses, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating lipid profiles. The results suggest that Ocimum gratissimum may offer a natural alternative or adjunct to conventional therapies for managing BPH and related complications. Further research is needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of action.                   Peer Review History: Received 11 December 2024;   Reviewed 6 January 2025; Accepted 14 February; Available online 15 March 2025 Academic Editor: Dr. Amany Mohamed Alboghdadly, Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, amanyalboghdadly@gmail.com