Cinnamomi Cortex (Cinnamomum verum) Suppresses Testosterone-induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Regulating 5α-reductase

Bushen Tongluo formula ameliorated testosterone propionate-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats

BACKGROUND

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease in older men worldwide. However, there is currently no effective treatment for BPH. Bushen Tongluo Formula (Kidney-supplementing and collaterals-unblocking formula [KCF]) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula commonly used to ameliorate the symptoms of BPH, although the specific molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

PURPOSE

We aimed to discover the effects and potential mechanisms of KCF against BPH.

METHODS

Sixty male SD rats were randomly assigned to one of six group (n = 10): control, low-dosage KCF, medium-dosage KCF, high-dosage KCF, BPH model, and finasteride. A rat model of BPH was established by surgical castration followed by subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate (TP) for 4 weeks. After treatment, the prostate index, histopathological staining, serum levels of estradiol (E2) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), protein/mRNA levels of E-cadherin, TGF-β1, caspase-3, Ki67, and vimentin, abundances of serum metabolites, and the proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis of BPH-1 cells were documented.

RESULTS

KCF treatment for 4 weeks reduced the prostate volume and prostate index, alleviated histopathological changes to the prostate of rats with TP-induced BPH, decreased serum levels of E2 and DHT, reduced protein/mRNA levels of TGF-β1 and vimentin, and increased E-cadherin levels. Moreover, KCF-spiked serum inhibited proliferation of BPH-1 cells, blocked the cell cycle, and promoted apoptosis. KCF was also found to regulate the contents of three metabolites (D-maltose, citric acid, and fumaric acid).

CONCLUSION

The present study was the first to report that KCF exhibited therapeutic effects against BPH by regulating energy metabolism and inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition in prostate tissues. Hence, KCF presents a viable treatment option for BPH.

Chemopreventive Effect of Cinnamon and Its Bioactive Compounds in a Rat Model of Premalignant Prostate Carcinogenesis

Cinnamon and its bioactive compounds inhibit prostate cancer cell proliferation in vitro. The aim of the current study was to assess the chemopreventive efficacy of cinnamon (CN) and its bioactive compounds in vivo using N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) and testosterone (T) to induce prostate carcinogenesis in male Wistar/National Institute of Nutrition rats. Cancer-induced (CI) rats (n = 10) developed prostatic hyperplasia and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. These histopathologic changes were diminished in CI rats fed for 4 months with diets supplemented with either CN (n = 20) or its bioactive compounds (cinnamaldehyde, n = 10 and procyanidin B2, n = 10). Androgen receptor (AR) expression was lower in the prostates of CI rats than in control, but the AR target gene, probasin, was robustly upregulated. Treatment of CI rats with CN or its bioactive compounds upregulated AR expression but inhibited the expression of the 5-alpha reductase genes (Srd5a1 and Srd5a2) and did not further increase probasin expression, suggesting blunted transcriptional activity of AR due to the limited availability of dihydrotestosterone. MNU+T induced an altered oxidant status in rat prostate, which was reflected by an increase in lipid peroxidation and DNA oxidation. These changes were completely or partially corrected by treatment with CN or the bioactive compounds. CN and its active components increased the activity of the apoptotic enzymes caspase-8 and caspase-3 in the prostates of CI rats. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that CN and its bioactive compounds have inhibitory effects on premalignant prostate lesions induced by MNU + T and, therefore, may be considered for the chemoprevention of prostate cancer.

PREVENTION RELEVANCE

The research work presented in this article demonstrates the chemopreventive efficacy of CN and its bioactive compounds in a rat model of premalignant prostate cancer.

Cinnamomum cassia and Rosa laevigata Mixture Improves Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats by Regulating Androgen Receptor Signaling and Apoptosis

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common condition in elderly men that is characterized by an increase in the size of the prostate gland. Cinnamomum cassia and Rosa laevigata have been reported to treat the symptoms associated with BPH. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of HT080, an herbal extract of C. cassia and R. laevigata, on a testosterone propionate (TP)-induced BPH rat model. The rats received a daily subcutaneous injection of TP (3 mg/kg) for 4 weeks to induce BPH. Rats were divided into four groups: group 1 (sham), group 2 (BPH, TP alone), group 3 (Fina, TP + finasteride 1 mg/kg/day), and group 4 (HT080, TP + HT080 200 mg/kg/day). At the end of the experiment, all rats were sacrificed, and their prostate glands were removed, weighed, and subjected to histopathological examination and western blot analyses. Serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels were determined. In addition, serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferase levels were measured to evaluate the toxicity in the liver. The Hershberger bioassay was also conducted to investigate the effects of HT080 on androgenic and antiandrogenic activities. In the BPH model, the prostate weight, prostate index, prostate epithelial thickness, and serum testosterone and DHT levels in the HT080 group were significantly reduced compared to the BPH group. Histological studies showed that HT080 reduced prostatic hyperplasia. The protein expression of androgen receptor from the HT080 group was significantly reduced in comparison with the BPH group (p < 0.05). HT080 also induced apoptosis by regulating Bcl-2 and Bax expression. In addition, HT080 showed no toxicity in the liver and did not exhibit androgenic and antiandrogenic activities. Our finding revealed that HT080 can be a potential candidate for the treatment of BPH by regulating androgen receptor signaling and apoptosis.

Sinomenine Hydrochloride Can Ameliorate Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Lowering the 5α-Reductase 2 Level and Regulating the Balance between the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Cells

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a chronic disease that affects the quality of life of older males. Sinomenine hydrochloride (SIN) is the major bioactive alkaloid isolated from the roots of the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Sinomenium acutum Rehderett Wilson. We wondered if the SIN administration exerted a regulatory effect on BPH and its potential mechanism of action. Mice with testosterone propionate-induced BPH subjected to bilateral orchiectomy were employed for in vivo experiments. A human BPH cell line (BPH-1) was employed for in vitro experiments. SIN administration inhibited the proliferation of BPH-1 cells (p < 0.05) by regulating the expression of androgen-related proteins (steroid 5-alpha reductase 2 (SRD5A2), androgen receptors, prostate-specific antigen), apoptosis-related proteins (B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax)) and proliferation-related proteins (proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), mammalian target of rapamycin, inducible nitric oxide synthase) in vitro. SIN administration decreased the prostate-gland weight coefficient (p < 0.05) and improved the histological status of mice suffering from BPH. The regulatory effects of SIN administration on SRD5A2, an apoptosis-related protein (Bcl-2), and proliferation-related proteins (PCNA, matrix metalloproteinase-2) were consistent with in vitro data. SIN exerted a therapeutic effect against BPH probably related to lowering the SRD5A2 level and regulating the balance between the proliferation and apoptosis of cells. Our results provide an important theoretical basis for the development of plant medicines for BPH therapy.

Ellagic acid improves benign prostate hyperplasia by regulating androgen signaling and STAT3

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is an age-related disease in men characterized by the growth of prostate cells and hyperproliferation of prostate tissue. This condition is closely related to chronic inflammation. In this study, we highlight the therapeutic efficacy of ellagic acid (EA) for BPH by focusing on the AR signaling axis and STAT3. To investigate the effect of EA on BPH, we used EA, a phytochemical abundant in fruits and vegetables, to treat testosterone propionate (TP)-induced BPH rats and RWPE-1 human prostate epithelial cells. The EA treatment reduced prostate weight, prostate epithelial thickness, and serum DHT levels in the TP-induced BPH rat model. In addition, EA improved testicular injury by increasing antioxidant enzymes in testis of the BPH rats. EA reduced the protein levels of AR, 5AR2, and PSA. It also induced apoptosis by regulating Bax, Bcl_xL, cytochrome c, caspase 9, and caspase 3 with increasing mitochondrial dynamics. Furthermore, EA reduced the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB, as well as phosphorylation of STAT3 and IκBα. These findings were also confirmed in TP-treated RWPE-1 cells. Overall, our data provide evidence of the role of EA in improving BPH through inhibition of AR and the STAT3 pathway.

Origanum majorana L. Extract Attenuated Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rat Model: Effect on Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Proliferation

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a widespread androgenic illness influencing elderly men. It is distinguished by prostatic epithelial and stromal muscle cell proliferation. Inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis have all been interrelated to the development of BPH. Marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) is a herb with reported antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and antioxidative properties, which have not yet been studied in relation to BPH. Consequently, in this work, an ethanolic extract of O. majorana was prepared in two doses (250 and 500 mg/kg/day) to be injected into castrated rats after induction of a testosterone-BPH model. Testosterone propionate (TP) was subcutaneously injected (0.5 mg/kg/day) for one week after castration to induce BPH. Forty adult Wistar male rats were randomly allocated into five groups: control, BPH model, high and low O. majorana doses (250, 500 mg/kg/day), and finasteride (FN) (0.8 mg/kg/day) as a positive control. Treatment was continued with drugs/normal saline for 28 days. Rat’s body and prostate were weighed, prostate index (PI) and % of prostate growth inhibition were calculated, serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT), prostatic content of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA), DN damage, histopathological changes, immune expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), caspase-3, α-SMA, and TGF-β1 were assessed. In addition, molecular quantitative PCR and ELISA analyses were performed to identify the expression of mRNAs and related proteins of both caspase-3 and TGF-β1 in prostate tissue from O. majorana-treated and untreated groups. Rats with BPH had significantly higher prostate weights and PI, higher DHT, DNA damage (8-hydroxyguanine, 8-OH-dG), and MDA levels with prominent PCNA, α-SMA, and TGF-β expression, but lower SOD, CAT, and TAC activity and caspase-3 expression. O. majorana (250 and 500 mg/kg/day)-treated groups revealed a decrease in prostate weights and PI, lower levels of DHT, suppressed oxidative stress, reduced tissue proliferation and fibrosis, and restored antioxidant and proapoptotic activity. Additionally, quantitative PCR and ELISA analysis showed that treatment with O. majorana significantly upregulated the expression of caspase-3 and downregulated the expression of TGF-β in prostate tissues of BPH rats. The data were confirmed by the immunohistological reactivity of these targeted markers in the prostate tissues. These effects were more significant with O. majorana 500 mg/mL/rat. In conclusion, the current study indicates the efficient use of O. majorana in the treatment of testosterone-induced BPH through its antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and antioxidative mechanisms.

Protective Role of 4-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-Butanone on Prostatic Cells Hyperplasia of Rats and Human, 5α-reductase Inhibition Pathway

BACKGROUND

Prostate gland is an exocrine gland that could be affected by various pathological conditions. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an age-dependent medical condition caused by increased activity of 5α-reductase enzyme (5α-R). Medical treatment by finasteride is considered during treatment, but it has unavoidable side effects. Hence, there is an increasing need to use natural ingredients for BPH treatment. Gingerol oil (ginger extract) is transferred by heating into zingerone. Recent studies reported the effect of zingerone on prostate cancer cells.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present research is to investigate the protective effect of zingerone against BPH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty male Albino Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control group, prostatic hyperplasia group treated with saline, and prostatic hyperplasia group treated with zingerone (PH-Z-G). At day 28, all rats were sacrificed, epididymis and prostate samples were collected for histopathological examination and Western blotting for androgen receptors (ARs) proteins and steroid 5 alpha-reductase 1 (SRD5A1). Human RWPE-1 prostatic cell line was assessed for viability and cycle after treated with zingerone 500 μg/day for 10 days.

RESULTS

PH-S group showed significant (P < 0.05) thickening of connective tissue septa associated with narrowing of acinar lumen. PH-Z group showed regain of the normal histological feature. SRD5A1 and AR expression was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in PH-Z group in comparison with PH-S group. Cell line proliferation was significantly reduced after application of zingerone with G2/M cell cycle arrest.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that natural herbal zingerone decreased the prostatic tissue levels of (5α reductase and AR) in rat BPH model, which could be a promising herbal medicine for BPH treatment. Further human clinical trials are required.

5-HT1A receptors mediate the analgesic effect of rosavin in a mouse model of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathic pain

Oxaliplatin, a third-generation platinum derivative, is the mainstay of current antineoplastic medications for advanced colorectal cancer therapy. However, peripheral neuropathic complications, especially cold allodynia, undermine the life-prolonging outcome of this anti-cancer agent. Rosavin, a phenylpropanoid derived originally from Rhodiola rosea, exhibits a wide range of therapeutic properties. The present study explored whether and how rosavin alleviates oxaliplatin-induced cold hypersensitivity in mice. In the acetone drop test, cold allodynia behavior was observed from days 3 to 5 after a single injection of oxaliplatin (6 mg/kg, i.p.). Cold allodynia was significantly attenuated following rosavin treatment (10 mg/kg, i.p.). Specific endogenous 5-HT depletion by three consecutive pretreatments with para-chlorophenylalanine (150 mg/kg/day, i.p.) abolished the analgesic action of rosavin; this effect was not observed following pretreatment with naloxone (opioid receptor antagonist, 10 mg/kg, i.p.). Furthermore, 5-HT_1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635 (0.16 mg/kg, i.p.), but not 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist MDL-72222 (1 mg/kg, i.p.), blocked rosavin-induced analgesia. These results suggest that rosavin may provide a novel approach to alleviate oxaliplatin-induced cold allodynia by recruiting the activity of 5-HT_1A receptors.

Psoralea corylifolia L. extract ameliorates benign prostatic hyperplasia by regulating prostate cell proliferation and apoptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Psoralea corylifolia L. seed (PCL), commonly known as "Poguzhi" or "BuguZhi", has been widely used to treat kidney yang deficiency in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) where tonifying the yang deficiency is a representative understanding for treatment of hormonal deficiency disorders such as enuresis, oliguria, and prostatic diseases. Although PCL has been commonly used to treat problems of the urinary system, its efficacy against benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has not yet been reported.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In the present study, we aimed to assess the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of PCL against BPH, a condition which negatively impacts quality of life in men.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Normal human prostate cell lines, RWPE-1 and WPMY-1 cells, were stimulated with 10 nM dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to establish an in vitro BPH model. Subsequently, cells were treated with 100 or 200 μg/ml PCL, which inhibited cell proliferation without cytotoxicity, to evaluate the anti-BPH effect of PCL. Eight-week-old male Wistar rats were castrated, except for those in the control group (Con), and BPH was induced by subcutaneous injection of 10 mg/kg testosterone propionate (TP). Concurrent with daily TP injections, 5 mg/kg of finasteride (Fina) and 50 or 100 mg/kg PCL were orally administrated daily for four weeks, excluding the weekends.

RESULTS

In DHT-stimulated RWPE-1 and WPMY-1 cells, expression of androgen receptor (AR) androgen signaling-related markers such as 5α-reductase 2 (5AR2), AR, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was upregulated, whereas 100 or 200 μg/ml of PCL treatment downregulated these markers. Furthermore, PCL significantly reduced the mRNA expression of anti-apoptotic genes and increased the mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic gene. In vivo, administration of PCL reduced prostate size and weight in TP-induced BPH rats. Moreover, histological alterations in epithelium thickness were significantly restored by the administration of PCL. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased expression of AR and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in TP-induced BPH prostates; these changes were suppressed by administration of 50 or 100 mg/kg PCL.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated the effect of PCL against BPH, mediated by the regulation of prostate cell proliferation and apoptosis, in DHT-stimulated normal human prostate cell lines and TP-induced BPH rats. These findings suggest that PCL could be a potential therapeutic agent against BPH.

Three-Dimensional Proteome-Wide Scale Screening for the 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride: Identification of a Novel Off-Target

Finasteride, a 5-alpha reductase (5α-R) inhibitor, is a widely used drug for treating androgen-dependent conditions. However, its use is associated with sexual, psychological, and physical complaints, suggesting that other mechanisms, in addition to 5α-R inhibition, may be involved. Here, a multidisciplinary approach has been used to identify potential finasteride off-target proteins. SPILLO-PBSS software suggests an additional inhibitory activity of finasteride on phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT), the limiting enzyme in formation of the stress hormone epinephrine. The interaction of finasteride with PNMT was supported by docking and molecular dynamics analysis and by in vitro assay, confirming the inhibitory nature of the binding. Finally, this inhibition was also confirmed in an in vivo rat model. Literature data indicate that PNMT activity perturbation may be correlated with sexual and psychological side effects. Therefore, results here obtained suggest that the binding of finasteride to PNMT might have a role in producing the side effects exerted by finasteride treatment.

Restorative effects of red onion (Allium cepa L.) juice on erectile function after-treatment with 5α-reductase inhibitor in rats

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most prevalent conditions among aged men. The use of 5α-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) to treat BPH was linked to erectile dysfunction (ED). Many medicinal plants and secondary metabolites are used in the management of ED. Onion (Allium cepa L.) is an economically affordable vegetable with vital phytochemicals and biological functions. The study aimed to identify the beneficial effects of onion juice on dutasteride (a 5-ARI)-induced ED. Rats were divided into two groups (n = 5 per group): control and dutasteride-treated rats (0.5 mg/kg/day). Dutasteride was administered in drinking water for 12 weeks. Experiments were performed at the end of the 12th week. In vivo erectile responses were measured before and after intracavernosal injection of onion. Relaxant responses to onion juice were examined in the corpus cavernosum (CC). Acetylcholine (ACh)-, electrical field stimulation (EFS)-, sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced relaxation responses in CC tissues were evaluated in the absence and presence of onion juice. Total intracavernosal pressure (ICP) and ICP/ mean arterial pressure were significantly reduced in dutasteride-treated rats (1881.14 ± 249.72 mmHg, P < 0.001;0.26 ± 0.03, P < 0.01) as compared to control rats (4542.60 ± 429.19 mmHg, 0.51 ± 0.05), which was normalized after the intracavernous administration of onion (3288.60 ± 185.45 mmHg, 0.58 ± 0.04). Onion markedly induced relaxant responses in control (72.5 ± 4.7) and dutasteride-treated (66.5 ± 2.7) groups after precontraction with phenylephrine. Relaxation responses to onion were partially inhibited after precontraction with KCl (32.5 ± 3.1, P < 0.001). The relaxant responses to ACh (14.9 ± 4.2, P < 0.01) were diminished in dutasteride-treated CC) compared to control CC (59.8 ± 3.4), which was enhanced after the incubation with onion (36.6 ± 4.8). There were no differences in relaxation response to SNP among all groups. However, relaxation response to SNP was reduced in dutasteride-treated CC at 1 μM (P < 0.05) and 10 μM dosages (P < 0.001), which was partially increased after the incubation with onion at 10 μM dosage (P < 0.01). The presence of onion did not change the reduction in EFS-caused relaxation in the dutasteride-treated group. The current data suggest that red onion juice has a restorative effect on erectile function and endothelium-dependent relaxation response following the treatment of dutasteride.

Cinnamaldehyde and Hyperthermia Co-Treatment Synergistically Induces ROS-Mediated Apoptosis in ACHN Renal Cell Carcinoma Cells

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents the most common form of kidney cancer, which accounts for 3-5% newly diagnosed cancer cases. Since limited therapies are available for RCC, a search for new options is required. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the combination effect of cinnamaldehyde (CNM) and hyperthermia treatment. CNM treatment combined with 43 °C hyperthermia synergistically increased cytotoxicity in RCC cell line ACHN cells. Through Western blot assays, we observed increased apoptosis signaling and decreased proliferation/metastasis signaling, along with a repressed heat shock protein 70 level. In flow cytometry analyses, CNM and hyperthermia combination clearly induced apoptosis and mitochondrial potential of ACHN cells, while arresting the cell cycle. Investigation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) suggested a significant increase of ROS generation by CNM and 43 °C hyperthermia co-treatment. We could verify that ROS is crucial in the apoptotic action of combination treatment with CNM and hyperthermia through further experiments regarding an ROS scavenger. Overall, we suggest CNM and hyperthermia combination treatment as an alternative option of anticancer strategies for RCC.

Effect of acetogenin fraction of Annona muricata leaves on antioxidant status and some indices of benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats

Objectives: This work investigated the effect of acetogenin-rich fraction of Annona muricata leaves (AFAL) on antioxidant status and some markers of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in rats.

Methods: BPH was experimentally induced in the rats by subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate (TP, 3 mg/kg) for 28 consecutive days. The rats were administered orally different doses of AFAL (100 and 200 mg/kg) for 7 days. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate weight, relative prostate weight, prostate protein content and oxidative stress indices of the rats were evaluated.

Results: It was observed that 200 mg/kg AFAL significantly reduced the PSA level, mean prostate weights and mean relative prostate weights of the test rats compared to the TP group, and the values were not significantly different from the normal control and group treated with a standard drug. The plant extract also significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the test rats which were evidently compromised in the group that received the exogenous hormone alone. Histopathology of the prostate showed a marked recovery for the test rats after treatment with AFAL.

Conclusion: Oral administration of acetogenin-rich fraction of Annona muricata leaves ameliorated TP-induced BPH in rats and significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the rats.

Combination Therapy with Cinnamaldehyde and Hyperthermia Induces Apoptosis of A549 Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Cells via Regulation of Reactive Oxygen Species and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Family

Lung cancer is the largest cause of cancer-induced deaths. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most frequently observed subtype of lung cancer. Although recent studies have provided many therapeutic options, there is still a need for effective and safe treatments. This paper reports the combined effects of cinnamaldehyde (CNM), a flavonoid from cinnamon, together with hyperthermia, a therapeutic option for cancer treatment, on the A549 NSCLC cell line. A hyperthermia treatment of 43 °C potentiated the cytotoxicity of CNM in A549 cells. This was attributed to an increase in the apoptosis markers and suppression of the survival/protective factors, as confirmed by Western blot assays. Flow cytometry supported this result because the apoptotic profile, cell health profile, and cell cycle profile were regulated by CNM and hyperthermia combination therapy. The changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and its downstream target pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), were evaluated. The CNM and hyperthermia combination increased the generation of ROS and MAPK phosphorylation. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a ROS inhibitor, abolished the apoptotic events caused by CNM and hyperthermia co-treatment, suggesting that the cytotoxic effect was dependent of ROS signaling. Therefore, we suggest CNM and hyperthermia combination as an effective therapeutic option for the NSCLC treatment.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of the genus Cinnamomum (Lauraceae): A review

Species of Cinnamomum exhibit excellent economic and medicinal value, and have found use in traditional medicine, are consumed as a spice, as well as being cultivated as landscape plants. Investigations into the pharmacological activities of the genus Cinnamomum revealed that it manifested a wide range of pharmacological properties including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, antitumor, anti-diabetic and anti-obesity, immunoregulation, insecticidal and acaricidal, cardiovascular protective, cytoprotective, as well as neuroprotective properties both in vivo and in vitro. In the past five years, approximately 306 chemical constituents have been separated and identified from the genus Cinnamomum, covering 111 terpenes, 44 phenylpropanoids, 51 lignans, 17 flavonoids, 53 aromatic compounds, 17 aliphatic compounds, four coumarins, two steroids. This article highlights the traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of the few studied taxa of Cinnamomum through searching for the pieces of literature both at home and abroad, which would provide a reference for the pharmaceutical research and clinical application of this genus.

Asteris Radix et Rhizoma suppresses testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats by regulating apoptosis and inflammation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Asteris Radix et Rhizoma (AR) refers to the roots and rhizomes of Aster tataricus L., which is widely distributed throughout East Asia. AR has been consumed as a traditional medicine in Korea, Japan and China for the treatment of urologic symptoms. To date, however, the therapeutic effect of AR on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has not been investigated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study evaluated the therapeutic effects of AR on a testosterone-induced BPH rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We induced BPH to rats by subcutaneous injections (s.c) of testosterone propionate (TP) daily for four weeks. Rats were also administered daily oral gavage of AR (150 mg/kg) or vehicle. After four weeks of induction, all animals were euthanized humanely and their prostate glands were removed, weighed and processed for further analysis, including histopathological examination, real-time PCR, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Administration of AR to TP-induced BPH rats considerably reduced prostate weight and concentrations of serum testosterone and prostate dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Epithelial thickness and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were markedly suppressed by AR-treatment in the rats. Furthermore, the expression of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) were reduced and expression of the Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) increased, resulting in significant reduction in Bcl-2/Bax ratio. In addition, AR decreased the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were reduced by AR treatment in a TP-induced BPH rat model.

CONCLUSIONS

AR alleviates BPH by promoting apoptosis and suppressing inflammation, indicating that AR may be used clinically to treat BPH accompanied by inflammation.

Oral exposure to low-dose bisphenol A induces hyperplasia of dorsolateral prostate and upregulates EGFR expression in adult Sprague-Dawley rats

Prostate is sensitive to endocrine hormone level, and the synergetic effect of estrogen and androgen is critical in prostate growth. The change of signal pathways caused by the imbalance of estrogen and androgen might function in the occurrence of prostate diseases. As a well-known endocrine disruptor compound, bisphenol A (BPA) can disturb the normal function of endocrine hormone and affect prostate development. This study aims to investigate effects of BPA on the dorsolateral prostate (DLP) and the related gene expression of the tissue in adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and to explore the mechanism for the effect of low-dose BPA on DLP hyperplasia. Three-month-old male SD rats were treated with BPA (10.0, 30.0, or 90.0 µg (kg.day)^-1, gavage) or vehicle (gavage) for 4 weeks. BPA significantly increased the DLP weight, the DLP organ coefficient, and the prostate epithelium height (p < 0.01) of rats dose-dependently. Microarray analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that BPA significantly upregulated the transcriptional levels of some genes, including pituitary tumor transforming gene 1, epidermal growth factor, Sh3kbp1, and Pcna. Furthermore, the expression of PCNA (p < 0.01), androgen receptor (p < 0.01), and EGF receptor (EGFR) (p < 0.001) in DLP was increased significantly by BPA treatment, and the expression of estrogen receptor alpha was also upregulated. The findings evidenced that low-dose BPA could induce DLP hyperplasia in adult rats, and the upregulated EGF/EGFR pathway that was responsive to estrogen and androgen might play an essential role in the DLP hyperplasia induced by low-dose BPA.

Oral exposure of sulpiride promotes the proliferation of Brown-Norway rat prostates

The aim of the present study was to establish an animal model of prostatic hyperplasia to explore the mechanisms of this disease. Sulpiride, a specific type 2 dopamine receptor antagonist, causes prostate toxicity by stimulating prolactin (PRL) production. Male Brown-Norway (BN) rats were treated intragastrically (i.g.) with sulpiride (40 and 120 mg/kg daily) and vehicle (i.g., daily) for 4 weeks. The results demonstrated that sulpiride-treatment resulted in increased prostate size, prostate lobe weight, epithelial height and acinar luminal area. Furthermore, prostate lobe weight, epithelial height and acinar luminal area of lateral lobes (LP) significantly increased. These effects were dose dependent. Sulpiride treatment increased serum PRL, follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone levels, while serum luteinizing hormone levels were reduced. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that proliferating cell nuclear antigen and B-cell lymphoma-2 were significantly increased in certain sulpiride treated groups. Furthermore, estrogen receptor (ER)-α and androgen receptors were upregulated, while ERβ was downregulated in LP. The expression of stromal cell biomarkers, including vimentin, fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin were significantly increased in LP following 40 mg/kg sulpiride administration. These results suggest that sulpiride causes LP hyperplasia in BN rats by promoting proliferation and inhibiting prostate cell apoptosis via ERα and AR signaling.

Metabolomic Analysis of Morus Cultivar Root Extracts and Their Ameliorative Effect on Testosterone-Induced Prostate Enlargement in Sprague-Dawley Rats

We investigated the metabolite changes of Morus roots (MRs) according to different cultivar families (Simheung, Daesim, Cheong-il, Sangchon, Daeseong, Suhong, Suwon, and Igsu) using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC–QTOF-MS) to understand the relationship between different cultivars and metabolite changes. Data were analyzed by partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and samples were successfully separated in PLS-DA scores. Eight metabolites in the electrospray ionization (ESI)-positive mode and 16 metabolites in the ESI-negative mode contributed to the separation in PLS-DA. Our data suggest that comparative analysis of MR metabolites according to different cultivars is useful to better understand the relationship between the different cultivars and metabolite changes. Furthermore, we analyzed the MRs for their ability to improve benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). LNCaP cells were used to evaluate the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) inhibitory activity of MRs, and, amongst them, the extract with the highest activity was selected. Igsu demonstrated the highest inhibition effect of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) expression among the MR cultivars. Igsu was also evaluated by administration in a testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia model in Sprague-Dawley rats. Igsu was shown to ameliorate BPH as evidenced by the prostate index, expression of androgen receptor (AR) signaling-related protein, growth factors, cell proliferation-related proteins, apoptosis-related proteins, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling proteins, and histological analysis. Hence, this study strongly suggests that Igsu may have a beneficial effect of on BPH.

Pao Pereira Extract Attenuates Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats by inhibiting 5α-Reductase

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common diseases in the urinary system of elderly men. Pao extract is an herbal preparation of the bark of the Amazon rainforest tree Pao Pereira (Geissospermum vellosii), which was reported to inhibit prostate cancer cell proliferation. Herein we investigated the therapeutic potential of Pao extract against BPH development in a testosterone-induced BPH rat model. The administration of testosterone induced the prostate enlargement, compared with the sham operated group with vehicle treatment. The BPH/Pao group showed reduced prostate weight comparable with BPH/finasteride group. Notably, Pao treatment did not significantly reduce body weights and sperm number of rats, compared with the control group. Furthermore, Pao extract treatment reduced the proliferative index in prostate glands and testosterone-induced expression levels of AR, as well as androgen-associated proteins such as SRD5A1 and PSA. Moreover, Pao extract and its active component, flavopereirine, induced cytotoxicity on human prostate epithelial RWPE-1 cells in a dose- and time- dependent manner with G2/M arrest. Consistently, Pao extract and flavopereirine suppressed the expression levels of SRD5A1, AR and PSA, respectively. Together, these data demonstrated that Pao extract suppresses testosterone-induced BPH development through inhibiting AR activity and expression, and suggested that Pao extract may be a promising and relative safe agent for BPH.

Efficacy and safety of HT080 for lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) are one of the most common conditions seen in middle-aged and elderly men and threaten their quality of life. Since conventional pharmacotherapy for LUTS/BPH can lead to sexual side effects, herbal therapies are widely used as complementary and alternative treatments worldwide. HT080 is an herbal extract of Cinnamomum cassia and Rosa Laevigata, both of which have been used to treat symptoms typically associated with BPH in traditional Asian medicine. The aims of this trial are to assess whether HT080 can alleviate LUTS/BPH in middle-aged and elderly men, and to investigate the safety of HT080.

METHODS/DESIGN

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, two-arm parallel group trial will be conducted in men with moderate LUTS/BPH. A total of 100 eligible men aged 40 to 75 years with an International Prostate Symptom Score of 8 to 19 will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio and receive either HT080 (500 mg) or placebo twice a day for 12 weeks. All participants will be evaluated for efficacy and safety at baseline and weeks 6 and 12. The primary endpoint is the change in International Prostate Symptom Score between baseline and week 12. The secondary efficacy variables are uroflowmetry parameters (maximal urinary flow rate and post-void residual volume), serum prostate-specific antigen, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone levels, the International Index of Erectile Function score, and participant-reported global response assessment scores. The safety assessments include adverse events, laboratory tests results, vital signs, and physical examination.

DISCUSSION

This is a first-in human trial designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of HT080 among middle-aged and elderly men with LUTS/BPH. This prospective study with a double-blind randomized design will provide high-quality evidence supporting the use of HT080 for LUTS/BPH.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Korean Clinical Research Information Service (KCT0004286) Registered September 6, 2019.

In Vivo Effects of Polymerized Anthocyanin from Grape Skin on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common chronic disease of the urinary system among elderly men. Especially, the metabolic imbalance of androgen in elderly men is one of the leading causes of BPH. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and converted testosterone by 5-α reductase type 2 (5AR2), binding with androgen receptor (AR), affect prostate proliferation and growth. In BPH, levels of androgen signaling-related protein expression are shown highly. Androgen signaling induces the overexpression of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and cell proliferation factor such as proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cyclin D1. Grape skin anthocyanins are well known for their antioxidative, anti-cancer, anti-diabetes, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-aging activities. Polymerized anthocyanin (PA) downregulated the expression of androgen signaling-related proteins such as 5AR2, AR, and PSA in LNCaP cell lines. Furthermore, we investigated the effects on PA in testosterone propionate-induced BPH rat experiments. The oral administration of PA decreased the prostate weight in rats with TP-induced BPH. PA decreased the AR, 5AR2, SRC1, PSA, PCNA, and cyclin D1 expression in prostate tissues and the serum DHT levels, ameliorated the BPH-mediated increase of Bcl-2 expression, and increased the Bax expression. These results suggest that PA may be a potential natural therapeutic agent for BPH treatment.

Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata, the Dried Root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx., Improves Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia via Suppressing 5-Alpha Reductase and Inducing Prostate Cell Apoptosis

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease in elderly men which can be characterized by an abnormal enlargement of the prostate associated with lower urinary symptoms. Current medications available for BPH treatment display several adverse effects; thus, the search for effective treatments with less side effects is still ongoing. In this study, we investigated the effect of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata (dried root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx.; AL), which is an herb used to treat extremely cold symptoms in traditional Korean medicine, on BPH using a testosterone propionate- (TP-) induced BPH rat model. Eight-week inguinal injection of TP induced BPH in rats, the prostate of which was displaying an abnormal proliferation. The pathological proliferation of the prostate was ameliorated by AL treatment of 4 weeks. Pathohistological changes in the prostate including epithelial thickness and lumen area were restored in AL-treated rats. Furthermore, 5α-reductase (5AR) and androgen receptor (AR), the two main factors in the pathogenesis of BPH, were decreased. In addition, the ratio of BAX and Bcl-2, an indicator of apoptosis, was increased by AL as well. Similar results were observed in AL-treated LNCaP prostate cancer cells. AL treatment suppressed the expression of the 5AR-AR axis and increased the ratio of BAX and Bcl-2. Apoptosis in the testis is considered a crucial side effect of finasteride, a 5AR inhibitor used to treat BPH. Our results showed that AL treatment did not display such effects, while finasteride treatment resulted in loss of spermatogenic cells within the prostate. Overall, these results suggest AL as a potentially safe nature-derived therapeutic agent for BPH treatment.

Berberine Improves Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia via Suppression of 5 Alpha Reductase and Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase in Vivo and in Vitro

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease in elderly men, characterized by proliferated prostate and urinary tract symptoms. The hormonal cascade starting by the action of 5-alpha-reductase (5AR) is known to be one of the pathways responsible for the pathogenesis of BPH. Present investigation evaluated the capacity of berberine (BBR), a nature-derived compound abundant in Coptis japonica, in testosterone-induced BPH rats. Experimental BPH was induced by inguinal injection with testosterone propionate (TP) for 4 weeks. BBR or finasteride, a 5AR inhibitor as positive control, was treated for 4 weeks during BPH. BPH induced by TP evoked weight gaining and histological changes of prostate and BBR treatment improved all the detrimental effects not only weight reduction and histological changes but also suppression of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which is elevated during BPH. Additionally, BBR suppressed TP-associated increase of 5AR, androgen receptor (AR) and steroid coactivator-1 (SRC-1), the key factors in the pathogenesis of BPH. To evaluate the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for beneficial effects of BBR, we investigated whether these effects were associated with the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. BPH induced by TP showed increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), whereas this was suppressed by BBR treatment. On the other hand, c-jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase was not changed in BPH rats. In in vitro study using RWPE-1 cells, a human prostate epithelial cell line. TP increased cell proliferation and BPH-related key factors such as PSA, AR, and 5AR in RWPE-1 cells, and those factors were significantly decreased in the presence of BBR. Furthermore, these proliferative effects in RWPE-1cells were attenuated by treatment with U0126, an ERK inhibitor, confirming BBR can relieve overgrowth of prostate via ERK-dependent signaling. The cotreatment of U0126 and BBR did not affect the change of 5AR nor proliferation compared with U0126 alone, suggesting that the effect of BBR was dependent on the action of ERK. In conclusion, this study shows that BBR can be used as a therapeutic agent for BPH by controlling hyperplasia of prostate through suppression of ERK mechanism.

Chrysophanic acid reduces testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats by suppressing 5α-reductase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common chronic diseases in male population, of which incidence increases gradually with age. In this study, we investigated the effect of chrysophanic acid (CA) on BPH. BPH was induced by a 4-week injection of testosterone propionate (TP). Four weeks of further injection with vehicle, TP, TP + CA, TP + finasteride was carried on. In the CA treatment group, the prostate weight was reduced and the TP-induced histological changes were restored as the normal control group. CA treatment suppressed the TP-elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) expression. In addition, 5α-reductase, a crucial factor in BPH development, was suppressed to the normal level close to the control group by CA treatment. The elevated expressions of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor α and steroid receptor coactivator 1 by TP administration were also inhibited in the CA group when compared to the TP-induced BPH group. Then we evaluated the changes in three major factors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase chain during prostatic hyperplasia; extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38). While ERK was elevated in the process of BPH, JNK and p38 was not changed. This up-regulated ERK was also reduced as normal by CA treatment. Further in vitro studies with RWPE-1 cells confirmed TP-induced proliferation and elevated AR, PSA and p-ERK were all reduced by CA treatment. Overall, these results suggest a potential pharmaceutical feature of CA in the treatment of BPH.

Vanillic acid attenuates testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats and inhibits proliferation of prostatic epithelial cells

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease in the male population, especially in elderly men. Vanillic acid (VA), a dihydroxybenzoic derivative used as a flavoring agent, is reported to have an anti-inflammatory effect. However, there are no reports of its effects on BPH to date. BPH was induced with a pre-4-week treatment of daily subcutaneous injections of testosterone propionate (TP), and the normal control group received injections of ethanol with corn oil instead. Six weeks of further injections were done with (a) ethanol with corn oil, (b) TP only, (c) TP + finasteride, and (d) TP + VA. Finasteride was used as a positive control group. VA had protective effects on the TP-induced BPH. In the VA treatment group, the prostate weight was reduced, and the histological changes including the epithelial thickness and lumen area were restored like in the normal control group. Furthermore, in the VA treatment group, two proliferation related factors, high molecular weight cytokeratin 34βE12 and α smooth muscle actin, were significantly down-regulated compared to the TP-induced BPH group. The expressions of dihydrotestosterone and 5α-reductase, the most crucial factors in BPH development, were suppressed by VA treatment. Expressions of the androgen receptor, estrogen receptor α and steroid receptor coactivator 1 were also significantly inhibited by VA compared to the TP-induced BPH group. In addition, we established an in vitro model for BPH by treating a normal human prostatic epithelial cell line RWPE-1 with TP. VA successfully inhibited proliferation and BPH-related factors in a concentration-dependent manner in this newly established model. These results suggest a new and potential pharmaceutical therapy of VA in the treatment of BPH.

Stereological comparison of intraprostatic injection of alcohol and bleomycin with finasteride gavages in rats

INTRODUCTION

Resection of the prostate is one of the standard surgical treatments for symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). To evaluate minimally invasive treatments, intraprostatic injections of ethanol and bleomycin were compared with oral finasteride administration in rats with BPH.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The rats were divided into six groups. The control rats received no BPH/no treatment. BPH was induced using injections of testosterone (2 mg/day/rat for 4 weeks) in groups II-VI. After 4 weeks, Group II received no treatment while Group III received oral finasteride (10 mg/kg/day). Moreover, Groups IV-VI received a single injection of ethanol (95%), bleomycin (5 mg/kg) and normal saline 25 mm³ in each ventral lobe of the prostate respectively. Two weeks after the injections, the ventral lobes underwent a quantitative stereological study.

RESULTS

The volume of the ventral lobes, glandular epithelium, fibromuscular tissue and microvessles increased by 1.7, 3.1, 2.4 and 1.6 times in BPH rats respectively (P <0.01). Alcohol or bleomycin injection in PBH rats induced drastic recession of the increased volume of the ventral lobe, glandular epithelium and fibromuscular tissue (P <0.01). Regarding the BPH+alcohol group, the glandular epithelium volume restored to the normal values of the control rats (P <0.01). BPH+finasteride also incited an atrophic change in the volume of the whole prostate and glandular epithelium, but not the fibromuscular tissue and microvessels (P <0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Injection of alcohol and bleomycin (approximately 10% of the volume of ventral prostatic) as well as consuming finasteride can induce a reduction of 1/3, 1/4 and 1/5 in the hypertrophied gland respectively.