ELUSINE CORACANA LEAF EXTRACT MITIGATES DYSLIPIDEMIA AND MODULATES INFLAMMATION BIOMARKERS IN TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE - INDUCED BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA IN RATS

Chioma Adaeze Duru; Obinna Ajah; Ikenna Elvis Nnaoma; Rich C Joseph

doi:10.22270/ujpr.v11i2.1535

Chioma Adaeze Duru Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Health and Related Technology, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Obinna Ajah Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
Ikenna Elvis Nnaoma Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Health and Related Technology, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Rich C Joseph Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Health and Related Technology, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

10.22270/ujpr.v11i2.1535

Keywords:

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, Eleusine coracana, inflammatory cytokines, lipid profile, phytotherapeutics

Abstract

Background: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is an age-related condition characterized by prostate enlargement, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and persistent inflammation. Although conventional treatments such as α1-adrenergic blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride) can relieve symptoms, their use is frequently associated with undesirable side effects. This study evaluated the effect of ethanol extract of Eleusine coracana leaves on serum lipid profile and inflammatory cytokines in a testosterone propionate (TP)-induced BPH rat model.

Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to six groups: normal control, TP-induced BPH control, finasteride-treated group, and three groups treated with E. coracana extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Serum lipid parameters (triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) were assessed, together with prostatic levels of IL-6 and TNF-α.

Results: The results revealed that TP-induced BPH caused significant dyslipidemia (increased TG, TC, LDL, and decreased HDL) and elevated systemic and prostatic cytokines compared to controls. Treatment with E. coracana extract significantly improved lipid profiles and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in a dose-dependent manner, with effects comparable to finasteride. Notably, the 400 mg/kg extract normalized HDL and prostatic IL-6 levels, indicating strong anti-inflammatory and lipid-modulating activity.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that E. coracana leaf extract may serve as a promising adjunct or alternative therapy for BPH, particularly in patients with concurrent metabolic risk factors.