Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology 2345-5004 13 2 2024 04 01 Therapeutic effect of aqueous extract from Ampelocissus africana (Lour) Merr rhizomes on testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in Wistar rats 199 207 10.34172/jhp.2024.42388 EN Wendkouni Leila Marie Esther Belem-Kabré https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1018-2712 Ollo Da https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6319-5322 Ernest Nogma Sombié https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5134-5765 Raïnatou Boly https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3014-7874 Geoffroy Gueswindé Ouédraogo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4811-4352 Windingoudi Rimwagna Christian Ouédraogo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8365-5579 Zakaline Yabré https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0702-1803 Jean Noel Dado Koussé https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5158-6963 Lazare Belemnaba https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4519-2603 Assita Lamien-Sanou https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9167-0215 Noufou Ouédraogo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5534-3914 Journal Article 10.34172/jhp.2024.42388 2023 08 04 2023 10 23 Introduction: Ampelocissus africana is a medicinal plant used to treat several diseases, including those affecting the prostate. This study investigated the effects of the aqueous extract of rhizomes from Ampelocissus africana (AAA) on a testosterone propionate (TP)-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) model. Methods: The effect of the extract at 50, 150, and 300 mg/kg on BPH in male rats was assessed using daily subcutaneous injections of 3 mg/kg TP for four consecutive weeks. After the induction schedule, physical parameters, prostate index (PI), serum biochemical parameters, homogenate antioxidant, enzyme parameters, and prostates histopathological studies were carried out. Triterpenes and sterols were also assessed. Results: Treatment with AAA reduced the PI level in a dose-dependent manner (up to 75.91% at the dose of 300 mg/kg). The inflammatory marker measured in the present study, namely C-reactive protein, increased significantly in the BPH group and improved with the treatments. In addition, AAA reduced oxidative stress by decreasing the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and increasing the catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in comparison to the positive control group. A histopathological examination corroborated the result of the analysis of the physical and biochemical parameters. The study also showed interesting levels of triterpenes (119.5 ± 4.5 mg UAE/g) and sterols (104.6 ± 3.06 mg CE/g). Conclusion: These results suggest that the aqueous extract of Ampelocissus africana could be used as a natural herbal therapy to treat BPH.