Panax ginseng C.A. meyer alleviates benign prostatic hyperplasia while preventing finasteride-induced side effects

Area of Science:

• Herbal Medicine
• Urology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Panax ginseng (PGWE) is a traditional East Asian medicine with diverse health benefits.
• Its effects on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and finasteride (Fi)-induced side effects are not well-established.
• Finasteride is an FDA-approved drug for BPH treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic effects of PGWE on BPH in a rat model and human cells.
• To explore PGWE's potential in treating finasteride-induced side effects.
• To evaluate PGWE as an alternative therapeutic agent for BPH.

Main Methods:

• Testosterone propionate (TP)-induced BPH rat model and TP-treated RWPE-1 human epithelial cells were used.
• PGWE's effects on prostate pathology, dihydrotestosterone levels, and androgen-related factors were assessed.
• Apoptosis markers, mitochondrial dynamics, and sperm count were analyzed in vivo and in vitro.

Main Results:

• PGWE reduced prostate weight, epithelial thickness, and serum dihydrotestosterone levels in BPH rats.
• PGWE downregulated 5α-reductase 2 and androgen receptor, promoting prostatic cell apoptosis.
• PGWE treatment recovered sperm count and protected against finasteride-induced sperm loss.

Conclusions:

• PGWE demonstrates significant therapeutic effects against BPH.
• PGWE mitigates key side effects associated with finasteride treatment.
• PGWE presents a promising alternative therapeutic agent for benign prostatic hyperplasia.