Phytochemical characterization and therapeutic mechanism of Xialiqi capsule on benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urological condition prevalent in elderly men. Xialiqi capsule (XLQC), a traditional Chinese patent medicine, is widely used to manage BPH. However, the precise mechanisms underlying XLQC's effectiveness in treating BPH are not well-understood. We aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition and therapeutic mechanisms of XLQC in the treatment of BPH. We conducted a comprehensive investigation that integrated high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), network pharmacological analysis, and animal experimental validation to explore potential pharmacodynamic compounds and mechanisms of action for XLQC in BPH treatment. In this study, a total of 12 components targeting eight molecular targets were identified; the major components included Danshensu, salidroside, 6-Acetylcodeine, azelaic acid, and berberine. The targets were CASP3, MMP9, PTGS2, IL6, ESR1, ERBB2, HIF1 A, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Enrichment analysis revealed that the molecular targets are mainly through calcium signaling pathway, endocrine resistance, steroid hormone biosynthesis, HIF- 1 signaling pathway, and estrogen signaling pathway regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis as well as oxidative stress response. In vivo animal experiments demonstrated that XLQC effectively inhibited oxidative stress (OS) and cell proliferation by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA), increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD), and inhibiting the expression of Ki- 67 in prostate tissue, thereby improving prostate tissue morphology and reducing prostate index. XLQC can inhibit oxidative stress and cell proliferation, improve the morphology of prostate tissue, reduce the prostate index, and have therapeutic effects on BPH through multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway effects.