Aim: Prostane, a polyherbal formulation, was evaluated for its efficacy on 5-reductase inhibition, -adrenergic anta-gonistic activity and testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia. Methods: 5-reductase inhibition was evaluated using rat prostate homogenate as an enzyme source. Adrenergic antagonistic activity was evaluated using isolated rat vas deferens. Experimental prostatic hyperplasia was induced in rats by giving testosterone 3 mg/kg sc for 21 days. Results: Prostane dose-dependently inhibited 5-reductase activity and exhibited -adrenergic antagonistic activity. Treatment with Prostane at 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg body wt, po for 21 days significantly reduced the prostatic weight, the epithelial height and the stromal proliferation in experimental prostatic hypertrophy. Conclusion: Prostane is effective in the treatment of experimental prostatic hypertrophy in rats and may be passed on to clinical trials on benign prostatic hypertrophy after necessary toxicological evaluations.

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