Abstract
Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-malignant enlargement of prostate resulting in urinary obstruction, along with irritant urinary tract symptoms. The present pharmacological management of above condition although successful has some limitations due to adverse effects of drugs.

Aims and Objectives: Phytotherapeutic agents are used in different countries for treatment of BPH. In this study, attempts have been made to find out the effect of bark extract of Prunus domestica in testosterone induced benign hyperplasia of prostate in Wistar albino rats.

Materials and Methods: Animals were divided into different groups, each containing six animals. Group I (control) received Arachis oil S/C for 21 days followed by distilled water orally for another 21 days. Group II animals were treated with testosterone (2 mg/kg) S/C for 21 days followed by distilled water orally for another 21 days (positive control). Group III (standard treatment group) was given testosterone (2 mg/kg) S/C for 21 days followed by Finasteride (1 mg/kg) orally for another 21 days. Group IV and Group V animals were treated with testosterone (2 mg/kg) S/C for 21 days followed by aqueous extract of bark of P. domestica (200 and 400 mg/kg) orally for another 21 days. After the 21st day of treatment, blood collection was done from retro orbital plexus by applying light ether anesthesia. Finally the animals were sacrificed and prostate glands were dissected and weighed. The parameters such as physical (body weight, prostate weight, and prostatic index [PI]), biochemical (Serum testosterone and Serum prostatic acid phosphatase), and histopathological study were done. Results were evaluated by One-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey’s multiple comparison test.

Results: Administration of P. domestica bark extract reduced the size of prostate and the PI significantly (P < 0.001) when compared to positive control. The histopathological examination showed mild glandular proliferation with normal epithelial and stromal component as compared to positive control group.

Conclusion: P. domestica extract can be an alternative to conventional drugs for management of BHP. Further detail study with active principles is required to assess the detail mechanism of action.

Key words: Benign Prostate Hyperplasia; Prunus domestica; Testosterone; Prostatic Index; Prostatic Acid Phosphatase