Investigating the protective effects of nano-emulsion based on Nigella sativa in benign prostatic hyperplasia induced by testosterone administration

Subject Areas :

Mohammadali Jafari ¹ , Negar Panahi ^{2 *} , saeed hesaraki ³ , Gh Akbari ⁴

1 - Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad ‎University, Tehran, Iran
2 - Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad ‎University, Tehran, Iran
3 - Department of Pathology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
4 - کروه علوم بالینی ، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد علوم و تحقیقات تهران، تهران ، ایران

Received: 2024-08-10 Accepted : 2024-10-19 Published : 2024-12-20

Keywords: prostate hyperplasia, drug delivery system, nano-emulsion, black seed, alternative medicine,

Abstract :

Quercetin (Qu) is a type of plant flavonoid that is useful in fighting hyperplastic prostate cells. Meanwhile, black seed oil (NSO) shows promise in relieving the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of quercetin combined with NSO-based nanoemulsion (Qu-NSO) on a BPH mouse model. This study included inducing BPH in rats using testosterone enanthate subcutaneously and administering various treatments including quercetin, NSO and Qu-NSO both (25 and 50 mg/kg) orally to evaluate the effects of Qu-NSO. The spherical size and zeta potential of the formed vesicles were measured. Prostate weight and index with its specific antigen (PSA), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) level, oxidant and antioxidant markers, and prostate histopathology were investigated in the desert rat model. The average globule size for Qu-NSO was obtained with the value of zeta potential in millivolts. Qu-NSO reduced prostate weight by 40% and prostate index by 86.71% compared to testosterone group. The thickness and height of the epithelial tissue and the number of micropapillae under the microscope were significantly improved in Qu-NSO treatment. Nano drug decreased serum levels of oxidative content (MDA) (p<0.0001), while antioxidant substances (SOD and GPx activity) significantly increased (p<0.0001). Qu-NSO was superior to the finasteride group in reducing prostate weight and antioxidant properties such as increasing antioxidant enzyme activity and reducing microscopic injuries.

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