Enugu — Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate in aging men, may have a new natural treatment option. A 2026 study by Francis O. Ugwuene, David I. Lebechukwu, Favour U. Onukwube, and Martina A. Ngwu from Enugu State University of Science and Technology found that Thuja occidentalis, a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine, significantly reduced prostate-related biomarkers in rats with induced BPH. The findings suggest a promising herbal alternative for prostate care.
BPH is one of the most common urological conditions affecting older men worldwide. Although non-cancerous, it can cause urinary difficulties, discomfort, and reduced quality of life. The condition is strongly linked to hormonal changes, particularly excessive androgen activity.
Conventional treatments such as alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors are effective but often come with side effects including sexual dysfunction, dizziness, and hormonal imbalance. This has increased interest in plant-based therapies.
The Nigerian researchers used 28 male albino rats, inducing BPH through testosterone propionate injections. After confirming prostate enlargement, the animals were treated with different doses of Thuja occidentalis extracts and potentized solutions for two weeks.
The team measured two important prostate biomarkers: PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) and ACP (Acid Phosphatase), both widely used to monitor prostate activity and disease progression.
Before treatment, BPH induction caused PSA levels to rise sharply from 0.02 to 3.28, while ACP increased from 3.00 to 11.88. These changes confirmed successful prostate enlargement in the experimental model.
After treatment, significant reductions were recorded. High-dose Thuja occidentalis reduced PSA to 1.72 and ACP to 8.82. Medium doses lowered PSA to 1.29 and ACP to 8.63, while low doses also reduced ACP significantly to 6.20.
According to the researchers, the therapeutic effects may be linked to active compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic substances known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-proliferative properties.
Since oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are major contributors to BPH progression, reducing these pathways could help control abnormal prostate growth. The study provides experimental support for the traditional use of Thuja occidentalis in prostate-related disorders.
Although the findings are still limited to animal studies, they provide a strong scientific foundation for future clinical research in humans. If proven effective and safe, this herbal therapy could offer a cheaper and safer alternative, especially in low-resource healthcare systems.
With prostate disorders continuing to rise globally among older men, the study highlights how traditional herbal medicine may still play an important role in modern healthcare innovation.
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