Studies on the plant have demonstrated a variety of pharmacological effects including anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-cancer. However, no studies have been conducted on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Therefore, a research team at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, investigated the in vitro 5-α reductase inhibitory effects of extracts from the plant.

The authors identified the medicinal plant and described its botany; extracted the extract and examined the characteristics of the extract; and examined the in vitro 5α-reductase inhibitory effect of the extract. The results showed that the plant is an annual herbaceous plant, germinating from seeds in April or May, growing rapidly in the summer and gradually decreasing after flowering and fruiting. The plant is native to tropical South America and is widely distributed throughout the country in Vietnam. Microscopic characteristics of root, leaf, stem and flower powders were examined by microscope, showing the presence of sand-like calcium oxalate crystals in all parts of the plant. Stomata and secretory hairs were found in leaves and stems. Spiral, reticular and trapezoidal vascular fragments were found in powder form.

Regarding the extract, from 2 kg of P. angulata medicinal powder, after being thoroughly extracted with 96% ethanol, 197.20 g of total extract was obtained. From 60 g of total extract, the distribution was continued with shaking with different solvents to obtain 21.69 g of DCM (dichloromethane), 2.40 g of EA (ethyl acetate) and 8.08 g of nBU (n-butanol) fractions. The characteristics of each extract/fraction were also determined. The quantitative results showed that the total extract and DCM fraction contained both steroids and flavonoids, while the EA and nBu fractions contained only flavonoids. The EA fraction had the highest polyphenol and flavonoid content among the extracts surveyed.

The research team concluded that the main components of the medicinal herb are alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and steroids. While the DCM fraction was significantly positive for qualitative steroid reactions, the highest flavonoid content was in the EA fraction. Among the extracts and fractions examined, the EA fraction showed significant inhibitory effects on 5-α reductas.

Prostate cancer is characterized by enlargement of the glands and connective tissue in the prostate. Prostate cancer causes a number of symptoms such as bladder irritation, urinary frequency, urgency and nocturia, which affect the patient’s quality of life. Recently, some medicinal ingredients have attracted the attention of scientists in reducing the symptoms of prostate cancer such as saw palmetto fruit (Serenoa repens, Sabal serrulata), pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo), African plum bark (Pygeum africanum), South African star grass root (Hypoxis rooperi), nettle root (Urtica dioica), rye (Secale cereale)… The biologically active ingredients of these plants are phytosterols, fatty acids, flavonoids, vegetable oils and polysaccharides.

Preliminary research results show that the total extract from the whole plant of Physalis angulata reduces prostate hypertrophy in mice and may promote further research on Physalis angulata in the treatment of PDTLLT and the substances responsible for these activities.

Source: NASATI – NPD (synthesis)