Gamma Irradiated Rhodiola sachalinensis Extract Ameliorates Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Downregulating 5-Alpha Reductase and Restoring Testosterone in Rats

The effect of Rhodiola sachalinensis Boriss extract irradiated with 50 kGy gamma rays (HKC) on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) was investigated. Seven-week-old male SD rats received a subcutaneous injection of 20 mg/kg of testosterone propionate (TP) to induce BPH. Then, the testosterone only group received testosterone, the testosterone + finasteride group received testosterone and finasteride (5 mg/kg), the testosterone + HKC group received testosterone and HKC extract (500 mg/kg). Prostate weight and the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in serum or prostate tissue were determined. The mRNA expressions of 5-alpha reductase (AR) in prostate tissue were also measured. Compared to the control group, prostate weight was significantly improved in the TP group and decreased in the HKC and finasteride-treated groups. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of 5-AR in the prostate was significantly reduced in the HKC and finasteride-treated groups. Similarly, the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and cytokeratin, which are associated with prostatic enlargement in the HKC and finasteride groups, were much lower than in the TP group. HKC treatment showed similar efficacy to finasteride treatment on rats with testosterone-induced BPH. HKC may be explored as a potential new drug for BPH treatment.

Orthogonal Analysis Methodology for the Extraction of Polysaccharides from the Root of Rhodiola sachalinensis A. BOR and Evaluation its Hypoglycemic Effects

The present study was carried out to establish the optimum microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) conditions of polysaccharides from root ofRhodiola sachalinensisA. BOR (RSPs) by using o orthogonal analysis methodology. Moreover, the hypoglycemic effects of RSPs were investigated. The results indicated that the optimal extraction conditions of RSPs were liquid-solid ratio of 45:1 mL/g, irradiation power of 480 W, and irradiation time of 8 min. The animal experiment results demonstrated that RSPs could significantly increase body weights, serum insulin levels, and reduce fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, which suggested that RSPs possesses hypoglycemic effects,.