Comparative analysis of Annona muricata ethanol leave and stem extracts on testosterone levels of N-Methyl- N- Nitrosourea (NMU) induced prostate cancer in albino rats

The aim of study is to determine the effect of A. muricata leave and stem bark extract on testosterone level of N-Methyl- N- Nitrosourea (NMU) induced prostate cancer in albino rats. The rats were divided into 7 groups of 5 rats; group 1 served as normal control, group 2 was the prostate cancer (PC) negative control group, group 3 was administered NMU + finasteride, group 4 = PC + 250 mg/kg of ethanol leaf extract of A. muricata, group 5 = PC + 500 mg/kg of ethanol leaf extract of A. muricata, group 6 = PC + 250 mg/kg of ethanol stem bark extract of A. muricata and group 7 = PC + 500 mg/kg of ethanol stem bark extract of A. muricata. Induction of prostate cancer using cyproterone acetate, testosterone propionate and N-methyl-nitroso urea lasted for 21 days after which treatment with extracts of A. muricata commenced and lasted for 28 days. The result from this study showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in testosterone concentration especially for group 2 when compared to the control. Also, treatment of prostate cancer induced rats administered with ethanol leave and stem extract of A. muricata significantly decreased (p<0.05) testosterone level in a dose dependent manner. On the basis of our findings, it is concluded that the A. muricata leaves and stem can be used as an anticancer agent for the management of prostate cancer.