Biogenic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Bitter Leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) Aqueous Extract and Its Effects on Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in Wistar Rat

Purpose This study aims to perform biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with the aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina (V. amygdalina) (bitter leaf) and determine their therapeutic effects on testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in a rat model. Methods In a reaction involving V. amygdalina plant extract and a silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution, the resultant biogenic AgNPs were characterised by Fourier transformed infrared spectrophotometric, SEM, TEM and X-ray diffraction analysis. Animal experiments involved thirty (30) adult male Wistar rats randomly divided into six groups (A to F; n = 5). Group A received only subcutaneous injection of olive oil daily while the other groups got 3 mg/kg/daily of testosterone propionate (TP) subcutaneously plus 50 mg/kg/daily of AgNPs intraperitoneally (B), TP plus 25 mg/kg/daily of AgNPs (C), TP only (D), 25 mg/kg/daily of AgNPs only (E) and TP plus 10 mg/kg/daily of Finasteride orally (F). The animals were sacrificed after 14 days, serum collected and assayed for four reproductive hormones, AST, ALT, urea and creatinine while the prostate was collected for histological analysis. Results Biogenic AgNPs with an average diameter of 34 nm were synthesized. Biogenic AgNPs ameliorated hormone-induced prostate enlargement with significant increase in prostate weight (p < 0.0001) compared to placebo and finasteride treatment. Administration of biogenic AgNPs significantly increased body weight and serum testosterone level. Liver function parameters appear normal while nephrotoxicity appears to be present. Conclusion Biogenic AgNPs is beneficial in the treatment of BPH. Safety and long term effects should however be properly evaluated.