Assessment of the in-vitro toxicity and in-vivo therapeutic capabilities of Juglans regia on human prostate cancer and prostatic hyperplasia in rats

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatic cancer are aging-associated urological conditions in men. While significant advances have been made in relation to treatment, poor response, treatment resistance and adverse side-effects limit currently available therapies. The possible antiproliferative and/or ameliorative potentials of Juglans regia have been reported, however, there is a dearth of scientific information on its effect on BPH or prostatic cancer. In this study, in-vivo and in-vitro studies were used to assess the possible benefits of fresh walnut fruits extract in BPH or prostate cancer. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electro spray ionization and quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF) was used to assess the chemical profile of the plant extract. The anti-proliferative activity of Juglans regia extract was tested against normal and cancerous human prostate cell lines by using the iCELLigence real-time and label-free cell analysis system. The ameliorative potential of fresh fruits Juglans regia extract was assessed by administering the extract at 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight to rats with testosterone induced BPH. Analysis of phytochemicals in Juglans regia revealed a high concentration of phenolic acids and flavonoids, Juglans regia also showing time- and dose-dependent anti-proliferative activity against prostate cancer cells, and reversed biochemical and histomorphological changes induced by testosterone-induced BPH.