The Phytochemical Paeonol from Paeonia Suffruticosa Shows Promise Against Enlarged Prostate
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Sep 06, 2025 2 months, 4 days, 3 hours, 44 minutes ago
Medical News: Understanding the Common Men’s Health Issue
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate, affects nearly half of men between the ages of 50 and 60 and up to 90 percent of men over 80. The condition is caused by the abnormal growth of prostate cells, which leads to lower urinary tract problems such as difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, frequent night-time urination, and a constant feeling of an unemptied bladder.
The Phytochemical Paeonol from Paeonia Suffruticosa Shows Promise Against Enlarged Prostate
Current medications like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors are available but often come with side effects such as erectile dysfunction, insomnia, or even an increased risk of prostate cancer. This has driven researchers to search for natural alternatives that can be both effective and safer. One such natural compound now being studied is paeonol, a bioactive substance extracted from the root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa, also known as Moutan Cortex.
The Study Behind Paeonol
In this
Medical News report, researchers from the Department of Clinical Korean Medicine at the Graduate School of Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea, explored the effects of paeonol using both advanced computer-based predictions and animal experiments. Their goal was to uncover whether this natural compound could slow or even reverse the progression of BPH.
How the Research Was Conducted
The scientists first used a technique called network pharmacology to identify how paeonol interacts with the many biological pathways linked to prostate enlargement. They found that paeonol has the ability to bind strongly to critical proteins involved in hormone regulation, cell growth, and inflammation.
To confirm these findings, the team conducted experiments on rats with testosterone-induced BPH. Over 30 days, groups of rats were treated with paeonol, and the results were compared to those given finasteride, a well-known BPH drug.
Key Findings from the Study
The study revealed remarkable results. Rats treated with paeonol showed significantly smaller prostates compared to untreated BPH rats. Tissue analysis under the microscope confirmed that paeonol reduced abnormal glandular overgrowth and lowered fibrosis in prostate tissues.
On the hormonal level, paeonol was found to suppress the activity of 5-alpha-reductase 2 (5AR2) and the androgen receptor, both of which are directly responsible for producing dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone strongly linked to prostate enlargement.
The compound also decreased the activity of growth factors such as transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) and fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1), which usually drive excessive prostate cell proliferation. Additionally, paeonol inhibited the inflammation-related NF-κB pathway and reduced oxidative stress by lowering glutathione reductase activity.
Importantly, blood tests confirmed
that paeonol did not cause harmful effects on kidney or liver function, indicating it could be a safe treatment option.
What This Means for Men’s Health
The research strongly suggests that paeonol works on multiple fronts—hormonal, inflammatory, and oxidative stress pathways—making it a powerful natural candidate for managing BPH. Unlike conventional drugs that often target just one pathway, paeonol’s multitargeted action could lead to better outcomes with fewer side effects.
Conclusion
This groundbreaking study provides the first solid evidence that paeonol could become a promising natural therapy for men suffering from enlarged prostate. By shrinking prostate size, reducing cell overgrowth, blocking harmful hormones, and calming inflammation, paeonol addresses the very root of the disease. While the findings are based on animal models and more clinical studies in humans are needed, this research opens new doors for safer, natural treatments for one of the most common men’s health problems. If further validated, paeonol could revolutionize prostate care for millions worldwide.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Pharmaceuticals
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/9/1322
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Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/soy-phytochemical-genistein-shows-promise-in-halting-prostate-cancer-cell-growth
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/a-surprising-link-between-gum-disease-and-prostate-enlargement
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/herbs-and-phytochemicals-alpha-santalol-from-sandalwood-can-prevent-development-of-prostate-cancer
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