Inhibitory effects of cranberry extract on benign prostatic hyperplasia by regulating proliferation and inflammation in Sprague-Dawley rats

The cranberry ( Vaccinium macrocarpon ), an evergreen shrub rich in polyphenols, including anthocyanins, has been widely studied for urinary tract problems. We investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of cranberry extract (CE) in a testosterone propionate-induced rat model of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Eight-week-old castrated male Sprague–Dawley rats received testosterone propionate (3 mg/kg) and were orally administered CE (12 or 24 mg/kg) or saw palmetto (100 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. CE significantly reduced prostate weight and serum dihydrotestosterone levels and increased prostatic lumen area. A significant reduction in epithelial thickness was observed with CE at 12 mg/kg, whereas serum 5α-reductase type 2 levels were significantly reduced at 24 mg/kg. CE also modulated estrogen receptor signaling and suppressed STAT3-related and NF-κB-mediated inflammatory signaling in prostate tissue. HPLC analysis revealed a CE peak tentatively assigned to quercetin-3- O -galactoside (Q3G) based on retention time comparison with an authentic standard. Collectively, these findings suggest that CE attenuates experimental BPH, potentially through modulation of androgen-related, estrogen receptor-related, and inflammatory signaling pathways, supporting its potential as a functional food-derived candidate for BPH management.