Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition where the prostate gland becomes enlarged, mainly affecting older men. This enlargement is linked to a growth factor called TGF-β, which increases the growth of prostate cells and leads to urinary problems. The plant Pterocarpus indicus has been traditionally used for its healing properties, including effects on urinary health. This study investigated how P. indicus extract affects cell growth triggered by TGF-β. Researchers isolated two compounds from the extract, called angolensin (Ang) and maackiain (Mac).

They explored how these compounds might work by analyzing related biological pathways, focusing on one called the PI3K/AKT pathway, which is known to be involved in cell growth. The results showed that the P. indicus extract and the isolated compounds Ang and Mac reduced cell growth and increased cell death in the prostate cells. They also reduced the presence of proteins linked to cell growth (such as PCNA) and activated cell death proteins (such as p53). This suggests that the P. indicus extract and its active compounds, Ang and Mac, could be potential treatments for BPH. Future studies could use Ang and Mac as markers to standardize P. indicus extracts.