Decreased expression of caspase3 in penis and prostate tissues of rat after the treatment with buceng (Pimpinella alpina Molk & Euricoma longifolia Jack).

Background: Buceng {combination of pasak bumi (Eurycoma longifolia Jack) and purwoceng (Pimpinella alpine Molk)} has been proven to increase testosterone (Te) level and decrease apoptosis. Unfortunately, there is no evidence whether these effects are mediated by the declining of caspase3. Objective of this study was to evaluate whether buceng could decrease the expression of caspase3 of penis and prostate cells in Sprague Dawley male rats. Methods: Twenty four Sprague Dawley male rats weighing 300 g (90 days old) were randomly assigned into 4 groups of 6 male rats. Group A, rats were castrated and received buceng 50 mg. Group B, rats were not castrated, sacrifices as positive control. Group C, rats were castrated and given 2 mL aquadest as negative control. Group D, rats were castrated and got of 6.75 mg mesterolone, dissolved in 2 mL water. MANOVA statistical analysis was adopted to examine the difference expression of caspase3 in all groups. The comparison of caspase3 expression between two groups exhibiting difference values were evaluated by Post Hoc test. Results: MANOVA revealed statistically significant differences in the expression of caspase3 of penis and prostate tissues among the four groups. Post Hoct test also indicated that expression of caspase3 in group A (buceng) (33.56; 35.83) was significantly lower compared to group C (negative control) (54.33; 60.07) and group D (mesterolone) (51.91;56.21), p = 0.000, and higher compared than group B or normal rats (29.40; 27.72), but statistically not significant (p = 0.826). Conclusion: The treatment of 50 mg buceng/day for 30 consecutive days could decrease caspase3 expression in penis and prostate cells.

The effect of buceng extracts on androgen production in Sprague Dawley male rats.

Background: Buceng is a combination of plant of purwoceng (Pimpinella alpina Molk) and pasak bumi (Eurycomalongifolia Jack) that has been traditionally used to enhance adult male vitality. However, the mechanism of action of buceng has not been understood. This study was aimed to elucidate whether buceng could increasing Testosterone (Te), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) level in rats. Methods: 20 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into two groups. After one week of acclimatization, control group was given aquadest 2 mL, while treated group B received 2 mL (containing 25 mg) buceng extract for seven successive days. The plasma concentration of Te, LH, and FSH were assesed by RIA and IRMA method respectively. Independent t-test was used to analyze the different concentration of Te, LH, FSH between the two groups. Results: Testosterone level of treated group was significantly higher (3.55 pg/mL) compared to control group (1.00 pg/mL), p = 0.003. LH concentrations of treated group (0.12 pg/mL) was slightly but not significantly higher compared to control group (0.11 pg/mL), p = 0.810. Likewise, the FSH level was not significantly different between the two groups (0.15 vs 0.14 pg/mL, p = 0.088). Conclusion: Administration of buceng extract increases testosteron level which might play a role in enhancing male vitality.