Aframomum subsericeum and Aframomum alboviolaceum leaf essential oils exhibit testosterone antagonistic and oestrogen synergic effects in male Wistar rats: potential candidates for prostate cancer treatment

Background: Aframomum species are routinely used as spices in many traditional Cameroonian meals due to their sweet fragrance. Many species of the Aframomum species are also used to treat cancer, pain, arthritis, and stomach disorders. This work was performed to determine the chemical composition, antiandrogenic, and estrogenic properties of Aframomum subsericeum and Aframomum alboviolaceum leaf essential oils. Methods: The chemical components of A. subsericeum and A. alboviolaceum essential oils were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The anti-androgenic and estrogenic properties were investigated in vivo in physically and chemically castrated Wistar rats, respectively. Results: Fifteen compounds versus nine compounds were identified in A. subsericeum and A. alboviolaceum essential oils, respectively. The main compounds of Aframomum subsericeum were cyclohexene, 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethylidene) (10.03%), ?-terpine (12.22%), and myrtenyl acetate (8.52%), while those of Aframomum alboviolaceum were ?-terpinene (20.07%), caryophyllene (11.58%), myrtenyl acetate (7.22%), and (1R)2, 6, 6 trimethylbicyclo [3.1.1] hept-2-ene (6.97%). The results of the anti-androgenic test reveal that both A. subsericeum and A. alboviolaceum induced a significant decrease in androgen-dependent organs, especially the prostate and seminal vesicle, at doses of 200 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. Interestingly, A. alboviolaceum showed oestrogen synergic effects on the above organs. Conclusions: So, this study reveals mainly the presence of diterpenoids in both A. subsericeum and A. alboviolaceum, which are potential candidates for prostate cancer treatment. The in vivo results show that Aframomum leaf essential has antiandrogenic and oestrogen synergic properties, suggesting that the oils could provide a safe natural drug for prostate cancer treatment.