5α-Reductase Inhibitory Components as Antiandrogens From Herbal Medicine

    Chul-Ho Cho, Jong-Sup Bae, Yong‐ung Kim
    TLDR A plant extract was found to effectively block an enzyme related to male hormone-related diseases.
    The study investigated the 5α-reductase inhibitory activity of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb (PMR) for treating androgen-dependent diseases. The 50% ethanol extract of PMR showed significant inhibitory activity, with an 80.7% inhibition at 500 μg/mL. The active compound, identified as emodin, demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of 5α-reductase, although it was less potent than riboflavin but more effective than alizarin. The findings suggested that the hydroxyl group in emodin's structure is crucial for its inhibitory activity, highlighting the potential of PMR as a source of antiandrogenic agents.
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