Effects of In Utero Exposure to D-004, a Lipid Extract from Roystonea Regia Fruits, in the Male Rat: A Comparison with Finasteride

The study investigated the effects of in utero exposure to D-004, a lipid extract from Roystonea regia fruits, on male rats and compared it to the effects of finasteride. The results showed that D-004 did not cause any alterations in androgen-dependent development, while exposure to finasteride during late gestation resulted in a permanent reduction in anogenital distance and retention of nipples in adult male rats. D-004 had similar effects to finasteride in reducing the weight of the prostate gland and seminal vesicles, as well as decreasing the levels of dihydrotestosterone. The study suggests that D-004 may have potential as a natural alternative to finasteride for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and male pattern baldness.