Exploring the Inhibitory Potential of Phytosterols β-Sitosterol, Stigmasterol, and Campesterol on 5-Alpha Reductase Activity in the Human Prostate: An In Vitro and In Silico Approach

This study examines the inhibitory effects of phytosterols β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol on the enzyme 5-alpha reductase type 2 (S5αR2) in the human prostate, using both in vitro and in silico methods. The findings indicate that these phytosterols have significantly lower inhibitory activity compared to the synthetic inhibitor dutasteride, with β-sitosterol showing the highest activity among the phytosterols. Despite their lower potency, these natural compounds may offer a potential alternative for managing conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia and androgenic alopecia, although their therapeutic benefits might be more related to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties rather than direct enzyme inhibition.