Inhibition of 5α-Reductase in the Rat Prostate by Cimicifuga Racemosa

The study investigated the effects of Cimicifuga racemosa (CR) extract BNO 1055 on 5α-reductase activity in the prostate of immature male rats. Rats treated with testosterone showed a 3-5 fold increase in prostate and seminal vesicle weight, which was significantly inhibited by both finasteride and CR BNO 1055. Additionally, both treatments reduced 5α-dihydrotestosterone levels and inhibited testosterone-upregulated androgen receptor and insulin-like growth factor I gene expression in seminal vesicles. The findings suggested that CR BNO 1055 contains potent 5α-reductase inhibitors, indicating its potential for preventing and treating prostate cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).