Phytochemicals With Anti 5-Alpha-Reductase Activity: A Prospective For Prostate Cancer Treatment

July 2021 in “ F1000Research ”

Aziemah Azizi, Nuramalina H Mumin, N. Shafqat

5-alpha-reductase 5αR dihydrotestosterone DHT phytochemicals phytosterols polyphenols fatty acids testosterone cell apoptosis plant-derived chemicals plant sterols plant polyphenols plant fatty acids

TLDR Plant-based compounds might be a promising alternative for prostate cancer treatment with fewer side effects.

The document "Phytochemicals With Anti 5-alpha-reductase Activity: A Prospective For Prostate Cancer Treatment" explores the potential of plant-derived chemicals, or phytochemicals, in treating prostate cancer. The study focuses on the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase (5αR), which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can stimulate prostate cancer growth. Phytochemicals such as phytosterols, polyphenols, and fatty acids have been shown to inhibit this enzyme, reducing DHT levels and potentially slowing or stopping the growth of prostate cancer. Various phytochemicals were found to inhibit tumor cell migration, invasion, and proliferation, and promote cell apoptosis in different cell lines and animal models. The document concludes that these phytochemicals could be promising candidates for alternative prostate cancer treatment approaches.

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