Determination of the Potency of a Novel Saw Palmetto Supercritical CO2 Extract (SPSE) for 5-Alpha-Reductase Isoform II Inhibition Using a Cell-Free In Vitro Test System

    April 2016 in “ DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) ”
    Pilar Pais, A. Villar, S Rull
    TLDR The saw palmetto extract effectively inhibits an enzyme linked to prostate issues, showing promise for prostate health.
    The study evaluated the potency of a novel saw palmetto supercritical CO2 extract (SPSE) in inhibiting the 5α-reductase isoenzyme type II, which is linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Using a cell-free in vitro test system, SPSE demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of 5α-reductase type II with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 3.58±0.05 µg/mL. This inhibition was competitive, indicating effective binding to the enzyme's active site. Compared to finasteride, a standard 5α-reductase inhibitor, SPSE showed promising bioactivity that supports prostate health, potentially surpassing many other phytotherapeutic extracts. The study suggested that SPSE's bioactivity is comparable to that of the hexane extract used in successful BPH clinical trials and finasteride. Future research, including in vitro and clinical trials, was recommended to further explore the differences among saw palmetto extracts and their suitability for different patients.
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