Screening of Steroid 5-Reductase Inhibitory Activity and Total Phenolic Content of Thai Plants
April 2011
in “
Journal of Medicinal Plants Research
”
TLDR Ocimum basilicum L. and red Oryza sativa L. may help with hair loss and prostate issues.
The study investigated the 5α-reductase inhibitory activity of 10 Thai plants, which is relevant for conditions like androgenic alopecia and benign prostatic hypertrophy. The plants were extracted with ethanol, and their ability to inhibit the enzyme was measured in finasteride equivalent activity (FEA). Ocimum basilicum L. showed the highest FEA value, followed by the red strain of Oryza sativa L. The study found no correlation between 5α-reductase inhibitory activity and total phenolic content, suggesting that other phytochemicals might be responsible for the enzyme inhibition. Regular intake of these plants or their extracts could potentially aid in health promotion and treatment of androgen-related disorders.