Steroid 5α-Reductase Inhibition by Polymethoxyflavones

    August 2013 in “ 한국응용생명화학회지 ”
    Yong‐ung Kim, Jaehong Han
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    TLDR Certain natural compounds can block an enzyme linked to prostate enlargement and hair loss, showing potential for new treatments.
    In the 2013 study, researchers found that certain polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) can inhibit steroid 5α-reductase, an enzyme linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and possibly androgenetic alopecia. Among the PMFs tested, 5-hydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavone (compound 5) was the most effective, with an IC50 value of 20 µM. The study highlighted the potential of PMFs as non-steroidal treatment options for BPH, noting the importance of specific structural features for their inhibitory activity. The findings suggested that PMFs could be a basis for developing new treatments for BPH and androgenetic alopecia, warranting further research. The study was funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea.
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