TLDR New steroid compounds effectively inhibit 5α-reductase and may treat hair loss.
In this study, researchers synthesized novel steroidal compounds and evaluated their potential as 5α-reductase inhibitors, which are relevant for treating conditions like hair loss. The compounds were tested both in vitro using human embryonic kidney cells and in vivo using a rat prostate weighing method. Notably, compounds 21–23 and 25 demonstrated potent inhibition of the 5α-reductase II enzyme with IC50 values of 54.1 ± 9.5, 22.1 ± 2.4, 72.8 ± 2.3, and 26.5 ± 4.4 nM, respectively, compared to Finasteride's 30.3 nM. These compounds also significantly reduced rat prostate weight, indicating their potential effectiveness.
408 citations,
May 2004 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Dutasteride more effectively lowers DHT levels in men with enlarged prostates than finasteride.
136 citations,
March 1996 in “Journal of the American Chemical Society” Finasteride effectively blocks enzyme causing male pattern baldness.
70 citations,
June 1993 in “Biochemistry” Finasteride slowly binds to 5-alpha-reductase, affecting enzyme stability and inhibitor potency.
45 citations,
February 2005 in “Steroids” Four new compounds were more effective than finasteride in treating prostate issues and hair loss, with one being 100 times more active and safe for use.
20 citations,
March 2005 in “Current Medicinal Chemistry” New compounds show promise for treating hair loss, enlarged prostate, and prostate cancer, with some being more effective and having different side effects than current treatments.
23 citations,
January 2001 in “Chemical & Pharmaceutical Bulletin” New pregnane derivatives are effective at inhibiting an enzyme linked to hair loss and reducing oil gland activity.
20 citations,
February 2002 in “Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents” New research is needed to create better drugs that block the enzyme responsible for conditions like male baldness and prostate enlargement.
18 citations,
January 2002 in “Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin/Chemical and pharmaceutical bulletin” New pregnane derivatives were more effective than finasteride at inhibiting a key enzyme for male pattern baldness.
