Uromedic® Pumpkin Seed Derived Δ7-Sterols, Extract and Oil Inhibit 5α-Reductases and Bind to Androgen Receptor In Vitro

The study demonstrated that Uromedic® pumpkin seed-derived Δ7-sterols, extract, and oil effectively inhibited 5α-reductase enzymes and bound to androgen receptors in vitro, with Δ7-sterols showing the strongest binding (IC50 = 0.2 mg/ml). The pumpkin seed oil, soft extract, and Δ7-sterols significantly inhibited 5α-R1 (70%-95%) and moderately inhibited 5α-R2 (25%-50%) compared to finasteride. These findings suggested potential therapeutic benefits for managing conditions like benign prostate hyperplasia by reducing dihydrotestosterone levels and blocking its receptor binding. Further research was needed to confirm these effects in human subjects.