ResearchBib Share Your Research, Maximize Your Social Impacts
Sign for Notice Everyday Sign up >> Login

5α-Reductase Inhibitory Components as Antiandrogens From Herbal Medicine

Journal: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies (Vol.3, No. 2)

Publication Date:

Authors : ; ; ;

Page : 116-118

Keywords : androgen-dependent diseases; anthraquinone; emodin; Polygoni Multiflori Radix; 5α-reductase inhibitor; Polygonum multiflorum Thunb;

Source : Downloadexternal Find it from : Google Scholarexternal

Abstract

We investigated medicinal plant sources with 5α-reductase inhibitory activity. These compounds have been used in several remedies against androgen-dependent diseases including benign prostatic hyperplasia. The 50% ethanol extract of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb (Polygoni Multiflori Radix; Polygonaceae) showed potent 5α-reductase inhibitory activity. The fraction responsible for this activity was purified, and the active constituent was isolated and identified as emodin, an anthraquinone compound. Although emodin showed considerably less potent inhibitory activity than riboflavin, the inhibitory activity of the compound was more potent than that of alizarin (1,2-dihydroxyanthraquinone), an anthraquinone-type positive control. Also, anthraquinone itself was substantially inactive against 5α-reductase, in dicating that the hydroxyl group on the structure of emodin is an important structural moiety for displaying inhibitory activity.

Last modified: 2015-07-16 14:12:03