Growth suppression of hamster flank organs by topical application of catechins, alizarin, curcumin, and myristoleic acid

Abstract

Hamster flank organ growth, as measured by an increase in the area of the pigmented macule, is androgen-dependent. When flank organs of a castrated hamster are treated topically with testosterone, the flank organ becomes larger and darker. Since this growth is known to be dependent on the intracellular active androgen, 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), inhibitors of 5alpha-reductase which converts testosterone to DHT can inhibit the growth of the flank organ. Certain unsaturated aliphatic fatty acids, such as gamma-linolenic acid and myristoleic acid, as well as other natural compounds, including alizarin and curcumin, are 5alpha-reductase inhibitors and inhibited flank organ growth. Green tea catechins, including (-)-epicatechin-3-gallate, and (-)-epigallo-catechin-3-gallate (EGCG) are also 5alpha-reductase inhibitors and inhibited flank organ growth. However, (-)-epicatechin and (-)-epigallocatechin, which are not 5alpha-reductase inhibitors, also inhibited flank organ growth. EGCG also inhibited DHT-dependent growth of flank organs. These catechins, therefore, may act by a mechanism other than inhibition of 5alpha-reductase. The effect of EGCG and other compounds was localized at the site of application; they did not affect the growth of the contralateral flank organ in the same animal. Since these compounds do not appear to exhibit systemic effects, they may be potentially useful for treatment of androgen-dependent skin disorders.

Reproductive effects of a pegylated curcumin

“…Estradiol (akin to a hexane extract of Curcuma comosa ) reduced seminal vesicle weights in mice [22]. Curcumin down-regulated 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (converts androstenedione to testosterone), 5α-reductase (converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone), and androgen receptors/activation in gonads and male accessory organs [23–26]. It also is plausible that curcumin could modulate gonadal functions (e.g., folliculogenesis) indirectly via negative feedback effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary (gonadotropin-releasing hormone/gonadotropin) axis.…”

Reproductive Effects of Pegylated Curcumin.

“…Estradiol (akin to a hexane extract of Curcuma comosa) reduced seminal vesicle weights in mice [22]. Curcumin down-regulated 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (converts androstenedione to testosterone), 5α-reductase (converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone), and androgen receptors/activation in gonads and male accessory organs [23][24][25][26]. It also is plausible that curcumin could modulate gonadal functions (e.g., folliculogenesis) indirectly via negative feedback effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary (gonadotropin-releasing hormone/gonadotropin) axis.…”

Curcumin and its allied analogues: epigenetic and health perspectives - a review

“…The findings of Liao et al (2001) illustrated that oral supplementation of water extracts of curcumin also exhibited 100% anti-fertility activity in mice through inhibiting 5α-reductase and growth of flank organs. It also suppresses the human sperm motility and develops the novel intravaginal contraceptive (Rithaporn et al 2003).…”