Antiandrogenic activity of the phytoestrogens naringenin, 6-(1,1-dimethylallyl)naringenin and 8-prenylnaringenin

Planta Med. 2003 Sep;69(9):856-8. doi: 10.1055/s-2003-43222.

Abstract

Naturally occurring naringenin derivatives, known for their estrogenic activity, were tested in two independent (anti-)androgen screening assays. Using a yeast-based androgen receptor assay relatively strong antiandrogen activities were demonstrated for 6-(1,1-dimethylallyl)naringenin and 8-prenylnaringenin, while the parent compound naringenin did not show recognizable antiandrogen activity. In an androgen receptor activity assay based on the analysis of prostate specific antigen (PSA) concentrations in the supernatants of treated PC3(AR)2 cells the antiandrogenic activity of 6-(1,1-dimethylallyl)naringenin was detected at concentrations of 10 (-5) M. 8-Prenylnaringenin or naringenin have no detectable antiandrogenic effect. In summary, for the first time we provide evidence of the antiandrogenic activity of 6-DMA-N in two independent model systems. In conclusion, we demonstrated the ability of prenylated naringenins not only to act via the estrogen receptor but also through the androgen receptor.

MeSH terms

  • Androgen Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Androgen Antagonists / pharmacology*
  • Androgen Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Cells, Cultured / drug effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Flavanones / administration & dosage
  • Flavanones / pharmacology
  • Flavanones / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Isoflavones / administration & dosage
  • Isoflavones / pharmacology*
  • Isoflavones / therapeutic use
  • Phytoestrogens
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Preparations / administration & dosage
  • Plant Preparations / pharmacology*
  • Plant Preparations / therapeutic use
  • Plants, Medicinal*
  • Receptors, Androgen / drug effects

Substances

  • 6-(1,1-dimethylallyl)naringenin
  • 8-prenylnaringenin
  • Androgen Antagonists
  • Flavanones
  • Isoflavones
  • Phytoestrogens
  • Plant Preparations
  • Receptors, Androgen
  • naringenin