Anti-androgenic and Hair Growth Promoting Activities of Lygodii Spora (Spore of Lygodium japonicum) I. Active Constituents Inhibiting Testosterone 5.ALPHA.-Reductase.

Abstract

The aqueous ethanol extract of Lygodii Spora (spore of Lygodium japonicum (Thunb.) Sw.) showed in vitro testosterone 5alpha-reductase inhibitory activity and in vivo anti-androgenic activity using growth of flank organ in castrated Syrian hamsters and hair regrowth after shaving in testosterone-treated C57Black/6CrSlc mice. From the lipophilic constituents of Lygodii Spora, oleic, linoleic and palmitic acids were identified as the main active principles inhibiting testosterone 5alpha-reductase.