Androgenic activity of the Thai traditional male potency herb, Butea superba Roxb., in female rats

Immunochromatographic assay for the detection of kwakhurin and its application for the identification of Pueraria candollei var. mirifica (Airy Shaw & Suvat.) Niyomdham

INTRODUCTION

The plant Pueraria candollei var. mirifica (Airy Shaw & Suvat.) Niyomdham (PM), known by its common Thai name as white Kwao Krua, is sometimes misidentified because it presents similar botanical characteristics to those of Butea superba (red Kwao Krua). The phytochemicals in PM are phytoestrogens in the class of isoflavonoids, but Butea superba contains flavonoids that exhibit androgenic and antiestrogen effects.

OBJECTIVES

This research aims to develop a simple analytical method for identification and to differentiate PM from red Kwao Krua and other Pueraria species.

METHODS

A gold nanoparticle-based immunochromatographic assay (ICA) was developed for the detection of kwakhurin (Kwa), a unique compound found in PM. The parameters, including sensitivity, accuracy, precision, and specificity, were validated. All samples were analyzed using ICA and high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detector (HPLC-UV). The results of the two methods were compared for consistency checking.

RESULTS

The cutoff limit of Kwa detection was 160 ng/mL, which was lower than in the HPLC-UV method. The repeatability and reproducibility of the ICA preparation and assembly showed high precision. The cross-reactivity to related isoflavonoids was less than 0.32%, which implied high specificity of the ICA for Kwa. Moreover, false-positive and false-negative results from other plant extracts were not observed.

CONCLUSION

The developed ICA is applicable for distinguishing PM from red Kwao Krua and other Pueraria species. This simple analytical method can be applied for the identification of raw PM materials in the industrial and agricultural sectors.

Trichosanthes kirilowii Exerts Androgenic Activity via Regulation of PSA and KLK2 in 22Rv1 Prostate Cancer Cells

Background:

The androgen comprises a group of hormones that play roles in male reproductive activity as well as personal characteristics.

Objective:

We investigated the androgenic activity of various herbal medicines in human prostate cancer 22Rv1 cells.

Materials and Methods:

Herbal extracts of Trichosanthes kirilowii (TK), Asarum sieboldii (AS), Sanguisorba officinalis (SO), and Xanthium strumarium (XS) were selected to have androgenic effects based on a preliminary in vitro screening system.

Results:

TK, AS, SO, and XS enhanced the proliferation of 22Rv1 cells without having cytotoxic effects. All tested herbal extracts increased androgen receptor (AR)-induced transcriptional activity in the absence or presence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In an AR-binding assay, TK, but not AS, SO, or XS, produced a significant inhibition of AR binding activity, indicating it has androgenic activity. Additionally, TK treatment positively regulated mRNA expression of the AR-related molecular targets prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and kallikrein 2 (KLK2) compared with untreated control.

Conclusion:

Taken together, TK-enhanced AR-mediated transcriptional activity might be an attractive candidate drug for treating androgen-related diseases.

SUMMARY

Trichosantheskirilowii (TK), Asarumsieboldii (AS), Sanguisorbaofficinalis (SO), and Xanthium strumarium (XS) enhanced the proliferation of 22Rv1 cells without having cytotoxic effects.

TK, AS, SO, and XS increased androgen receptor (AR)-induced transcriptional activity.

TK, but not AS, SO, or XS, produced a significant inhibition against AR-binding activity.

TK treatment positively regulated mRNA expression of the AR-related molecular targets prostate-specific antigen and kallikrein 2.

Abbreviations used: BPH: benign prostatic hyperplasia; AR: androgen receptor; DHT: dihydrotestosterone; PSA: prostate-specific antigen; TK: Trichosanthes kirilowii; AS: Asarum sieboldii; SO: Sanguisorba officinalis; XS: Xanthium strumarium; ATCC: American Type Culture Collection; FBS: fetal bovine serum; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; SD: standard deviation; ARE: androgenresponsive element; KLK: kallikrein