Biological Evaluation of Anti-androgenic Effect of Some Plant Foods

Abstract

The present study was carried out to evaluate the anti-androgenic effect of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), sesame (Sesamum indicum), safflower seed (Carthamus tinctorius) and soybean (Glycine max L.) seeds in form of petroleum ether, ethanol extracts [(300 mg.kg-1 rat body weight)] and whole powder (20% in the diet) using prostate weight method in castrated rats. The safety of the studied plants' was evaluated through determination of liver and kidney functions. Chemical compositions of the studied plants clarified that the highest content of fat (52.5%) and ash (7.5%) were present in sesame seeds, while safflower seeds showed the highest content of crude fiber (11.8%) and carbohydrate (37.8%) also soybean contains high percentage of protein (41.2%). Sesame seeds showed the highest content of total phenolic compound (196.55 mg GAE/100 g), while soybean showed the lowest content (132.5 mg GAE/100 g). Fatty acids analysis revealed that oleic acid was present only in sesame seed oil (66.74%). Linolenic acid (ω-3) (55.77%) was the major fatty acid in flaxseed oil. Soybean oil showed the highest content of linoleic acid (ω-6) (69.84%). All studied plants' oil contains stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. Safflower seed oil showed the highest content of campesterol (9.02%). Administration of different studied plants' to castrated rats produced reduction in prostate weight and significant reduction in testosterone level with variable degrees. All studied plants' showed complete safety towards liver and kidney function. In conclusion, all studied plants could be used as new potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of androgen-related diseases.