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Identification of a prostate inhibitory substance in a pollen extract
F K Habib1, M Ross, A Lewenstein
1University Department of Surgery, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, Scotland.
The Prostate
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Researchers identified a key compound in Cernilton, a pollen extract used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This compound, DIBOA, effectively inhibits prostate cancer cell growth and may explain Cernilton
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Plant-based medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) management often involves treatments like Cernilton, a pollen extract.
- The specific active component within Cernilton responsible for therapeutic effects remains largely unidentified.
- Prostate cancer research seeks novel therapeutic agents, including those derived from natural sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify the active constituent in Cernilton responsible for inhibiting prostate cell growth.
- To evaluate the efficacy of purified fractions from Cernilton against prostate cancer cell lines and primary cultures.
- To characterize the chemical nature of the identified active compound.
Main Methods:
- Sequential purification of Cernilton using dialysis, gel filtration, and reverse-phase chromatography.
- Biological assay utilizing the human prostate cancer cell line DU145 to assess inhibitory activity of fractions.
- Testing of active fractions on primary cultures of human prostate stroma and epithelial cells.
- Preliminary chemical characterization of the isolated active component.
Main Results:
- A specific fraction, FV-7, demonstrated significant, time- and dose-dependent inhibition of DU145 cell growth, with an IC50 of 5 µg/ml after 2 days.
- FV-7 also showed inhibitory effects on primary prostate stroma and epithelial cells, with stroma being more sensitive at higher concentrations.
- The active component FV-7 was identified as DIBOA, a cyclic hydroxamic acid, which exhibited similar inhibitory effects to FV-7.
Conclusions:
- DIBOA, a cyclic hydroxamic acid isolated from Cernilton, is a potent inhibitor of prostate cancer cell line DU145 growth.
- The findings suggest DIBOA may be the active component in Cernilton responsible for symptomatic relief in BPH and potentially offers a new therapeutic avenue for prostate cancer.
- Further investigation into DIBOA's mechanism of action and therapeutic potential in prostate conditions is warranted.