Inhibition of 5 alpha-reductase and aromatase by the ellagitannins oenothein A and oenothein B from Epilobium species

Planta Med. 1997 Apr;63(2):111-4. doi: 10.1055/s-2006-957624.

Abstract

Species of the genus Epilobium (Onagraceae) have been investigated for their activity against 5 alpha-reductase and aromatase, two enzymes which are involved in the aetiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Activity-guided fractionation has led to the identification of two macrocyclic ellagitannins, oenothein A (1) and oenothein B (2), as the main constituents responsible for the inhibition of the two enzymes. Quantitation of oenothein B in 10 different species of Epilobium has shown that amounts of up to 14% in the crude plant extracts are possible.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / pharmacology*
  • Aromatase Inhibitors*
  • Hydrolyzable Tannins*
  • Plants, Medicinal / chemistry*
  • Tannins / pharmacology*

Substances

  • 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Aromatase Inhibitors
  • Hydrolyzable Tannins
  • Tannins
  • oenothein B
  • oenothein A