30-07-2018, 11:54 PM
I also wanted to focus solely on anti-androgens for a minute, because I'm rather confused here.
Known herbal anti-androgens:
5-alpha reductase Inhibitors: Green Tea, Red Reishi, Saw Palmetto
Reduce Total T: Licorice, Spearmint
Pro-Aromatase: White Peony
Black Cohosh: "Extracts from these plants are thought to possess analgesic, sedative, and anti-inflammatory properties. Black cohosh preparations (tinctures or tablets of dried materials) are used to treat symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, although the efficacy has been questioned (11). The inhibitory effects of black cohosh extracts (Cimicifuga syn. Actaea racemosa L.) on the proliferation of human breast cancer cells has been reported recently (12), and Hostsanka. et al (13) have examined the plant’s effects on prostate cancer, another androgen hormone-dependent, epidemiologically important tumor. In that study, the inhibitory effect of an isopropanolic extract of black cohosh (iCR) on cell growth in androgen-sensitive LNCaP and androgen-insensitive PC-3 and DU 145 prostate cancer cells was investigated.
The authors found that regardless of hormone sensitivity, the growth of prostate cancer cells was significantly and dose-dependently down regulated by iCR. At a concentration between 37.1 and 62.7 μg/ml, iCR caused 50% cell growth inhibition in all cell lines after 72h. Increases in the levels of the apoptosis-related M30 antigen of approximately 1.8-, 5.9-, and 5.3-fold over untreated controls were observed in black cohosh-treated PC-3, DU 145, and LNCaP cells, respectively, with the induction of apoptosis being dose- and time-dependent.
Black cohosh extract was therefore shown to kill both androgen-responsive and non-responsive human prostate cancer cells by induction of apoptosis and activation of caspases. This finding suggested that the cells’ hormone responsive status was not a major determinant of the response to the iCR, and indicated that the extract may represent a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of prostate cancer." (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693613/)
Green Tea: "In addition to supporting the cardiovascular system and somewhat reducing the risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes (8), green tea may also have an important anti-androgen effect because it contains epigallocatechins, which inhibit the 5-alpha-reductase conversion of normal testosterone into DHT. As previously noted, this anti-androgen mechanism may help to reduce the risk of BPH, acne, and baldness. As yet, no randomized controlled trials of green tea for these androgen dependent conditions have been conducted." (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693613/)
Note: Likely quite a weak anti-androgen: "To reduce your testosterone production by roughly 20%, it is suggested that you take roughly 5 cups of green tea every day." (https://medicinalherbals.net/natural-anti-androgens/)
Red Reishi: "Red reishi, commonly known as LingZhi in Chinese, is a mushroom thought to have many health benefits. In a research study exploring the anti-androgenic effects of 20 species of mushrooms, reishi mushrooms had the strongest action in inhibiting testosterone (3). That study found that reishi mushrooms significantly reduced levels of 5-alpha reductase, preventing conversion of testosterone into the more potent DHT. High levels of DHT are a risk factor for conditions such as benign prostatatic hypertrophy (BPH), acne, and baldness." (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693613/)
"Among its many health benefits, reishi mushroom exerts a significant anti-androgenic action.38 Research suggests that its triterpenoid fraction in an ethanol extract is able to inhibit both type 1 and type 2 5α-reductase. In addition, it appears to suppress the growth of cells that are stimulated by testosterone itself, suggesting that it may also have a role to play as an androgen receptor blocker." (http://ndnr.com/womens-health/pcos-treat...en-excess/)
Spearmint: "Spearmint, usually taken in the form of tea, has been thought for many years to have testosterone reducing properties. It is commonly used in Middle Eastern regions as an herbal remedy for hirsutism in females. Its anti-androgenic properties reduce the level of free testosterone in the blood, while leaving total testosterone and DHEAS unaffected, as demonstrated in a study from Turkey by Akdogan and colleagues, in which 21 females with hirsutism (12 with polycystic ovary syndrome and 9 with idiopathic hirsutism) drank a cup of herbal tea steeped with M. spicata twice daily for 5 days during the follicular phases of their menstrual cycles. After treatment with the spearmint tea, the patients had significant decreases in free testosterone with increases in luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and estradiol (9). There were no significant decreases in total testosterone or DHEAS levels. This study was followed by a randomized clinical trial by Grant (10), which showed that drinking spearmint tea twice daily for 30 days (vs. chamomile tea, which was used as a control) significantly reduced plasma levels of gonadotropins and androgens in patients with hirsutism associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome. There was a significant change in patients’ self-reported dermatology-related quality of life indices, but no objective change on the Ferriman-Gallwey scale. It is possible that sustained daily use of spearmint tea could result in further abatement of hirsutism." (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693613/)
Additional study: "42 women with hirsutism to spearmint and chamomile (placebo) tea groups. Both groups were asked to drink 2 cups of tea per day. Both total and bioavailable testosterone dropped in women drinking spearmint tea. The spearmint drinkers also reported that their hirsutism symptoms got better. There were no changes in the chamomile tea group." (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19585478)
Saw Palmetto: " Its extract is believed to be a highly effective anti-androgen as it contains phytoesterols. This has been the subject of a great deal of research with regards to the treatment of BPH (19, 20), androgenic alopecia (21), and PCOS (22). However, controlled trials and other convincing research on its efficacy are still lacking. In the context of BPH, there have been 2 reasonably sized clinical trials that found that saw palmetto extract use showed no difference in comparison to placebo (23, 24). In meta-analyses, it has been shown to be safe and effective in mild to moderate BPH when compared to finasteride, tamsulosin, and placebo (25, 26). However, a more recent meta-analysis showed that it is only superior specifically with regards to the symptom of nocturia (27). Therefore, evidence for its routine use is far from convincing and additional research is necessary to determine its true effectiveness." (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693613/)
Additional study claiming it has very weak, if any, effects on 5-ar: "A total of 32 healthy male volunteers (age range 20-30 years) were enrolled in a 1-week open, randomized, placebo-controlled study comparing finasteride (Proscar), a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, with Permixon, the plant extract of Serenoa repens. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of single and multiple doses of the drugs on the inhibition of 5 alpha-reductase as assessed by serum dihydrotestosterone level determination. Following baseline measurements on day 1, the subjects were randomized to finasteride 5 mg once a day (n = 10), Permixon 80 mg x 2 twice a day (n = 11), or to placebo once a day (n = 11) for 7 days. Serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels, were determined on day 1 (baseline and 12 h) and on days 2 (24 h), 3 (48 h), 4 (72 h), 6 (120 h), and 8 (168 h). After 12 h, a single dose of finasteride 5 mg reduced the serum dihydrotestosterone level by 65% (p = 0.01). The decreases ranged from -52 to -60% with multiple doses of finasteride 5 mg once a day (p = 0.01). As in the placebo group, there was no effect of Permixon on the serum dihydrotestosterone level. No significant difference was detected between finasteride and Permixon or between finasteride and placebo with respect to serum testosterone, except on days 3 and 6, respectively (p = 0.05). However, the corresponding serum testosterone levels remained within the normal ranges." Comparison of finasteride (Proscar) and Serenoa repens (Permixon) in the inhibition of 5-alpha reductase in healthy male volunteers. Strauch G; Perles P; Vergult G; Gabriel M; Gibelin B; Cummings S; Malbecq W; Malice MP, Eclimed Pharmacologie Clinique, Hopital Universitaire Cochin, Paris, France.
White Peony: "White peony has been important in traditional Chinese medicine and has been shown to affect human androgen levels in vitro. In a 1991 study in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine Takeuchi et al described the effects of paeoniflorin, a compound found in white peony that inhibited the production of testosterone and promoted the activity of aromatase, which converts testosterone into estrogen (7). To date, there have been no studies that translate or explore the clinical effects." (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693613/)
"Peony is another popular anti-androgenic herb. It is often combined with Glycyrrhiza glabra in a ratio of 1:1 in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of PCOS. Studies have found that this combination is able to decrease the production of testosterone without altering the production of androstenedione and estradiol." (http://ndnr.com/womens-health/pcos-treat...en-excess/)
Licorice: "A small clinical trial published in 2004 by Armanini and colleagues found that licorice root significantly decreases testosterone levels in healthy female volunteers. Women taking daily licorice root experienced a drop in total testosterone levels after 1 month and testosterone levels returned to normal after discontinuation. It is unclear as to whether licorice root affects free testosterone levels (4). The endocrine effect is thought to be due to phytoestrogens and other chemicals found in licorice root, including the steroid glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetic acid, which also have a weak anti-androgen effect (5, 6)." (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693613/)
**You must purchase licorice with glycyrrhizic acid ("non-DGL" on the label) for full hormonal effects.
**Licorice has been shown to cause hypertension in high doses.
Additional studies: 1 study showed a nice reduction in testosterone through 2 menstrual cycles, but another study showed no changes. The last one treated PCOS patients either with spiro or spiro + liquorice. Addition of liquorice didn’t further improve androgen levels but it did reduce side-effects of spiro.
Zinc: Shown to decrease alopecia and hirsutism (signs of androgen excess) when taken 50mg/day/8 weeks (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26315303); reported to inhibit 5-alpha reductase activity (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3207614); purported to regulate ovulation and thus regulate estrogen and progesterone levels, which in turn should reduce testosterone levels, but ALSO will RAISE DHT levels in women with low levels of testosterone (https://www.larabriden.com/7-ways-zinc-r...-hormones/); also known to increase testosterone levels in deficient men and women?? (http://www.nickdelgado.com/how-to-safely...-in-women/).
Do you guys take zinc? Should I omit it?
From my review of the above literature, I'd say that white peony + licorice, red reishi, and spearmint show the most promise. Saw Palmetto has widespread appeal although the studies are indefinitive, but we'll include it, anyway. So, what are the recommended doses?
White Peony + Licorice: Ratio of 1:1. Sold by TCM practictioners under the name Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang, recommend 2-3g BID or TID (start low, reviewers on the PureFormulas website report good results at 1 pill, TID). Sold as a tea by "The Hormone Diva," recommends 2-4 cups/day.
Capsules: https://www.pureformulas.com/peony-and-l...herbs.html
Tea: http://thehormonediva.com/product/pcos-tea/
Spearmint: 2 cups of tea BID (easy!)
Just get some tea at the food store! It's widely available and cheap!
Red Reishi: 1-1.5 g daily capsules
Capsules: https://www.amazon.com/Reishi-900mg-Mush...ma+lucidum
Saw Palmetto (extract): 320mg daily
Pills: https://www.amazon.com/NOW-Saw-Palmetto-...to+extract
Known herbal anti-androgens:
5-alpha reductase Inhibitors: Green Tea, Red Reishi, Saw Palmetto
Reduce Total T: Licorice, Spearmint
Pro-Aromatase: White Peony
Black Cohosh: "Extracts from these plants are thought to possess analgesic, sedative, and anti-inflammatory properties. Black cohosh preparations (tinctures or tablets of dried materials) are used to treat symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, although the efficacy has been questioned (11). The inhibitory effects of black cohosh extracts (Cimicifuga syn. Actaea racemosa L.) on the proliferation of human breast cancer cells has been reported recently (12), and Hostsanka. et al (13) have examined the plant’s effects on prostate cancer, another androgen hormone-dependent, epidemiologically important tumor. In that study, the inhibitory effect of an isopropanolic extract of black cohosh (iCR) on cell growth in androgen-sensitive LNCaP and androgen-insensitive PC-3 and DU 145 prostate cancer cells was investigated.
The authors found that regardless of hormone sensitivity, the growth of prostate cancer cells was significantly and dose-dependently down regulated by iCR. At a concentration between 37.1 and 62.7 μg/ml, iCR caused 50% cell growth inhibition in all cell lines after 72h. Increases in the levels of the apoptosis-related M30 antigen of approximately 1.8-, 5.9-, and 5.3-fold over untreated controls were observed in black cohosh-treated PC-3, DU 145, and LNCaP cells, respectively, with the induction of apoptosis being dose- and time-dependent.
Black cohosh extract was therefore shown to kill both androgen-responsive and non-responsive human prostate cancer cells by induction of apoptosis and activation of caspases. This finding suggested that the cells’ hormone responsive status was not a major determinant of the response to the iCR, and indicated that the extract may represent a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of prostate cancer." (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693613/)
Green Tea: "In addition to supporting the cardiovascular system and somewhat reducing the risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes (8), green tea may also have an important anti-androgen effect because it contains epigallocatechins, which inhibit the 5-alpha-reductase conversion of normal testosterone into DHT. As previously noted, this anti-androgen mechanism may help to reduce the risk of BPH, acne, and baldness. As yet, no randomized controlled trials of green tea for these androgen dependent conditions have been conducted." (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693613/)
Note: Likely quite a weak anti-androgen: "To reduce your testosterone production by roughly 20%, it is suggested that you take roughly 5 cups of green tea every day." (https://medicinalherbals.net/natural-anti-androgens/)
Red Reishi: "Red reishi, commonly known as LingZhi in Chinese, is a mushroom thought to have many health benefits. In a research study exploring the anti-androgenic effects of 20 species of mushrooms, reishi mushrooms had the strongest action in inhibiting testosterone (3). That study found that reishi mushrooms significantly reduced levels of 5-alpha reductase, preventing conversion of testosterone into the more potent DHT. High levels of DHT are a risk factor for conditions such as benign prostatatic hypertrophy (BPH), acne, and baldness." (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693613/)
"Among its many health benefits, reishi mushroom exerts a significant anti-androgenic action.38 Research suggests that its triterpenoid fraction in an ethanol extract is able to inhibit both type 1 and type 2 5α-reductase. In addition, it appears to suppress the growth of cells that are stimulated by testosterone itself, suggesting that it may also have a role to play as an androgen receptor blocker." (http://ndnr.com/womens-health/pcos-treat...en-excess/)
Spearmint: "Spearmint, usually taken in the form of tea, has been thought for many years to have testosterone reducing properties. It is commonly used in Middle Eastern regions as an herbal remedy for hirsutism in females. Its anti-androgenic properties reduce the level of free testosterone in the blood, while leaving total testosterone and DHEAS unaffected, as demonstrated in a study from Turkey by Akdogan and colleagues, in which 21 females with hirsutism (12 with polycystic ovary syndrome and 9 with idiopathic hirsutism) drank a cup of herbal tea steeped with M. spicata twice daily for 5 days during the follicular phases of their menstrual cycles. After treatment with the spearmint tea, the patients had significant decreases in free testosterone with increases in luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and estradiol (9). There were no significant decreases in total testosterone or DHEAS levels. This study was followed by a randomized clinical trial by Grant (10), which showed that drinking spearmint tea twice daily for 30 days (vs. chamomile tea, which was used as a control) significantly reduced plasma levels of gonadotropins and androgens in patients with hirsutism associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome. There was a significant change in patients’ self-reported dermatology-related quality of life indices, but no objective change on the Ferriman-Gallwey scale. It is possible that sustained daily use of spearmint tea could result in further abatement of hirsutism." (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693613/)
Additional study: "42 women with hirsutism to spearmint and chamomile (placebo) tea groups. Both groups were asked to drink 2 cups of tea per day. Both total and bioavailable testosterone dropped in women drinking spearmint tea. The spearmint drinkers also reported that their hirsutism symptoms got better. There were no changes in the chamomile tea group." (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19585478)
Saw Palmetto: " Its extract is believed to be a highly effective anti-androgen as it contains phytoesterols. This has been the subject of a great deal of research with regards to the treatment of BPH (19, 20), androgenic alopecia (21), and PCOS (22). However, controlled trials and other convincing research on its efficacy are still lacking. In the context of BPH, there have been 2 reasonably sized clinical trials that found that saw palmetto extract use showed no difference in comparison to placebo (23, 24). In meta-analyses, it has been shown to be safe and effective in mild to moderate BPH when compared to finasteride, tamsulosin, and placebo (25, 26). However, a more recent meta-analysis showed that it is only superior specifically with regards to the symptom of nocturia (27). Therefore, evidence for its routine use is far from convincing and additional research is necessary to determine its true effectiveness." (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693613/)
Additional study claiming it has very weak, if any, effects on 5-ar: "A total of 32 healthy male volunteers (age range 20-30 years) were enrolled in a 1-week open, randomized, placebo-controlled study comparing finasteride (Proscar), a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, with Permixon, the plant extract of Serenoa repens. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of single and multiple doses of the drugs on the inhibition of 5 alpha-reductase as assessed by serum dihydrotestosterone level determination. Following baseline measurements on day 1, the subjects were randomized to finasteride 5 mg once a day (n = 10), Permixon 80 mg x 2 twice a day (n = 11), or to placebo once a day (n = 11) for 7 days. Serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels, were determined on day 1 (baseline and 12 h) and on days 2 (24 h), 3 (48 h), 4 (72 h), 6 (120 h), and 8 (168 h). After 12 h, a single dose of finasteride 5 mg reduced the serum dihydrotestosterone level by 65% (p = 0.01). The decreases ranged from -52 to -60% with multiple doses of finasteride 5 mg once a day (p = 0.01). As in the placebo group, there was no effect of Permixon on the serum dihydrotestosterone level. No significant difference was detected between finasteride and Permixon or between finasteride and placebo with respect to serum testosterone, except on days 3 and 6, respectively (p = 0.05). However, the corresponding serum testosterone levels remained within the normal ranges." Comparison of finasteride (Proscar) and Serenoa repens (Permixon) in the inhibition of 5-alpha reductase in healthy male volunteers. Strauch G; Perles P; Vergult G; Gabriel M; Gibelin B; Cummings S; Malbecq W; Malice MP, Eclimed Pharmacologie Clinique, Hopital Universitaire Cochin, Paris, France.
White Peony: "White peony has been important in traditional Chinese medicine and has been shown to affect human androgen levels in vitro. In a 1991 study in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine Takeuchi et al described the effects of paeoniflorin, a compound found in white peony that inhibited the production of testosterone and promoted the activity of aromatase, which converts testosterone into estrogen (7). To date, there have been no studies that translate or explore the clinical effects." (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693613/)
"Peony is another popular anti-androgenic herb. It is often combined with Glycyrrhiza glabra in a ratio of 1:1 in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of PCOS. Studies have found that this combination is able to decrease the production of testosterone without altering the production of androstenedione and estradiol." (http://ndnr.com/womens-health/pcos-treat...en-excess/)
Licorice: "A small clinical trial published in 2004 by Armanini and colleagues found that licorice root significantly decreases testosterone levels in healthy female volunteers. Women taking daily licorice root experienced a drop in total testosterone levels after 1 month and testosterone levels returned to normal after discontinuation. It is unclear as to whether licorice root affects free testosterone levels (4). The endocrine effect is thought to be due to phytoestrogens and other chemicals found in licorice root, including the steroid glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetic acid, which also have a weak anti-androgen effect (5, 6)." (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693613/)
**You must purchase licorice with glycyrrhizic acid ("non-DGL" on the label) for full hormonal effects.
**Licorice has been shown to cause hypertension in high doses.
Additional studies: 1 study showed a nice reduction in testosterone through 2 menstrual cycles, but another study showed no changes. The last one treated PCOS patients either with spiro or spiro + liquorice. Addition of liquorice didn’t further improve androgen levels but it did reduce side-effects of spiro.
Zinc: Shown to decrease alopecia and hirsutism (signs of androgen excess) when taken 50mg/day/8 weeks (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26315303); reported to inhibit 5-alpha reductase activity (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3207614); purported to regulate ovulation and thus regulate estrogen and progesterone levels, which in turn should reduce testosterone levels, but ALSO will RAISE DHT levels in women with low levels of testosterone (https://www.larabriden.com/7-ways-zinc-r...-hormones/); also known to increase testosterone levels in deficient men and women?? (http://www.nickdelgado.com/how-to-safely...-in-women/).
Do you guys take zinc? Should I omit it?
From my review of the above literature, I'd say that white peony + licorice, red reishi, and spearmint show the most promise. Saw Palmetto has widespread appeal although the studies are indefinitive, but we'll include it, anyway. So, what are the recommended doses?
White Peony + Licorice: Ratio of 1:1. Sold by TCM practictioners under the name Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang, recommend 2-3g BID or TID (start low, reviewers on the PureFormulas website report good results at 1 pill, TID). Sold as a tea by "The Hormone Diva," recommends 2-4 cups/day.
Capsules: https://www.pureformulas.com/peony-and-l...herbs.html
Tea: http://thehormonediva.com/product/pcos-tea/
Spearmint: 2 cups of tea BID (easy!)
Just get some tea at the food store! It's widely available and cheap!
Red Reishi: 1-1.5 g daily capsules
Capsules: https://www.amazon.com/Reishi-900mg-Mush...ma+lucidum
Saw Palmetto (extract): 320mg daily
Pills: https://www.amazon.com/NOW-Saw-Palmetto-...to+extract