Abstract

5-α-REDUCTASE INHIBITORS – A REVIEW

Sonam Kaushal* and Manish Sinha

Abstract

5-alpha reductase is an important enzyme in metabolic pathway of testosterone. Its three subtypes SRD5A1, SRD5A2 andSRD5A3 are responsible for conversion of testosterone to its more potent derivative dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Excess production of DHT leads to prostate cancer and alopecia. The production of DTH can be reduced by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. Several 5-alpha reductase inhibitors were synthesized in the past and are marketed and used for the treatment of prostate cancer and baldness. The dosing of these drugs is between 1 to 5 mg/day. The low dosing of these drugs need special attention on quality control and quantitative estimation of drug in formulation and biological fluids. The details of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and the recent developments in their quantitative estimation have been compiled in the presented review.

Keywords: 5-?-reductae inhibitors, cancer, quantitative estimation.