CHED 1349 |
| Plant-derived compounds such as isoflavones, flavones, and lignans have been proposed as the cancer-protective agents in populations exhibiting low incidences of prostate disease. Plant products may contain isoflavones such as genistein with estrogenic and non-estrogenic properties that could influence both endocrine and growth-factor-signaling pathways within the prostate. Anecdotal reports suggest that Bizzy Nut may be useful for a number of medical purposes, including prevention of prostate cancer. Thus, the goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of an acetone extract of this common herbal medicine on prostate function. We examined the effect of an acetone extract of Bizzy Nut on prostate by assessing its effect on the growth of LNCaP cells, production and secretion of prostate secretory protein, androgen receptor status, and induction of androgen dependent genes. The Acetone extract of Bizzy Nut elicited a dose and time-dependent inhibition of LNCaP cells with GI50 of 50ppm. Secretion of PSA, a biomarker of prostate function, was inhibited by 2-fold within 24hr exposure to the Bizzy Nut extract. Furthermore, the acetone extract of Bizzy resulted in a down–regulation of 5a-reductase type II in LNCaP cells. Taken together, these results suggest that Bizzy Nut may prevent prostate cancer by interfering with prostate cell growth. |
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Medicinal
2:00 PM-4:00 PM, Monday, March 26, 2007 Hyatt Regency Chicago -- Riverside Center, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |