Naturally Occurring Anti-Androgens
Red reishi, which has been shown to reduce levels 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that facilitates conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Licorice, which has phytoestrogen effects and reduces testosterone levels.
Chinese peony, which promotes the aromatization of testosterone into estrogen;
Green tea, which contains epigallocatechins and also inhibits 5-alpha reductase, thereby reducing the conversion of normal testosterone into the more potent DHT.
Black cohosh, which has been shown to kill both androgenresponsive and non-responsive human prostate cancer cells.
Chaste tree, which has a reduces prolactin from the anterior pituitary.
Saw palmetto extract, which is used as an anti-androgen although it shown no difference in comparison to placebo in clinical trials.
Details: Plant-Derived Anti-Androgen Therapies
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
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.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice is a flavorful substance that has been used in food and medicinal remedies for thousands of years. It is also known as “sweet root,” licorice root contains a compound that is about 50 times sweeter than sugar. It has been used in both Eastern and Western medicine to treat a variety of illnesses ranging from the common cold to liver disease. Licorice affects the endocrine system because it contains isoflavones (phytoestrogens), which are chemicals found in plants that may mimic the effects of estrogen and relieve menopausal symptoms and menstrual disorders. Licorice may also reduce testosterone levels, which can contribute to hirsutism in women.
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. 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.
White Peony (Paeonia lactiflora)
Chinese peony is a widely grown ornamental plant with several hundred selected cultivars. Many of the cultivars have double flowers with the stamens modified into additional petals. 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 .To date, there have been no studies that translate or explore the clinical effects.
Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
In addition to supporting the cardiovascular system and somewhat reducing the risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes, 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 acne, and hair loss. As yet, no randomized controlled trials of green tea for these androgen dependent conditions have been conducted.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata [Labiatae])
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. One study has shown 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. It is possible that sustained daily use of spearmint tea could result in further abatement of hirsutism.
Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) is a plant of the buttercup family. 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.
Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)
Chaste tree (or chasteberry) is a native of the Mediterranean region and is traditionally used to correct hormone imbalances. In ancient times, it was believed to be an anaphrodisiac, hence the name chaste tree. Clinical studies have demonstrated effectiveness of medications produced from extract of the plant in the management of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and cyclical mastalgia. The mechanism of action is presumed to be via dopaminergic effects resulting in changes of prolactin secretion from the anterior pituitary. At low doses, it blocks the activation of D2 receptors in the brain by competitive binding, causing a slight increase in prolactin release. In higher concentrations, the binding activity is sufficient to reduce the release of prolactin.
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)
Saw palmetto is a small palm tree native to eastern regions of the United States. 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 androgenic alopecia and PCOS.
Summary of Effects of Plant Derived Anti-Androgens
Red Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reduction in 5-alpha-reducatase enzyme activity, reduction in DHT levels
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Reduction in total testosterone levels (effect on free testosterone levels not clear)
White Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) Paeoniflorin
Inhibits the production of testosterone and promotes the activity of aromatase - the enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen
Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis)
Contains chemicals epigallocatechins, which inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, and thereby reduce the conversion of normal testosterone into the more potent DHT
Spearmint (Mentha spicata[Labiatae])
Decreases free testosterone, increases LH, FSH and estradiol. Reduction in patient reported measures of hirsutism
Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
Black cohosh extract has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of human breast cancer cells and kill both androgen-responsive and unresponsive human prostate cancer cells by induction of apoptosis and activation of caspases.
Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)
Clinical studies have demonstrated effectiveness of medications produced from extract of the plant in the management of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and cyclical breast pain (mastalgia) as well reduction of mild hyperprolactinemia.
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)
Summary
There is now a small amount of data showing that androgen, prolactin, and gonadotropin levels can be biochemically modulated by the active compounds contained within these natural sources.
Further work is clearly needed before the use of such compounds becomes part of routine practice.
There is currently a paucity of high quality data derived from rigorously conducted trials. However, there are a few clinical and pre-clinical studies, although small in number, that have demonstrated that some natural anti-androgens address the underlying pathophysiology and can have effects on endocrine mediated disorders.
What is now required are several larger, well-controlled, randomized studies aimed at proving their efficacy. While this group of treatments may be slow to find favor and may not be used first line, it does at least appear to be more acceptable to patients because of its perceived more natural origins.
Foods to Lower Androgens
Nuts
Nuts of any type are great for PCOS. Research has indicated that the monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found in nuts have been shown to improve androgens as well as insulin and cholesterol levels in women with PCOS.
Fish
There is some evidence regarding the effect of omega-3 intake on androgen levels in women with PCOS. In a study published in Iran Journal of Reproductive Medicine, overweight women with PCOS were randomized to receive omega-3 (3grams per day) or a placebo for 8 weeks. Testosterone concentration was significantly lower in the omega-3 group compared with placebo, after supplementation. After the trial, the percentage of regular menstruation in the omega-3 group was more than the placebo group (47.2% vs. 22.9%).
Fish, in particular, cold water fish, are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Examples of these types of fish include salmon, tuna, and trout.
Tea
Studies have shown drinking tea (hot or iced) may help improve PCOS symptoms. Spearmint tea, for example, has been shown to have anti-androgen effects in PCOS and can reduce hirsutism
Marjoram herb is reputed for its ability to restore hormonal balance and to regulate the menstrual cycle. A study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Diet investigated the effects of marjoram tea on the hormonal profile of women with PCOS. Women who were assigned to receive marjoram tea twice a day for one month were found to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the levels of adrenal androgens compared to a placebo tea.
Red Reishi Mushrooms
Flaxseed
Flaxseed has been shown to reduce androgen levels in men with prostate cancer. In a case study involving a 31-year old woman with PCOS, flaxseed supplementation (30 g/day) reduced total and free testosterone. The patient also reported a decrease in hirsutism at the completion of the study period.8 Further research of flaxseed supplementation on hormonal levels in women with PCOS are warranted.
Supplements to Decrease Testosterone Naturally
DIM 120mg
Calcium D Glucarate 200mg
Spearmint tea 2 cups per day
Black Cohosh 40mg BID
Saw Palmetto 160mg BID
Chaste Tree (Vitex) 20-40mg per day
Probiotic containing Bifidobacterium lactis