Cistanche Tubulosa increases 5ar 2 gene expression 2-15 fold in the liver.
I have just ordered a few herbs to start the protocol.
I have been doing some research on each to check that none of them have any similar action to Saw Palmetto or Nettle root and I came across this interesting study.
1. The effect on male hormone production gene expression in the liver
Influence of Cistanche Tubulosa extract (CT Ext.) on the expression of genes of
enzymes involved in the synthesis of male hormone (testosterone) and its active form
(dihydrotestosterone) in the liver was examined. Cistanche Tubulosa extract (400
mg/kg) was administered to mice once a day for two weeks and the total RNA in the
liver was derived. DNA micro array analysis was conducted on one specimen each of
the control group and Cistanche Tubulosa extract administration group. In the specimen
from the Cistanche Tubulosa extract administration group, the expression of
3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), which is involved in testosterone, was
enhanced by 1.5 times. The expression of the genes of steroid 5α-reductase 2 and
aldo-keto reductase, which the synthesis of dihydrotestosterone, doubled (Fig. 35). Then,
the expression of genes not included in the targets of micro array analysis, except for
C17-20 lyase, was examined by RT-PCR. As a result, the gene expression of P450 SCC,
17α-hydroxylase, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and steroid 5α-reductase 2 was
enhanced (Fig. 36). Especially, gene expression of 5α-reductase 2 was 15 times higher
as compared to the control group. These results clarified that Cistanche Tubulosa extract
(400 mg/kg) enhances the expression of genes of enzymes involved in the production of
male hormone in the liver.
Page 34
http://www.oryza.co.jp/html/english/...a%20ver1.0.pdf
That study shows a lot of other interesting finds regarding neurotransmitters etc. Most of the things would be beneficial to someone with PFS. Not getting my hopes up but it would be nice to have some sort of relief even if it is only temporary.
I believe Saw Palmetto did a number on my liver. Before crashing my SHBG was around 30 nmol/l. Now it does not go much below 49. Maybe this and Tongkat Ali could help me in this area.
Anyway, I figured it would be of interest to some of you.
I will keep you posted.
