The selectivity and specificity of the actions of the lipido-sterolic extract of serenoa repens (Permixon (R)) on the prostate

Purpose: To investigate the effects of the phytotherapeutic agent, Permixon (R), on primary cultures of fibroblast and epithelial cells from the prosta te, epididymis, testes, kidney, skin and breast and to determine the select ivity and specificity of the action of the drug. Materials and Methods: All primary cultures were examined by electron micro scopy before and following treatment with Permixon(R) (10 mu g./ml.). In ad dition the apoptotic index was assessed by flow cytometry employing propidi um iodide as a fluorophore. The impact of the drug on 5 alpha- reductase (5 alpha R) isoenzymes was also tested utilizing a pH specific assay. Results: There were changes in the morphology of prostate cells after treat ment including accumulation of lipid in the cytoplasm and damage to the nuc lear and mitochondrial membranes; no similar changes were observed in other cells. Permixon(R) increased the apoptotic index fur prostate epithelial c ells by 35% and 12% in the prostate stromal/fibroblast. A lesser apoptotic effect was demonstrated in skin fibroblast (3%) whereas none of the other p rimary cultures showed any increase in apoptosis when compared with the con trols. Permixon(R) was also an effective inhibitor of both 5 alpha R type l and II isoenzymes in prostate cells, but ether cells showed no inhibition o f 5 alpha R activity following treatment with the plant extract. Conclusions: This investigation demonstrated the selectivity of the action of Permixon(R) for prostate cells. The morphological changes in the prostat e are accompanied by an increase in the apoptotic index along with an inhib ition in the activity of the nuclear membrane bound 5 alpha R isoenzymes. N o similar changes were observed in any of the other cells under investigati on.