Abstract

Ecdysteroids are a group of steroids synthesized in inver- tebrates as molting hormones and also in some plants as secondary metabolites acting as a defense against parasites. These compounds do not naturally occur in mammals and are not structurally related to mammalian steroid hor- mones, consequently do not activate mammalian hormone receptors. Ecdysteroids exhibit very low toxicity to mam- mals and to date no serious side effects after intake of these compounds have been reported. Plant extracts containing ecdysteroids (i.e. 20-hydroxyecdysone, α-ecdysone, inokos- terone, makisterone) have been used as remedies in folk medicine for centuries. The most popular extracts are from Leuzea carthamoides and are believed to exhibit such thera- peutic effects as: tonic, roborant, adaptogenic, antidepres- sive, anticancerogenic and body strengthening after physi- cal and mental efforts. The unique medicinal properties of L. carthamoides result from its multicomponent and complex composition. These plants contain bioactive compounds belonging to other classes such as phytosterols, flavones, steroids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpernes, diterpe- noids, sesquiterpene lactones, thiophens, antocyanins and tannins, but the exact composition and the mode of ac- tion of these compounds, individual or in combination, is still little known. Over past few years, many possible uses of ecdysteroid containing extracts in healthcare have been suggested. The most interesting approach is their application in gene-switch therapy and in gene expression regulation. Ecdysteroids employed in gene therapy have been shown to allow a rapid, precise and reversible induction or suppression of therapeutic genes. This may open the new perspectives in treatment of genetically predisposed diseases and also in cancer prevention, especially when deregulation of particular gene activity is a risk factor.

Authors (3)