Enzyme

5-Alpha Reductase

Provisional Strong Scoreenzyme

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Published March 18, 2026Last updated March 18, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

5-alpha reductase is an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), playing a crucial role in androgen metabolism. Inhibiting this enzyme helps reduce DHT levels, supporting prostate health and potentially slowing male pattern hair loss.

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Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategoryEnzyme

GroupEnzyme

Public Score StatusProvisional Strong

Primary Keyword5-alpha reductase inhibitor benefits

5-Alpha Reductase — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Regulates androgen levels by converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which helps maintain hormonal balance. - Supports prostate health by reducing DHT accumulation, lowering the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by up to 35% in clinical studies. - Influences hair growth and scalp health by modulating DHT, a key factor in male and female pattern hair loss. - Enhances skin health by balancing sebum production, reducing acne flare-ups linked to excess androgens. - Promotes reproductive health by ensuring optimal androgen activity, which is essential for libido and fertility. - May support cardiovascular wellness by influencing androgen-mediated lipid metabolism. - Helps maintain muscle mass and bone density by regulating androgenic effects on tissues. - Modulates mood and cognitive function through its impact on neurosteroids derived from androgen metabolism.

Origin & History

Natural habitat

5-Alpha Reductase is a metabolic enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent androgen. It is found in various tissues, including the prostate, skin, and liver, and plays a role in androgen metabolism.

“Identified in the mid-20th century, 5-alpha reductase has been studied for its role in androgen-related conditions.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Human trials and observational studies have explored its role in conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and androgenic alopecia.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Enzyme involved in steroid metabolism. - Converts testosterone to DHT. - Influences androgenic activity in tissues.

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

5-alpha reductase catalyzes the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) using NADPH as a cofactor. The enzyme exists in two isoforms: Type I (primarily in skin and liver) and Type II (concentrated in prostate tissue). DHT binds to androgen receptors with 3-5 times greater affinity than testosterone, making it the primary mediator of androgenic effects in target tissues.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

Large randomized controlled trials involving over 8,000 men demonstrated that 5-alpha reductase inhibitors reduce prostate volume by 18-28% and decrease BPH progression risk by 35-39%. Hair loss studies with 1,879 participants showed that finasteride (5mg daily) increased hair count by 10-12% over 2 years compared to placebo. Long-term safety data spans up to 7 years, though some studies report persistent sexual side effects in 2-4% of users. Evidence quality is high for prostate benefits and moderate for hair loss applications.

Also Known As

5α-reductaseSteroid 5α-reductase3-oxo-5α-steroid 4-dehydrogenaseDHT synthaseTestosterone 5α-reductase5ARType I and Type II 5α-reductase

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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