Antioxidant activity of disoscorea and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in older humans

Mohsen Araghiniknam, Sangbun Chung, Tresa Nelson-White, Cleamond Eskelson, Ronald R. Watson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

125 Scopus citations

Abstract

Dioscorea is a yam steroid extract used in commercial steroid synthesis and consumed by people. DHEA is a steroid which declines with age, but without known activity. This study was designed to determine whether dioscorea supplementation could increase serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in humans and modulate lipid levels in older people. The subjects were selected volunteers aged 65-82 years. The serum DHEAS level, lipid peroxidation and lipid profile were assessed. Three weeks of dioscorea supplementation had no affect on serum DHEAS level. However DHEA intake of 85 mg/day increased serum DHEA levels 100.3%. DHEA and dioscorea significantly reduced serum lipid peroxidation, lowered serum triglycerides, phospholipid and increased HDL levels. Both DHEA and the steroid yam extract, dioscorea, have significant activities as antioxidant to modify serum lipid levels.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)PL147-PL157
JournalLife Sciences
Volume59
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 9 1996

Keywords

  • DHEA
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone
  • Dioscorea
  • Lipids
  • Oxidative damage
  • Yam

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Antioxidant activity of disoscorea and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in older humans'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this