Brassinosteroids

Brassinosteroids are plant steroid hormones structurally similar to cholesterol-derived animal steroids but distinct from ecdysteroids (insect hormones). The most studied include 24-epibrassinolide and 28-homobrassinolide. Preclinical evidence suggests anabolic activity: 28-homobrassinolide increased protein synthesis and lean body mass in rats without affecting reproductive organs. Cell studies show potential anticancer properties. However, NO human clinical trials exist. Dietary intake from mustard and brassica vegetables is far below pharmacologically active doses. Remains an unexplored research field in humans.

Quick Answer

What it is

Brassinosteroids are plant steroid hormones structurally similar to cholesterol-derived animal steroids but distinct from ecdysteroids (insect hormones). The most studied include 24-epibrassinolide and 28-homobrassinolide.

Key findings

  • Grade D: Antioxidant Status
  • Grade D: Muscle Protein Synthesis
  • Grade D: Cancer Cell Proliferation

Safety

  • 28-Homobrassinolide induced G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis with minimal toxicity to normal cells.
ℹ️ Quick Facts: Brassinosteroids

Quick Facts: Brassinosteroids

  • Best Evidence:Grade D
  • Conditions Studied:2
  • Research Outcomes:4
  • Key Effect:Antioxidant Status
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C0
D4
2 conditions · 4 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
D
Antioxidant Status
Brassinosteroids show moderate antioxidant capacity in cell-free and cell culture systems. Plant studies confirm brassinosteroids reinforce antioxidant defenses under stress conditions, but no human or mammalian in vivo antioxidant data exists.
small↑Improves
D
Muscle Protein Synthesis
In a rat study, oral 28-homobrassinolide (20 mg/kg) increased skeletal muscle protein synthesis by approximately 15% and improved lean body mass without affecting androgenic tissues, acting via the PI3K/Akt pathway rather than the androgen receptor. A 2023 multi-level comparative analysis confirmed biological activity of 28-homobrassinolide across multiple endpoints.
moderate↑Improves
D
Cancer Cell Proliferation
In vitro studies show brassinosteroids inhibit proliferation of multiple human cancer cell lines including breast (MCF-7), prostate (LNCaP), and colon cancer cells. 28-Homobrassinolide induced G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis with minimal toxicity to normal cells. No human data exists.
moderate↓Worsens
D
Antiviral Activity
In cell culture studies, certain brassinosteroids demonstrated antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), measles virus, and arenaviruses. No animal or human studies have confirmed these effects in vivo.
small↑Improves

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