Method of inhibiting 5alpha-reductase with astaxanthin

摘要

A method for inhibiting the activity of the enzyme 5alpha-reductase in a human subject is provided which comprises administering to the subject a composition comprising the carotenoid astaxanthin. Administration of the composition to inhibit the enzyme is useful to prevent and treat benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer in human males.