86 citations
,
March 1993 in “Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology” Finasteride affects male rat genitalia development, causing abnormalities during specific pregnancy days.
45 citations
,
February 2005 in “Steroids” Four new compounds were more effective than finasteride in treating prostate issues and hair loss, with one being 100 times more active and safe for use.
44 citations
,
January 2007 in “Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin” Black pepper leaf extract contains compounds that can block testosterone effects and promote hair growth.
44 citations
,
December 2005 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” Combining 5α-reductase and aromatase inhibitors may better reduce estrogen levels.
42 citations
,
May 2003 in “Mini-reviews in Medicinal Chemistry” New steroidal compounds could be effective for treating conditions related to 5α-reductase enzyme activity.
38 citations
,
January 2002 in “Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin” Lygodii Spora extract may help treat hair loss by blocking a hair loss-related enzyme and promoting hair growth.
35 citations
,
October 2004 in “Biology of Reproduction” PNU157706 reduced rat sperm movement and fertility without affecting offspring health.
34 citations
,
February 1993 in “Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology/The Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology” Certain 4-azasteroids are effective at blocking the enzyme that processes testosterone in human skin and could help treat acne, excessive hair growth, and male pattern baldness.
29 citations
,
April 2019 in “BMJ. British medical journal” Men taking dutasteride or finasteride have a slightly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
27 citations
,
May 2015 in “Neuropharmacology” Dutasteride protects dopamine neurons in Parkinson's mice, but Finasteride doesn't.
22 citations
,
June 2002 in “Journal of Medicinal Chemistry” Compounds 15, 20, and 25 are strong inhibitors of human steroid 5α-reductase type 2.
20 citations
,
March 2005 in “Current Medicinal Chemistry” New compounds show promise for treating hair loss, enlarged prostate, and prostate cancer, with some being more effective and having different side effects than current treatments.
17 citations
,
August 2011 in “Current Medicinal Chemistry” New treatments for enlarged prostate are being developed, some of which may be more effective than current medications.
14 citations
,
March 2018 in “Translational Stroke Research” Finasteride helps protect brain in old male rats.
12 citations
,
April 2018 in “Physiology & Behavior” Finasteride raises suicide-linked aggression and stops clozapine's positive effects in schizophrenia animals.
12 citations
,
February 2003 in “European Urology Supplements” Dutasteride reduces DHT more effectively than finasteride.
11 citations
,
December 2018 in “Assay and Drug Development Technologies” Natural herbal compounds might treat certain medical conditions by reducing DHT levels, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness and safety.
9 citations
,
October 1993 in “The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology” Finasteride doesn't affect antipyrine metabolism, so interactions with cytochrome P-450 enzyme drugs are unlikely.
8 citations
,
April 2021 in “Journal of Clinical Investigation” Finasteride reduces opioid use and withdrawal symptoms in animals.
8 citations
,
June 2020 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Taking 5α-reductase inhibitors with prednisolone can worsen its negative effects on metabolism.
7 citations
,
April 2015 in “General and Comparative Endocrinology” Finasteride negatively affects fish reproduction and gonadal development.
5 citations
,
August 2018 in “Sexual Medicine Reviews” 5α-Reductase inhibitors do not consistently increase testosterone levels in the blood.
4 citations
,
January 2016 in “Journal of analytical & bioanalytical techniques” The herbal hair gel could be a safe hair growth treatment with minimal side effects.
4 citations
,
September 2010 in “Medical Hypotheses”
2 citations
,
January 2025 in “Frontiers in Pharmacology” Purple corn extract may help reduce prostate enlargement and inflammation.
September 2025 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Using 5α-reductase inhibitors for hair loss in women doesn't increase cancer risk.
July 2012 in “The Journal of Urology” Testosterone increases muscle mass regardless of DHT conversion blocking.
April 2026 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology”
December 2025 in “Cureus” Using 5α-reductase inhibitors for hair loss may increase the risk of dry eye disease.
May 2025 in “OPAL (Open@LaTrobe) (La Trobe University)” Jamogenin and other compounds may help treat hair loss by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase.