A Review on Steroidal 5α-Reductase Inhibitors for Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a kind of common noncancerous prostate gland enlargement with growing tendency in recent years. 5 alpha-reductase is the key enzyme responsible for dihydrotestosterone biosynthesis and has been considered as an important target for designing inhibitors as potent therapeutic agents for BPH. Finasteride, the first steroidal 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, has been marketed worldwide as a drug for BPH. During these years, many other novel types of 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors are being studied. This review summarizes recent advancement in steroidal 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors.