Efficacy and tolerability of Roystonea regia lipid extract (D-004) and terazosin in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia: a 6-month study.

BACKGROUND: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common urological disease in aging men, frequently produces lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Clinical studies have shown that terazosin relaxes the smooth muscle of the prostate and bladder, facilitates bladder emptying, improves LUTS, increases maximum urinary flow, and reduces the residual volume of urine. D-004, a lipid extract of the fruit of the Cuban royal palm (Roystonea regia), presents a similar efficacy to Saw palmetto. Clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy and safety in short- and medium-term trials in patients with BPH. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of D-004 with terazosin for 6 months on LUTS in patients with BPH. METHODS: The present phase III study had an open, randomized, comparative design, with two parallel groups who received D-004 (320 mg/day) or terazosin (5 mg/day) for 6 months. The study included men at least 50 years of age, with evidence of the LUTS of moderate intensity according to the International Symptoms of the Prostate (IPSS). The effects on the IPSS Scale was the primary efficacy variable. The effects on the size of the prostate and the residual volume were secondary variables. The subjective self-perception of symptom relief at trial completion was a collateral outcome. Analysis was done by intention-to-treat. RESULTS: The study included 100 men with a diagnosis of BPH, confirmed by digital rectal examination and ultrasonography, and moderate LUTS (IPSS score >7, <19). Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Nine patients did not continue the study: one from group D-004 (due to protocol violation) and eight from the terazosin group (six due to adverse events and two due to protocol violation; p < 0.01). D-004 and terazosin significantly reduced the IPSS scores at the end of the 6 months of therapy by 74.2% and 66.1%, respectively, with respect to baseline values. Comparisons between groups performed showed that, at the end of the treatment, D-004 was more effective (p < 0.05) than terazosin in reducing the IPSS score. Although the average size of the prostate was reduced in both groups, this reduction reached statistical significance only for D-004. On the other hand, postvoid residual volume was significantly and similarly reduced in both groups. Both treatments were safe, while D-004 was better tolerated than terazosin. CONCLUSIONS: D-004 administered at a dose of 320 mg/day for 6 months showed comparable efficacy with terazosin (5 mg/day) in reducing the LUTS (IPSS score), producing a significant decrease in prostate volume and postvoid residual volume. Both treatments were safe, with better tolerability for D-004 as compared with terazosin.

Estabilidad del D-004 ingrediente activo en frascos de polietileno de alta densidad / Stability of D-004 active ingredient in high density polyethylene flasks

Introducción: el D-004 es un ingrediente farmacéutico activo obtenido de los frutos de la palma real cubana (Roystonea regia), compuesto fundamentalmente por una mezcla de ácidos grasos libres entre 8 y 18 átomos de carbono, con potencialidades en el tratamiento de la hiperplasia prostática benigna. Objetivo: determinar la vida útil del D‒004 en frascos de polietileno de alta densidad en las zonas climáticas IV y II. Métodos: muestras de tres lotes pilotos de D-004, envasadas en frascos blancos de polietileno de alta densidad y protegidos por cajas de cartón, se colocaron en las condiciones de las zonas climáticas IV (30 ºC/70 % HR) y II (25 ºC/60 % HR). Se determinaron las características organolépticas y los contenidos de material insaponificable, ácidos grasos y microbiológicos desde el tiempo inicial hasta los 36 meses, y se determinaron gráficamente los tiempos de vida útil en ambas zonas. Resultados: en las dos zonas climáticas el D‒004 cumplió con los parámetros de estabilidad evaluados durante los primeros 33 meses, pero a los 36 meses el contenido de ácidos fue inferior al límite establecido en varias de las muestras. Los análisis de regresión permitieron determinar tiempos de vida útil del D‒004 en las zonas IV y II. Conclusiones: se demostró que el ingrediente activo D‒004 que se obtuvo a escala piloto, se envasa en frascos de polietileno de alta densidad y protegido por un envase secundario (caja de cartón), presenta una vida útil de 30 y 32 meses en las zonas climáticas IV y II, respectivamente(AU)

Introduction: D­004 is a pharmaceutical active ingredient obtained from the Cuban royal palm fruits (Roystonea regia), mainly composed by a mixture of free fatty acids between 8 and 18 carbon atoms, potentially useful to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. Objective: to determine the shelf life of D­004 in high-density polyethylene flasks in climatic zones IV and II. Methods: samples of three pilot batches of D­004, packed in white high-density polyethylene flasks and protected by cardboard boxes, were placed under conditions of the climatic zones IV (30 ºC/70 % RH) and II (25 ºC / 60 % RH). Organoleptic characteristics and unsaponifiable matter, fatty acids and microbiological contents were determined from the initial time till 36 months, and shelf lives were graphically determined in both zones. Results: in the two climatic zones, the D­004 fulfilled the tested stability parameters during the first 33 months, but at the month 36th, the acid content in several samples was lower than the set limit. The regression analyses allowed determining the shelf lives of D­004 in climatic zones IV and II. Conclusions: it was demonstrated that the active ingredient D­004, obtained at pilot scale, packed in high density polyethylene flasks and protected by a secondary container (cardboard box), exhibits a shelf life of 30 and 32 months in the climatic zones IV and II, respectively(AU)

D-004 ameliorates phenylephrine-induced urodynamic changes and increased prostate and bladder oxidative stress in rats.

BACKGROUND: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) mainly depend on alpha1-adrenoreceptors (α1-ADR) stimulation, but a link with oxidative stress (OS) is also involved. D-004, a lipid extract of Roystonea regia fruits, antagonizes ADR-induced responses and produces antioxidant effects. The objective of this study was to investigate whether D-004 produce antioxidant effects in rats with phenylephrine (PHE)-induced urodynamic changes. METHODS: Rats were randomized into eight groups (ten rats/group): a negative vehicle control and seven groups injected with PHE: a positive control, three treated with D-004 (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) and three others with tamsulosin (0.4 mg/kg), grape seed extract (GSE) (250 mg/kg) and vitamin E (VE) (250 mg/kg), respectively. RESULTS: Effects on urinary total volume (UTV), volume voided per micturition (VM), malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl groups (CG) concentrations in prostate and bladder homogenates were study outcomes. While VM and UTV lowered significantly in the positive control as compared to the negative control group, the opposite occurred with prostate and bladder MDA and CG values. D-004 (200-800 mg/kg) increased significantly both VM and UTV, lowered significantly MDA in prostate and bladder homogenates, and reduced GC levels only in the prostate. Tamsulosin increased significantly VM and UTV, but unchanged oxidative variables. GSE and VE unchanged the UTV, whereas VE, not GSE, modestly but significantly attenuated the PHE-induced decrease of VM. CONCLUSIONS: Single oral administration of D-004 (200-800 mg/kg) was the only treatment that ameliorated the urodynamic changes and reduced increased oxidative variables in the prostate of rats with PHE-induced prostate hyperplasia.

Carcinogenicidad del D-004 en ratas Srague Dawley: informe parcial a los 18 meses / Carcinogenicity of D-004 in Sprague Dawley rats: a partial report at 18 months

INTRODUCCIÓN. el D-004, extracto lipídico del fruto de Roystonea regia (palma real), constituido por una mezcla reproducible de ácidos grasos -principalmente oleico, palmítico, láurico y mirístico- ha mostrado ser efectivo en modelos experimentales de hiperplasia prostática. OBJETIVO. resumir los resultados parciales (18 meses) del estudio de carcinogenicidad por exposición repetida y prolongada del D-004 en ratas Sprague Dawley, el cual culminará al concluir el tiempo establecido (24 meses). MÉTODOS. ratas Sprague Dawley de uno y otro sexo fueron distribuidas aleatoriamente en cuatro grupos (50 ratas/sexo/grupo): uno control de vehículo y tres tratados con D-004 (500, 1000 y 1500 mg/kg, respectivamente). Los tratamientos se administraron oralmente por intubación gástrica. Este reporte incluye los resultados de peso corporal, observaciones clínicas, mortalidad y frecuencia de aparición de tumores hasta ese momento (18 meses). RESULTADOS. la frecuencia de mortalidad es baja: en los grupos tratados fue de un 8,3 % por un 9 % en los controles. No se evidencia una disminución en el tiempo de supervivencia y las observaciones diarias no revelaron signos indicativos de toxicidad atribuibles al tratamiento. Además, el momento de aparición de tumores y la frecuencia de estos en los animales tratados y en los controles fueron estadísticamente similares en ambos sexos. CONCLUSIONES. en conclusión, la administración oral de D-004 (500-1500 mg/kg) a las ratas no mostró, durante los primeros 18 meses del estudio, evidencias de toxicidad o carcinogenicidad temprana relacionadas con el tratamiento

INTRODUCTION: D-004, a lipid extract from royal palm (Roystonea regia) fruit constituted by a reproducible mixture of fatty acids, mainly oleic, palmitic, lauric and myristic, has shown to be effective in experimental models of prostate hyperplasia. OBJECTIVE: summarize the partial results (18 months) of the study on carcinogenicity by repeated and long-term exposure of Sprague Dawley rats to D-004, to be completed in the planned period of 24 months. METHODS: sprague Dawley rats of both sexes were randomly distributed into four groups (50 rats / sex / group): one group was the vehicle control and three were treated with D-004 (500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg, respectively). Treatments were administered orally by gastric intubation. This report includes the results obtained so far (18 months) concerning body weight, clinical observations, mortality and frequency of appearance of tumors. RESULTS: mortality is low: 8.3% in treatment groups and 9% in controls. A reduction in survival time was not observed, and daily observations did not reveal any signs of toxicity attributable to the treatment. The time of appearance and the frequency of tumors in treated animals and controls were statistically similar in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: oral administration of D-004 (500­1500 mg/kg) to rats during the first 18 months of the study did not show any evidence of early carcinogenicity or toxicity associated with the treatment.

Carcinogenicidad del D-004 en ratas Sprague Dawley. Reporte parcial a los 18 meses / Carcinogenicity of D-004 in Sprague Dawley rats. A partial report at 18 months

Introducción: el D-004, un extracto lipídico del fruto de la palma real, Roystonea regia, constituido por una mezcla reproducible de ácidos grasos, principalmente oleico, palmítico, láurico y mirístico, ha mostrado prevenir la hiperplasia prostática (HP) inducida con T en roedores y actúa mediante un mecanismo multifactorial que implica la inhibición de 5a-reductasa prostática, el antagonismo de las respuestas mediadas por los a1-ADR, efectos anti-inflamatorios y antioxidantes. Objetivo: el presente trabajo tiene como propósito resumir los resultados parciales (18 meses) del estudio de carcinogenicidad a largo plazo del D-004 en ratas, el cual culminará con el tiempo establecido de 24 meses. Métodos: se distribuyeron ratas Sprague Dawley (SD) de ambos sexos aleatoriamente, en cuatro grupos (50 ratas/sexo/grupo): un grupo como control de vehículo, y tres tratados con D-004 (500, 1 000 y 1 500 mg/kg, respectivamente). Los tratamientos se administraron por intubación gástrica. Este reporte incluye los resultados de peso corporal, observaciones clínicas, mortalidad y frecuencia de aparición de tumores hasta ese momento. Resultados: la frecuencia de mortalidad es baja, en los grupos tratados fue de un 8.3 por ciento por un 9 por ciento en los controles, no se evidencia disminución en el tiempo de supervivencia y las observaciones diarias no revelaron signos indicativos de toxicidad atribuibles al tratamiento. Además, el momento de aparición y la frecuencia de tumores en animales tratados y controles fueron estadísticamente similares en ambos sexos. Conclusiones: en conclusión, la administración de D-004 (5001500 mg/kg) a ratas durante los primeros 18 meses del estudio, no mostró evidencias de toxicidad o carcinogenicidad temprana relacionadas con el tratamiento

Introduction: D-004, a lipid extract from royal palm (Roystonea regia) fruit made up of a reproducible mixture of fatty acids, mainly oleic, palmitic, lauric and myristic, has shown to prevent prostate hyperplasia (PH) induced by T in rodents. It acts through a multifactorial mechanism involving prostatic 5a-reductase inhibition, antagonism of a1-ADR-mediated responses, and antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects. Objective: the paper is aimed at summarizing the partial results (18 months) of the long-term carcinogenicity study of D-004 in rats, which is set to conclude in the established 24-month period. Method: Sprague Dawley (SD) rats of both sexes were randomly distributed into four groups (50 rats/sex/group): one group as vehicle control and three treated with D-004 (500, 1 000 and 1 500 mg/kg, respectively). Treatments were administered by gastric intubation. This report presents the results obtained so far concerning body weight, clinical observations, mortality and frequency of appearance of tumors. Results: mortality rate is low: 8.3 percent in the treated groups and 9 percent among controls. No evidence was found of survival time reduction, and daily observations did not reveal any signs of toxicity attributable to the treatment. The time of appearance and the frequency of tumors in treated animals and controls were statistically similar in both sexes. Conclusions: administration of D-004 (5001 500 mg/kg) to rats during the first 18 months of the study did not show any evidence of early carcinogenicity or toxicity associated with the treatment

Comparación de los efectos del D-004, imipramina y sertralina en el modelo de nado forzado en ratones / Comparative effects of D-004, Imipramine and Sertraline in the forced swimming test in mice

Introducción: La finasterida, inhibidor de la 5 a-reductasa, se emplea en el tratamiento de la hiperplasia prostática benigna, y ocasiona entre sus efectos adversos un aumento de cuadros de depresión. El D-004 es un extracto lipídico extraído a partir del fruto de la palma real (Roystonea regia), inhibe la 5 a-reductasa y previene la hiperplasia prostática benigna, y muestra un efecto antidepresivo moderado en el ensayo de nado forzado y suspensión por la cola. Objetivo: comparar el efecto del D-004 con la imipramina y la sertralina sobre la duración de las conductas de inmovilidad, nado y escalado en el ensayo de nado forzado. Métodos: se distribuyeron los ratones en ocho grupos: control (vehículo), tres tratados con D-004 (100, 250 y 500 mg/kg), dos con sertralina y dos con imipramina (30 y 50 mg/kg) respectivamente. Estos se colocaron en un cilindro de cristal que contenía agua a una altura de 6 cm y se cuantificaron las conductas. Resultados: la administración oral de D-004 (100, 250 y 500 mg/kg) durante 14 días redujo significativamente el tiempo de inmovilidad con respecto al grupo control (17, 22 y 25 porciento) y aumentó significativamente la conducta de nado en 1,58, 1,68 y 1,74 veces. Este efecto resulta moderado (25 porciento) comparado con las reducciones alcanzadas por la sertralina y la imipramina (³ 60 porciento). Las dosis mayores (250 y 500 mg/kg) ocasionaron incrementos de la conducta de escalado, 2,79 y 3,55 veces superiores a la del grupo control, lo que mostró semejanza con la imipramina, aunque con una menor eficacia. Conclusiones: el D-004 ejerce un moderado efecto antidepresivo, lo que pudiera contribuir al manejo de los pacientes con hiperplasia prostática benigna en los cuales se informa coincidencia de cuadros depresivos

Introduction: Finasteride is a 5 a-reductase inhibitor to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and one of the adverse effects is the increase of depressive symptoms. D-004 is a lipid extract from the real palm fruit (Roystonea regia) that is effective to prevent prostatic hyperplasia by inhibiting 5 a-reductase and shows moderate antidepressant effects in the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test. Objective: to compare the effects of D-004, Imipramine and Sertraline on the duration of behaviours under conditions of immobility, swimming and climbing in the forced swimming test. Methods: mice were randomly distributed in 8 groups: control (vehicle), 3 treated with D-004 (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg), 2 with Sertraline and 2 with Imipramine (30 and 50 mg/kg) respectively. Mice were placed in a glass cylinder containing 6 cm high column of water and their behaviours were quantified. Results: oral administration of D-004 (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg) during 14 days reduced the length of time of immobility with respect to the control group (17, 22 and 25 percent), and significantly increased the behaviours at swimming by 1.58, 1.68 and 1.74 times. This is a moderate effect (25 percento) if compared with Sertraline and Imipramine (³ 60 percent) The doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg showed that climbing behaviours were 2.79 and 3.55 times higher than the control group. The results were similar to those of Imipramine but less effective. Conclusions: D-004 showed moderate antidepressant effect. This fact could help in the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, who reported similar depressive status

Determinación de alcoholes grasos en el ingrediente activo D004 por cromatografía de gases-espectrometría de masas / Determination of fatty alcohols in D-004 active ingredient by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Introducción: el D004, nuevo extracto lipídico purificado a partir de los frutos de la palma real cubana (Roystonea regia [Kunth] F. Cook), ha mostrado ser efectivo en modelos experimentales de hiperplasia prostática, y ha mostrado efectos antioxidantes y antiiflamatorios. Objetivos: identificar los alcoholes que pudieran estar presentes en el ingrediente activo D004 utilizando la cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masa. Métodos: muestras de 9 lotes de D004 se sometieron a saponificación con una disolución de KOH/EtOH y las fracciones insaponificables fueron extraídas con n-hexano. Los alcoholes se analizaron como derivados trimetilsilil, obtenidos por reacción con N-metil, N-trimetilsilil trifluoroacetamida. La cuantificación se basó en el empleo de 1-eicosanol como patrón interno. Resultados: el D004 presenta un contenido total de alcoholes entre 0,18 y 5,10 por ciento. Esta fracción está compuesta principalmente por 1-octacosanol (52,94 por ciento), 1-triacontanol (25,91 por ciento) y 1-hexacosanol (14,40 por ciento); y presenta como componentes minoritarios: 1-docosanol, 1-tricosanol, 1-tetracosanol, 1-pentacosanol, 1-heptacosanol, 1-nonacosanol, 1-dotriacontanol, 1-tetratriacontanol, 1-tetradecanol, 1-pentadecanol, 1-hexadecanol, 1-octadecanol y 1-eicosanol, los seis últimos en niveles de trazas. Conclusiones: se identificaron y se cuantificaron mediante cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masa los alcoholes grasos en el ingrediente activo D004. Los componentes mayoritarios fueron 1-octacosanol, 1-triacontanol y 1-hexacosanol

Introduction: D004, a new lipid extract purified from the Cuban royal palm (Roystonea regia [Kunth] F. Cook) fruits, has been shown to be effective in experimental models of prostate hyperplasia, and to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Objectives: to identify the fatty alcohols that could be present in D004 active ingredient using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Methods: samples of nine batches of D004 were submitted to saponification with KOH/EtOH solution and the unsaponifiable fractions were extracted with n-hexane. The alcohols were analyzed as trimetilsilil derivatives, which were obtained by reaction with MSTFA. The quantification was carried out by the internal standard method using 1-eicosanol. Results: the total content of alcohols in D004 ranged from 0,18 to 5,10 percent. This fraction was mainly composed of 1-octacosanol (52,94 percent), 1-triacontanol (25,91 percent), and 1-hexacosanol (14,40 percent); whereas the minority components were 1-docosanol, 1-tricosanol, 1-tetracosanol, 1-pentacosanol, 1-heptacosanol, 1-nonacosanol, 1-dotriacontanol 1-tetratriacontanol, 1-tetradecanol, 1-pentadecanol, 1-hexadecanol, 1-octadecanol and 1-eicosanol were minor components, being the last six alcohols present in trace levels. Conclusions: fatty alcohols were identified and quantified in D004 active ingredient by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The major components were 1-octacosanol, 1-triacontanol and 1-hexacosanol

Estudio del D-004 sobre la defensa antioxidante endógena en ratas con hiperplasia prostática inducida por inyección de testosterona / Study of D-004 on the endogenous antioxidant defence in rats presenting with prostate hyperplasia induced by testosterone injection

La hiperplasia prostàtica benigna, enfermedad común en hombres mayores de 50 años de edad, se caracteriza por el crecimiento incontrolado de la glàndula prostàtica y la presencia de síntomas del tracto bajo urinario. El estrés oxidativo ha sido recientemente asociado con la causa de esta enfermedad. El D-004, extracto lipídico del fruto de la Roystonea regia, ha mostrado reducir la hiperplasia prostàtica inducida por testosterona en roedores y producir efectos antioxidantes in vitro e in vivo, pero sus efectos sobre las enzimas del sistema antioxidante endógeno no han sido estudiados. Este trabajo investigó los efectos del tratamiento oral con D-004, durante 14 días, sobre las enzimas superóxido dismutasa y catalasa en ratas con hiperplasia prostàtica inducida por testosterona. Los animales se distribuyeron en 4 grupos: un control negativo y tres inyectados con testosterona: uno tratado con el vehículo (control positivo) y dos con D-004 (400 y 800 mg/kg, respectivamente). Se determinó la capacidad antioxidante total del plasma y las actividades de las enzimas superóxido dismutasa y catalasa en eritocitos lisados y plasma, respectivamente. El tratamiento oral con D-004 (400 y 800 mg/kg) previno de modo marcado y significativo el agrandamiento de la próstata inducido con testosterona en ratas, y aumentó significativamente la capacidad antioxidante del plasma y la actividad de la catalasa, sin modificar la actividad de la superóxido dismutasa. Estos resultados sugieren que la actividad antioxidante del D-004 està relacionada, al menos parcialmente, con la estimulación de algunas enzimas del sistema antioxidante endógeno.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, a common disease in men aged over 50 is characterized by uncontrolled growth of prostatic gland and the presence of low urinary tract symptoms. The oxidative stress has been recently associated with the disease cause. The D-004, a lipid extract from Roystonea regia, reduces the prostatic hyperplasia induced by testosterone in rodents and to produce in vitro and in vivo antioxidant effects nut its effects on endogenous antioxidant4e system enzymes haven't been studied. Present paper researched the effects of D-004 oral treatment over 14 days on dismutase and catalase superoxide enzymes in rats with prostatic hyperplasia induced by testosterone. Animals were randomized distributed into 4 groups: a negative control ant three-testosterone injected: one treated with the vehicle (positive control) and two with D-004 (400 and 800 mg/kg, respectively). The plasma total antioxidant ability was determined as well as the activity of catalase and dismutase superoxide enzymes in lysed erythrocyte and plasma, respectively. D-004 (400 and 800 mg/kg) oral treatment markedly and significantly prevented the prostate enlargement induced with testosterone in rats and increased very much the plasma antioxidant activity and of catalase, without modify the superoxide dismutase. These results suggest that D-004 antioxidant activity is partially related to stimulation of some enzymes of the endogenous antioxidant system.

Efecto del D-004, un extracto del fruto de Roystonea regia y omega-3 en el modelo de nado forzado en ratones / Effect of D-004, a fruit extact from Roystonea regia and Omega-3 in a model of forced swimming in mice

La depresión se encuentra entre las principales causas de morbilidad y mortalidad de la población adulta y su manejo farmacológico incluye, entre otras opciones alternativas, el uso de la medicina complementaria, como es el caso del aceite de pescado rico en ácidos grasos omega-3 (AGw3). El D-004, extracto lipídico de los frutos de la palma real (Roystonea regia) que consiste en una mezcla de ácidos grasos, ha mostrado poseer una moderada acción antidepresiva. El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en comparar los efectos del tratamiento oral con D-004, con los AGw3 y con su terapia combinada en el modelo del nado forzado en ratones. Para ello, ratones machos se distribuyeron en 8 grupos: uno control tratado con el vehículo, dos con D-004 (250 y 500 mg/kg ), dos con AGw3 (250 y 500 mg/kg), dos con la combinación y uno con imipramina (10 mg/kg i.p.). Todos los tratamientos disminuyeron significativamente el tiempo de inmovilidad con respecto al control, sin diferencias entre dosis similares de los respectivos tratamientos. En conclusión, el D-004, los AGw3 y su terapia combinada resultaron igualmente efectivos en reducir el tiempo de inmovilidad de los ratones, sin manifestarse efectos aditivos o sinérgicos con la administración conjunta de ambas sustancias.

Depression is among the major causes of morbidity and mortality of adult population and its pharmacologic management includes among other alternative options, the use of the complementary medicine, e.g. the fish oil rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (AGw3). The D-004, a lipid extract of Real Palm fruits (Roystonea regia) consisting of a fatty acid mixture, has a moderate antidepressant action. The aim of present paper was to compare the effects of oral treatment using D-004 with the AGw3 and with its combined therapy in forces swimming in mice. Thus, the male mice were distributed into 8 groups: one as control treated with vehicle, two with D-004 (250 and 500 mg.kg), two with AGw3 (250 and 500 mg/kg), two with the combination, and another with imipramine (10 mg/kg i.p.). All treatments decreased significantly the immobility time regarding the control, without differences among similar dose of respective treatments. We conclude that D-004, the AGw3 and its combined therapy were similary effective to reduce the immobility time in mices without additive or synergic effects with the combined administration of both substances.

Efecto de D-004, un extracto lipídico extraído de las frutas de la palma real (Roystonea regia) sobre las contracciones provocadas por la Fenilefrina sobre la próstata aislada de rata / Effect of D-004, a lipid extract from royal palm (Roystonea regia) fruits, on phenylephrine-induced contractions of isolated rat prostate

D-004, a lipid extract of Roystonea regia fruits, inhibits norepinephrine-elicited contraction in rat vas deferens. Nevertheless, the effect of D-004 on a1-adrenergic contractile responses in isolated prostate preparations had not been studied. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of D-004 on phenylephrine-induced contractions in isolated rat prostate strips. D-004 (125-500 mg/mL) was added to prostate preparations in which contractions were induced with phenylephrine (10-6-10-4 M) or with ClK (50 mM). D-004 (250-500 mg/mL) significantly (p < 0,01).and dose-dependently inhibited the phenylephrine-induced contractions through a non-competitive mechanism, since it reduced (12-60 percent) the maximal contraction to phenyle phrine with respect to control preparations. D-004 at 500 mg/mL inhibited similarly both ClK and phenylephrine-contractile responses. Tamsulosin (0.01 mg/mL) abolished (100 percent inhibition) the phenylephrine, but unaffected the ClK-induced contractions.

D-004, un extracto lipídico de las frutas de Roystonea regia, inhibe la contracción provocada por la norepinefrina en el vas deferens de las ratas. No obstante, el efecto de D-004 sobre las respuestas contráctiles adrenérgicas a1 en las preparaciones aisladas de la próstata no ha sido estudiado. Por lo tanto, este estudio investigó los efectos de D-004 sobre las contracciones provocadas por la fenilefrina en las extracciones aisladas de la próstata de la rata. D-004 (125-500 mg/mL) fue adicionado a las preparaciones a partir de la próstata en la que las contracciones fueron provocadas por la fenilefrina (10-6-10-4 M) o por CIK (50 mM). D-004 (250-500 mg/mL) en forma significativa y la dosis en forma dependiente inhibieron las contracciones provocadas por la fenilefrina mediante un mecanismo no competetitivo, reduciendo así (12-60 por ciento) la contracción máxima por la fenilefrina con respecto a las preparaciones controles. D-004 a 500 µg/mL inhibieron de la misma forma tanto CIK como las respuestas contráctiles-fenilefrina. Tamsulosin (0,01 mg/mL) eliminó la acción de la fenilefrina (100 por ciento de inhibición), pero no afectó las contracciones provocadas por CIK.

Longitud del ciclo estral en ratas Sprague Dawley tratadas in útero con extracto de Roystonea regia / Estrus cycle length in Sprague Dawley rats in uterus using Roystonea regia extract

El D-004 consiste en una mezcla de ácidos grasos que inhibe significativamente la hiperplasia prostática inducida por testosterona en roedores. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evidenciar los posibles efectos adversos sobre el ciclo estral de hembras F1 expuestas in útero al D-004. Se utilizaron ratas Sprague Dawley, distribuidas aleatoriamente en 4 grupos: un control y 3 tratados con D-004 a las dosis de 500, 750 y 1 000 mg/kg; las hembras recibieron la administración de la dosis por vía oral desde 15 días antes del apareo y hasta el fin de la lactancia. A una hembra por camada de la generación F1 se le estudió la citología vaginal y se calculó la longitud aproximada del ciclo, la cual no se vio afectada ya que no existieron diferencias significativas (p= 0,1537) entre los grupos tratados y el control. Estos resultados indican que el D-004 no reveló alteraciones del ciclo estral de las crías hembras expuestas in útero(.

D-004 is a mix of fatty acids inhibiting significantly Testosterone- induced prostatic hyperplasia in rodents. The aim of present paper was to demonstrate the potential side effects on estrus cycle of F1 female rats exposed in uterus to D-004. We used Sprague Dawley rats, distributed randomly in 4 groups: a control one and another three treated with D-004 at a dosage of 500, 750 and 1 000 mg/kg; in the female rats we administered the dose by mouth from the 15 days before mating, and up to breast feeding termination. In each female rat by litter of F1 generation, the vaginal cytology was studied, and we estimated the approximate length of cycle, remained un-affected since there were not significant differences (p= 0,1537) among treatment groups and the control one. These results show that D-004 fails to reveals alterations in the estrum cycle of female litters exposed in uterus.

Estudio de estabilidad acelerada del ingrediente activo D-004 en diferentes envases / Accelerated stability study of D-004 active ingredient in different containers

INTRODUCCIÓN: D-004 es un nuevo ingrediente activo en fase de investigación y desarrollo, obtenido de los frutos de Roystonea regia (Kunth) O.F. Cook. OBJETIVO: precisar la estabilidad de D-004 en condiciones aceleradas en frascos de vidrio ámbar, de tereftalato de polietileno y de polietileno de alta densidad. MÉTODOS: muestras de 3 lotes se almacenaron a (40 ± 2) ºC y (75 ± 5) porciento de humedad relativa durante 12 meses. Se determinaron las características organolépticas, la densidad relativa, el índice de refracción (USP 27) y el contenido de ácidos grasos mediante cromatografía de gases. RESULTADOS: los parámetros medidos se mantuvieron dentro de las especificaciones de calidad establecidas, con excepción del contenido de ácidos grasos, que en los frascos de tereftalato y polietileno disminuyó significativamente a los 3, 6 y 4,5 meses, respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: el vidrio ámbar protege al D-004 de la degradación más que los envases plásticos estudiados.

INTRODUCTION: D-004 is a new active ingredient under research and development stage, which is obtained from Roystonea regia (Kunth) O. F. Cook fruits. OBJECTIVE: to precise over the D-004 stability under accelerated conditions in amber glass, polyethylene terephtalate and high density polyethylene containers. METHODS: samples from three batches were stored at (40 ± 2) ºC and (75 ± 5) percent relative humidity for 12 months. Organoleptic characteristics, relative density, refractive index (USP 27) and fatty acids content by gas chromatography, were determined. RESULTS: measured parameters were within the set quality specifications , except for fatty acids content that significantly decreased in polyethylene terephtalate and high density polyethylene containers after 3, 4 and a half and 6 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: the amber glass protects more D-004 from degradation than the analyzed plastic containers.

Evaluación genotóxica del D-004, extracto del fruto de Roystonea regia, mediante el ensayo de micronúcleos / Genotoxic assessment of D-004, extract from Roystonea regia fruit, by means of micronuclei assays

El D-004 es un extracto lipídico del fruto de la palma real (Roystonea regia), que ha demostrado ser eficaz en prevenir la hiperplasia prostßtica inducida por testosterona y por fenilefrina en modelos experimentales en ratas. El objetivo fue determinar si el D-004 induce cambios en la frecuencia de aparición de micronúcleos al realizar la administración oral a dosis repetida durante 8 semanas. Se formaron 5 grupos experimentales (7 animales/grupo): un grupo control solvente, tres tratados con D-004 (500, 1 000 y 1 500 mg/kg) y un control positivo tratado con ciclofosfamida. No ocurrieron muertes ni se detectaron signos clínicos de toxicidad. No hubo diferencias significativas entre controles y tratados en cuanto a la frecuencia de eritrocitos policromatófilos micronucleados y el índice de citotoxicidad. En conclusión, el D-004 administrado por vía oral a las dosis empleadas no presenta actividad clastogénica ni citotóxica en médula ósea de ratones OF-1 machos in vivo.

D-004 is a lipid extract from the real palm fruit (Roystonea regia), which has demonstrated that is effective to prevent prostatic hyperplasia from testosterone and from phenylephrine in rats' experimental models. Aim of this paper was to determine if D-004 provoke changes in appearance frequency of micronuclei during oral administration of repeated doses for 8 weeks. Five experimental groups were created (7animals/group): a solvent control-group, three treated with D-004(500, 1 000, and 1 500 mg/kg), and a positive control-group treated with cyclophosphamide. There were no deaths or clinical signs of toxicity neither significant differences among controls and treated ones as regards the frequency of micronucleated polychromatophils erythrocytes, and the cytotoxic index. In conclusion, D-004 administered per os at doses used has neither clastogenic nor cytotoxic activity in bone marrow male OF-1mice in vivo.

Effects of D-004, a lipid extract of the fruit of the Cuban royal palm (Roystonea regia) or the lipidosterolic extract of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) on the sexual activity in male rats: A controlled, experimental study.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is not completely understood, but hormonal changes in aging men seem to be pivotal. Dihydrotestosterone, a potent, active metabolite of testosterone, is formed by the enzymatic action of prostate 5α-reductase and causes cell growth and hyperplasia. Consistent with this action, male sexual dysfunction has been clinically documented to be among the drug-related adverse events associated with 5α-reductase inhibitors. The lipidosterolic extract of saw palmetto (LESP) fruit (Serenoa repens) has been used to treat BPH. D-004, a lipid extract of Roystonea regia Royal palm fruit, has been found to prevent prostatic hyperplasia induced by testoste-rone in rodents and to competitively inhibit prostate 5α-reductase activity in vitro. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of D-004 and LESP, administered as single or repeated doses, on the sexual activity in male rats. METHODS: This controlled, experimental study was conducted at the Pharmacology Department, Centre of Natural Products, National Centre for Scientific Research, Havana City, Cuba. Adult male Wistar rats weighing 250 to 300 g were randomized into 5 groups: 2 groups treated orally with D-004 (400 and 800 mg/kg); 2 groups treated orally with LESP (400 and 800 mg/kg); and 1 control group orally administered a water vehicle. Sexual activity behavior (the number of mounts and intromissions, mount latency, and intromission latency) was assessed during 2 observation periods: 90 minutes after the initial dose and at the end of the 30-day treatment. Latency was defined as time elapsed between the first mount and intromission. RESULTS: A total of 50 rats (mean [SD] age, 10 [3] weeks; mean [SD] weight, 295 [10] g) were included in the experiment. There were no significant difterences in the mean number of mounts, intromissions, mount latency, or intromission latency in the groups treated with single or repeated doses of D-004 or LESP (400 and 800 mg/kg) compared with the controls. There was also no between-group difterence in mating behavior among the active treatment groups. All rats survived up to study completion, with normal behavior (weight gain, food intake, daily observations, without any sign of toxicity). There were no observable adverse events during the study. CONCLUSIONS: D-004 and LESP administered as a single dose or repeated doses for 30 days did not significantly affect male rat sexual activity behavior compared with a vehicle control group.

In vitro effect of D-004, a lipid extract of the fruit of the cuban royal palm (Roystonea regia), on prostate steroid 5α-reductase activity.

BACKGROUND: D-004, a lipid extract of the fruit of the Cuban royal palm (Roystonea regia), has been found to reduce prostatic hyperplasia (PH) induced with testosterone (T), but not PH induced with dihydrotestosterone (DHT), in rodents, suggesting the inhibition of prostate 5α-reductase activity. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to assess whether D-004 inhibits prostate 5α-reductase activity in vitro and to examine the effects of D-004 on enzyme kinetics. METHODS: This experimental study was conducted at the Pharmacology Department, Center of Natural Products, National Center for Scientific Research, Havana, Cuba. Soluble rat prostate preparations were used as the source of 5α-reductase, and ((3)H)-DHT production was measured to determine prostate 5α-reductase activity. Cell-free rat prostate homogenates were pre-incubated with carboxymethyl cellulose 2% alone (control tubes) or D-004 (0.24-125 µg/mL) suspended in the vehicle (treated tubes) for 10 minutes prior to adding the labeled substrate ((3)H)-T Once the reaction was stopped, sterols were extracted with chloroform and aliquots were applied on silica gel plates developed in benzene-acetone (4:1, v/v). Areas containing DHT were scraped and radioactivity was counted. The median inhibitory concentration (IC50) was determined by measuring the conversion of T to DHT The apparent Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) and Vmax values before and after adding D-004 were determined in kinetic studies using labeled T (0.5-25 µmol/L). RESULTS: Compared with controls, D-004 significantly and dose-dependently inhibited the enzymatic reaction at doses of 1.95 to 125.0 µg/mL) (all, P < 0.05). The IC50 of D-004 required to inhibit 5a-reductase activity was 2.25 µg/mL. Enzyme inhibition was noncompetitive, since D-004 lowered the Vmax from 15.3 to 10.0 nmol DHT/min · mg(-1) protein, while the Km (4.54 µmol/L) was almost unaffected. CONCLUSIONS: D-004 dose-dependently and noncompetitively inhibited in vitro 5α-reductase activity in soluble fractions of rat prostate. Although the extent of the maximal inhibition was high and the value of IC50 was low, the relevance of such inhibition requires further study in vivo.

Plasma levels, tissue distribution, and excretion of radioactivity after single-dose administration of ((3)H)-oleic acid added to D-004, a lipid extract of the fruit of Roystonea regia, in rats.

BACKGROUND: D-004, a lipid extract of the fruit of Roystonea regia, contains a mixture of fatty acids-mainly oleic, lauric, palmitic, and myristic acids, with oleic acid being among the most abundant-that has been found to reduce the risk for prostatic hyperplasia (PH) induced with testosterone (T) in rats. The pharmacokinetic profile of D-004 has not been reported. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study in rats was to assess plasma levels, tissue distribution, and excretion of total radioactivity (TR) after single-dose administration of oral D-004 radiolabeled with ((3)H)-oleic acid, as a surrogate for the pharmacokinetics of D-004. METHODS: This experimental study was conducted at the Pharmacology Department, Center of Natural Products, National Center for Scientific Research, Havana, Cuba. Single doses of suspensions of ((3)H)-oleic acid 0.16 µCi/mg mixed with D-004 400 mg/kg (radioactive dose/animal 7.2 µCi) were given orally to male Wistar rats weighing 150 to 200 g assigned to the treated or control group. Three rats were euthanized at each of the following times: 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 8, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 144 hours after study drug administration. After administration, the rats euthanized at the last experimental time point were housed individually in metabolism cages. Urine and feces samples were collected daily. At each time point, blood samples were drawn and plasma samples were obtained using centrifugation. After euthanization, tissue samples (liver, lungs, spleen, brain, kidneys, adipose tissue, muscle, stomach, small and large intestines, adrenal glands, heart, testes, prostate, and seminal vesicles) were quickly removed, washed, blotted, and homogenized. Plasma (100 µL), tissue aliquots (100 mg), feces (10 mg), and urine (100µL) were dissolved and TR was measured. Samples were assayed in duplicate. Results were expressed in µgEq of radio-labeled oleic acid per milliliter of plasma or urine or gram of tissue or feces. Plasma, tissue, feces, and urine samples of rats that did not receive ((3)H)-oleic acid were used as controls. Excretion was expressed as the percentage of the radioactivity excreted via each route with respect to the total radioactive dose administered to each rat. RESULTS: A total of 50 rats were included in the experiment (mean age, 4 weeks; mean weight, 310 g). Absorption was rapid; mean Cmax was 195.56 (31.12) µgEq/mL, and mean Tmax was 2 hours. Thereafter, a biphasic decay of TR was found: a rapid first phase (t1/2α, 1.33 hours), followed by a slower second elimination phase (t1/2ß, 36.07 hours). Radioactivity was rapidly and broadly distributed throughout the tissues, with more accumulating in the prostate than elsewhere. In the first 8 hours, accumulation of TR was greatest in the prostate, followed by the liver, small intestine, and plasma. Subsequently, TR increased in the small intestine, while it decreased in the liver and plasma. In contrast, over the periods of 24 and 144 hours after administration, TR increased in the adipose tissue, while it decreased in the other tissues and plasma. During those intervals, TR was greatest in the prostate, followed by adipose tissue. Mean peak radioactivity in the prostate (562.41 µgEq/g) was reached at 4 hours and decreased slowly thereafter. The prostate had the highest values of t1/2ß and cumulative AUC compared with the other tissues and plasma. Mean (SD) TR was similar in feces (33.48% [4.90%]) and urine (28.96% [5.32%]), with total excretion being 62.40% (5.90%) of the administered dose. CONCLUSIONS: In this experimental study, after single-dose administration of oral D-004 radiolabeled with ((3)H)-oleic acid in rats, TR was rapidly and widely distributed across the tissues, with the prostate having the highest accumulation of radioactivity. Excretion of TR was limited, with similar amounts being excreted in feces and urine. The broad distribution of radiolabeled oleic acid and/or its metabolites suggests (SD) pharmacokinetic rationale for the effectiveness of D-004 in reducing the risk for PH induced with T in rats.