Mechanism of Protodioscin
Protodioscin acts by stimulating the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which plays a role in the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (Viktorof et al. 1994). In addition, protodioscin also stimulates the hypothalamus secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH), but not of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Protodioscin is shown to increase the density of the Leydig, but not that of the Sertoli cells, and to improve the level of spermatogonia and to increase the production of spermatocytes and spermatids without changing the diameter of the seminiferous tubules. Physically, protodioscin treatment results in increased male fertility and sexual functions.
In respect to improving fertility, protodioscin increases the level of spermatogenesis by stimulating the Sertoli and germinal cells, resulting in the increased production of sperms. In this process, protodioscin improves the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which in turn stimulates the production of Androgen Binding Protein (ABP) in the Sertoli cells. Increased ABP production results in increased formation of DHT-ABP complex, which stimulates spermatogenesis in the germinal cells. Another fraction of the DHT-ABP complex is transported to the epididymis, which increases the efficiency of the maturation of spermatozoa into fertile sperms.
In respect to increasing sexual functions, protodioscin works by increasing the conversion of testosterone into the potent DHT(Figure 4). In addition to the increase in sexual drive or libido, DHT also stimulates erythropoiesis or production of red blood cells, and muscle developments, thus contributing to the improvement of blood circulation as well as the oxygen transport systems. Importantly, regular use of protodioscin has also been shown to increase the duration of penile erection and improve ejaculation in males.
