Analysis of nonprescription capsules purported to contain an adrenal androgen.
The content of nonprescription capsules purported to contain dehydroepiandrosterone was analyzed. Five capsules labeled "dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) 500 mg and natural precursors" were analyzed; all were from a single lot and container. Ether extracts were used to test for DHEA, cortisol, testosterone, and androstenedione using radioimmunoassay (RIA). The protein, starch, reducing-sugar, sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium contents were also measured. The mean (+/- S.D.) DHEA content per capsule was 14.40 + 5.16 micrograms. A mean androstenedione concentration of 1.22 + 0.21 micrograms was measured. Cortisol and testosterone were not detectable by RIA. Concentrations of the other ingredients (mean +/- S.D. for five capsules) were as follows: protein 35.2 +/- 2.3 mg, starch 39.9 +/- 2.7 mg, reducing sugars 3.2 +/- 0.2 mg, sodium less than 1.5 mM, potassium less than 0.15 mM, magnesium 0.60 mg, and calcium 3.45 mg. The total amount of free DHEA contained in the capsules was only a small fraction of the labeled amount of that steroid and was probably inadequate for producing any measurable effects.
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D002214:Capsules; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000032:analysis*; D005079:Excipients; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D011863:Radioimmunoassay
D002214:Capsules; D005079:Excipients; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone