title: Analysis of nonprescription capsules purported to contain an adrenal androgen.
abstract: 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.
authors.forename: E T
authors.initials: ET
authors.lastname: Lifrak
authors.forename: L N
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Parker
mesh_terms: D002214:Capsules; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000032:analysis*; D005079:Excipients; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D011863:Radioimmunoassay
chemical_list: D002214:Capsules; D005079:Excipients; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone