title: Hypoxis hemerocallidea--not merely a cure for benign prostate hyperplasia.
abstract: The use of Hypoxis hemerocallidea Fisch. and C.A. Mey. (Hypoxidaceae) extracts for ailments other than benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is now a reality. The whole extract, the phytosterols, as well as the major constituents it contains (hypoxoside, and its active derivative rooperol) are now finding new applications in the area of anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatories, anti-diabetics, anti-convulsants, inhibitors of drug marker substances and new evidence is presented of activity against cancerous and premalignant cancer cells. In addition, the over-the-counter (OTC) trade has undergone enormous expansion.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa. drewes@ukzn.ac.za
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Drewes
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Elliot
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: J T B
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Dhlamini
authors.forename: M S S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Gcumisa
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000494:pharmacology; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000494:pharmacology; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000494:pharmacology; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D027802:Hypoxis / Q000737:chemistry*; D008297:Male; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D010840:Phytosterols / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D000975:Antioxidants; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D010840:Phytosterols; D010936:Plant Extracts