Effects of Astragalus Extract Mixture HT042 on H295R Steroidogenesis and Hershberger Assay

Abstract

Astragalus extract mixture HT042 is a standardized functional herbal food approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to help height-growth in children. This study aimed to illustrate the potential of a HT042 involved in shorten the growth period. The in vitro H295R steroidogenesis assay and in vivo Hershberger assay were conducted to examine the effect of HT042. The results showed that HT042 had no effects on progesterone, estradiol and testosterone production in H295R cell steroidogenesis assay and on androgenic activity of castrated groups rats in Hershberger assay. Thus, HT042 has not influenced changes in sex steroid hormones and androgenic activities, which can shorten the growth period in in vitro and in vivo assays performed.