Stimulatory Effect of Insect-Metamorphosing Steroids from Achyranthes and Cyathula on Protein Synthesis in Mouse Liver

Abstract

The insect-metamorphosing steroids (ecdysterone, inokosterone and cyasterone) and the related substance (rubrosterone) isolated from Achyranthes and Cyathula (Amaranthaceae) were assayed in terms of their ability to stimulate protein synthesis in mouse liver. High stimulation was introduced by all steroids, administered intraperitoneally, in which cyasterone showed the highest activity. Oral administration of ecdysterone produced similar activation. Ecdysterone stimulated protein synthesis not only in male mice but also in female mice.