Dehydroepiandrosterone （DHEA）(cas 53-43-0)

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Comprehensive Information

​Chemical Properties

1. ​Basic Parameters
   • ​Chemical Formula: C₁₉H₂₈O₂
   • ​Molecular Weight: 288.42
   • ​CAS Number: 53-43-0
   • ​EINECS Number: 200-175-5
   • ​Melting Point: 149–151°C
   • ​Boiling Point: 370.65°C (estimated)
   • ​Density: 1.0484 (estimated)
   • ​Solubility: Insoluble in water; ≥13.7 mg/mL in DMSO; ≥58.6 mg/mL in ethanol
   • ​Appearance: White fine crystalline powder
   • ​Optical Activity: [α]²⁵/D +10.918 (c = 1 in ethanol)
   • ​Water Solubility: 21.8 mg/L (23.5°C)
   • ​Storage Temperature: Protected from light and moisture
2. ​Structural Features
   A steroid hormone synthesized in the adrenal glands, gonads, and brain. It acts as a precursor to androgens (e.g., testosterone) and estrogens (e.g., estradiol), playing a key role in hormone balance and metabolic regulation.

​Pharmacological Actions and Clinical Applications

1. ​Mechanism of Action
   • ​Hormone Precursor: Converted into bioactive androgens and estrogens via enzymatic reactions.
   • ​Neuroprotective: Modulates neurotransmitter release and reduces oxidative stress in the brain.
   • ​Anti-inflammatory: Suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α) and enhances insulin sensitivity.
2. ​Indications
   • ​Reproductive Health: Supports ovarian reserve in women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and fertility treatments.
   • ​Aging and Metabolic Disorders: Improves insulin sensitivity, reduces adiposity, and enhances bone density in elderly populations.
   • ​Cardiovascular Health: Modulates endothelial function and reduces arterial stiffness.
   • ​Mood and Cognitive Function: Alleviates depressive symptoms and improves memory in aging populations.
3. ​Dosage Forms
   • ​Oral Supplements: 25–100 mg/day for hormonal balance or cognitive support.
   • ​Topical Applications: Local formulations for vaginal atrophy or skin aging.

​Safety and Precautions

1. ​Adverse Effects
   • ​Hormonal Imbalance: Excess androgen conversion may cause acne, hirsutism, or menstrual irregularities.
   • ​Cardiovascular Risks: Long-term high-dose use may elevate LDL cholesterol levels.
2. ​Contraindications
   • Hormone-sensitive cancers (e.g., breast, prostate).
   • Pregnancy or lactation.
3. ​Drug Interactions
   • Antipsychotics (e.g., clozapine): Reduced efficacy due to DHEA’s neurosteroid activity.
   • Estrogens: Risk of estrogen excess when combined.

​Manufacturing and Quality Control

1. ​Synthesis
   Produced via steroidogenesis pathways involving cholesterol conversion.
2. ​Analytical Standards
   • ​HPLC: C18 column with methanol-water (60:40) mobile phase; UV detection at 240 nm.
   • ​Impurity Limits: Total impurities ≤0.5% of main peak area.

​Research and Market

1. ​Scientific Use
   • Models for studying aging, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s), and metabolic syndrome.
   • Investigated for enhancing chemotherapy efficacy in hormone-resistant cancers.
2. ​Market Overview
   • ​Suppliers: Major manufacturers include Sigma-Aldrich
   • ​Price: ~50–100 per gram (research-grade).

​Regulatory and Storage

• ​Regulatory Status: Approved as a dietary supplement in the U.S.; prescription-only in some countries for hormonal therapies.
• ​Storage: Stable for 24 months under recommended conditions (cool, dry place).