From the FDA Drug Label
Naturally occurring glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone and cortisone), which also have salt-retaining properties, are used as replacement therapy in adrenocortical deficiency states Naturally occurring steroid drugs are:
From the Research
Naturally occurring steroid drugs include cortisol (hydrocortisone), which is a steroid hormone produced by the human body that regulates stress response and inflammation, as well as aldosterone, which controls electrolyte balance, and sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen, which regulate reproductive functions and secondary sexual characteristics 3.
Key Points
- Cortisol is a naturally occurring steroid hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating the body's response to stress and inflammation.
- Other naturally occurring steroids in humans include aldosterone, testosterone, and estrogen, which have various functions such as controlling electrolyte balance and regulating reproductive functions.
- Plant-derived steroid drugs, such as cardiac glycosides like digoxin from foxglove plants, are used to treat conditions like heart failure and arrhythmias.
- The body tightly regulates endogenous steroid production through feedback mechanisms, while medicinal use of natural steroids requires careful dosing to achieve therapeutic effects while minimizing side effects.
Mechanism of Action
- Naturally occurring steroid drugs work by binding to specific receptors in cells, altering gene expression and cellular function.
- The effects of these steroids can be both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory, depending on the context and concentration of the steroid 3.
Examples of Naturally Occurring Steroid Drugs
- Cortisol (hydrocortisone)
- Aldosterone
- Testosterone
- Estrogen
- Diosgenin from wild yams, which serves as a precursor for the commercial production of various steroid medications.
Important Considerations
- The use of naturally occurring steroid drugs requires careful consideration of their potential side effects, such as fluid retention, mood changes, and metabolic disturbances.
- The body's natural regulation of steroid production should be taken into account when using these drugs medicinally, to avoid disrupting the body's natural balance.