Molecular Targets of 20-Hydroxyecdysone in Mammals, Mechanism of Action: Is It a Calorie Restriction Mimetic and Anti-Aging Compound?

Abstract

The 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) has been used in traditional medicine for a long time and acquired attention in the last decade as a food supplement and stimulant in physical activities. This polyhydroxylated cholesterol is found in the highest concentration in plants, and it is one of the secondary plant products that has a real hormonal influence in arthropods. Various beneficial effects have been reported in vivo and in vitro for 20E and its related compounds in mammals. Trials for the safety of clinical application showed a remarkably high tolerance in humans. This review aims to assess the latest development in the involvement of various pathways in tissues and organs and look if it is plausible to find a single primary target of this compound. The similarities with agents mimicking calorie restriction and anti-aging effects are also elucidated and discussed.

Keywords: 20-hydroxyecdysone; 20E; beta-ecdysone; ecdysterone.

Figure 1

The structure of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E, ecdysterone, β-ecdysterone, β-ecdysone, moulting hormone, and BIO101).

Figure 2

The similarity of effects of 20-hydroxiecdysone and CRMs on signalling molecules and cellular and metabolic processes. The overlapping circles indicate similar or (in one case) adverse effects. Hyperlip.—hyperlipidaemia, other explanations are present in the text. Note that the adverse effect was exerted on PI3K/Akt, a major pathway promoted by 20E in the anabolic effect, because it is inhibited by compounds mimicking calorie restriction.