Elevation of biosynthesis of endogenous 17‐B oestradiol by boron supplementation: One possible role of dietary boron consumption in humans

Abstract

Background. Recent evidence indicates that boron has a widespread role in biochemistry and nutrition and may have anti-carcinogenic properties. It interacts with calcium, vitamin D and magnesium, which are all important in bone metabolism. Boron also increases steroid hormone concentrations in animals and humans and hints at a role in the prevention of chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis and other steroid hormone dependent diseases. It has been suggested that the interaction between boron and steroid hormone metabolism is mediated by the hydroxylation process that steroids need to be biologically active. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of boron supplementation on the selected steroid hormone productions or steroidogenesis. Methods. The experimental design consisted of two trials, in two different occasions. Seven healthy male volunteers in one group and another nine healthy male volunteers in the second group consumed two tablets each containing 5 mg of boron per day and blood samples were collected prior to supplementation and after 4 and 8 weeks.Results. The mean total testosterone concentrations increased after supplementations. The mean plasma 17-B oestradiol concentrations increased significantly after 4 weeks (p50.009) and 8 weeks (p50.05) supplementations. The ratio of 17-B oestradiol to testosterone increased significantly (p50.01) after 4 weeks supplementation.Conclusions. It can be speculated that the elevation of endogenous oestrogen as a result of boron supplementation suggests a potential protective role for boron in preventing a number of clinical conditions or chronic diseases, with emphasis in animals or humans who are under stress conditions, which requires further studies and clarifications.

Comparative effects of daily and weekly boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones and proinflammatory cytokines

“…Based on recent clinical data, this is the first human study report to show an increase level of free testosterone after boron consumption. Previously, supplementation of healthy males with 10 mg/d after several weeks resulted in a significant rise in plasma 17-B estradiol concentration [17] and the increase was consistent with some animal reports, as well [18,19]. It was shown that changes in plasma testosterone is achievable by boron in rats [20] and also in rats fed a range of dietary boron for 30 or 60 days, which appear to be time-and dose-dependent [21].…”

Effects of thirty elements on bone metabolism

“…Boron may also help prevent bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and other steroid hormone dependent diseases, possibly by improving absorption of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium and retention of calcium and magnesium [42]. Although the role of boron in bone metabolism remains unclear, a current hypothesis implicates hydroxylation of estrogen [39]. Similarly, another track considered by biochemists is that formation of boroesters with ribose-derived compounds can influence reactions involving S-adenosylmethionine and oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD + ) [43].…”

“…Data suggest a beneficial interaction occurs between boron and steroid hormones involved in bone metabolism [39][40][41]. Indeed, 17␤-estradiol appears to be a target, such that its concentration and efficacy are enhanced by boron, improving trabecular bone volume, bone growth plate density, and trabecular separation [41].…”

Preliminary Evidence Hints at a Protective Role for Boron in Urolithiasis

“…7 Similar significant increase in serum E2 levels was found in healthy males after 4 weeks of boron supplementation. 14 Therefore, one possible proposed mechanism is the conversion of T to E2 by boron.…”

“…It was speculated that alterations in steroid hormone concentrations by boron may have an impact on stone removal. Fourteen (14) volunteer patients whose urolithiasis was confirmed by ultrasonography method were referred and admitted to receive a 10-mg boron supplement per day in the form of capsules. The capsules were formulated and provided by a pharmacist colleague, using sodium tetraborate as the source of boron.…”