In the zona fasciculata, 17OHP is further metabolized to 11-deoxycortisol and subsequently to cortisol by hydroxylation at carbons 21 ( CYP21A2) and 11 ( CYP11B1), respectively. Then, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase ( HSD3B2) facilitates formation of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) by oxidation at C3 and isomerization. In the cortex Δ 5-pregnenolone is initially hydroxylated to produce 17-hydroxypregnenolone through 17α-hydroxylase activity ( CYP17A1). This step involves a loss of a six-carbon side chain through three steps: 20-hydroxylation, 22-hydroxylation, and scission of the C20–22 carbon bond.

The mitochondrial P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage protein (P450scc, encoded by CYP11A1) is committed to convert cholesterol to pregnenolone. Another approach would be to use a plant that shifts adrenal metabolism away from cortisol to adrenal androgens, such as Sequoia gigantea GM.ģβ-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II isoenzyme (3β-HSD2) In addition, you may add a plant with adrenal androgenic activity such as Rosa canina. If appropriate, reduce cortisol activity by inhibiting alpha and/or ACTH. For example, if the cortisol index is absolutely elevated and the adrenal cortex index is low it suggests an insufficiency of adrenal androgens in relationship to cortisol. When selecting medicinal plants to balance the activity of the adrenal cortex, look at the relationship of the cortisol index to the adrenal cortex index. Clinical pearl: Balancing adrenal cortex activity Adaptive functions include production of cortisol, cell nutrition, vigilance and memory. 17(1):39-44.Permissive functions of the adrenal cortex include production of anabolic steroids, and cell metabolism. Coexistence of Cushing syndrome from functional adrenal adenoma and Addison disease from immune-mediated adrenalitis. Ĭolucci R, Jimenez RE, Farrar W, Malgor R, Kohn L, Schwartz FL. NIDDK: National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service. Accessed: Mar 2011.Īdrenal Insufficiency and Addison’s Disease. Highest Quality Vitamins And Supplements - Life Extension. Īdrenal Disease - Addison's Disease, Cushing's Syndrome - Life Extension Health Concern. University of Pennsylvania Health System. Chapter 11: Adrenal Cortex, Development, Anatomy, Physiology.

National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health.

Hormones produced by adrenal gland