Anti-Androgenic Effect of Soybean Tempeh Extract in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also known as hyperandrogenic anovulation, has been linked to steroidogenic enzyme activity. Previous studies have reported that soybean isoflavones act as inhibitors of these enzymes due to their anti-androgenic properties. This study evaluated the potential anti-androgenic mechanism of soybean tempeh extract in PCOS through both <i>in vivo</i> and <i>in silico</i> approaches. Female Wistar rats were induced with letrozole to model PCOS, followed by treatments with tempeh extract and metformin as a positive control. Serum testosterone, estrous cycle patterns, and weight were assessed. In the <i>in silico</i> study, daidzein and genistein were docked to the androgen receptor (AR) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD). Treatment with tempeh extract at 250 mg/kg body weight more effectively restored abnormal estrous cycles than metformin. Weight gain and testosterone levels also decreased in this group. Daidzein and genistein bound to AR inhibitor amino acids; however, only genistein showed high binding energy to 17β-HSD inhibitor amino acids. As an anti-androgen, the findings suggest that tempeh extract at 250 mg/kg body weight may serve as a dietary supplement for managing PCOS, potentially via AR inhibition.