Immunoreactive detection of four mammalian steroids in plants

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Abstract
Steroids have been detected in a range of plant species. To investigate the prevalence of four steroids in plants, radioimmunoassay was used to detect the presence of androstenone (boar taint), androgen, estrogen, and progesterone. Androstenone is known only from pigs and humans, but the others are widespread in mammals. A total of 128 species from over 50 families was sampled. All four steroids were widespread, with androstenone and progesterone being found in more than 80% of species, androgen in 70%, and estrogen in 50%. All seed samples contained androgen but none contained androstenone. In three species, androgen was more abundant in male flowers than female flowers, but progesterone and estrogen, when present, were at higher level in female flowers. The function of these steroids in plants is not known.