Linda B. White, M.D.
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 It's high in hormone-like substances called isoflavones that block the effects of excessive estrogen as well as inhibit compounds that build DHT. It also contains compounds called phytosterols that have been shown to increase urinary flow. For optimal results, eat 3 to 4 ounces of soybeans, tofu, tempeh, or powdered soy protein every day. urinary hesitation is often the first sign that something is amiss, and what once happened effortlessly seems to require a few minutes of straining to get started. |
| Uses: Folk remedy for blood purification, bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma, skin conditions, and cancer,- also a rich source of phytoestrogen isoflavones, which may help prevent cancer.
Caution: Avoid during pregnancy unless monitored by a qualified health-care practitioner.
Red Raspberry (Rvbus idaevs)
Source: Grows throughout Eurasia and North America,- most of the commercial supply comes from Europe.
Part used: Leaf.
Forms available: Teas, capsules, tablets, tinctures. Uses: Popular as a folk remedy for painful and profuse menstruation and as a tonic during pregnancy. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D.
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 This effect has been demonstrated in experimental animal studies using the crude extract, suggesting that the estrogenic activity of the isoflavones is more significant than the estrogen antagonism of glycyrrhetinic acid.
Pseudoaldosterone activity
The chronic ingestion of licorice in large doses leads to a well-documented "aldosterone-like" syndrome, that is, high blood pressure, loss of potassium, and sodium and water retention.7-12 These effects are due to glycyrrhetinic acid enhancing the activity of aldosterone largely by inhibiting its breakdown by the liver. |
Judith Wills
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 The particular isoflavone equol appears to confer the most benefit.
Soy isoflavones also appear to reduce hot flashes and night sweats in menopausal women.
Lignans are found in various plant foods, especially flax seeds, whole grains, and berries. The lignan enterolactone in this case appears to be the most potent form in helping to prevent breast cancer. The phytoestrogens may also be antioxidant.
Other phytochemicals that may help to fight hormone-related cancers are limonene, found in citrus oils, and certain members of the glucosinolate family (see above) found in sprouts, broccoli, etc. |
National Women's Health Network
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 In another study, ninety-one women took textured vegetable protein and dried soybeans amounting to a daily intake of 165 mg of isoflavones. The results did not show a significant difference between the soy group compared with the controls.12 This study apparently used an unusual method of collecting vaginal cells that may have undercounted estrogenized cells.
Do Phytoestrogens Prevent Breast Cancer?
Even though soybeans and other phytoestrogens are being touted as breast cancer preventatives, the evidence is not very clear. |
| Total intake of isoflavones was thus 150 mg per day. One hundred forty-nine women completed the study. The trial was nine weeks long. The first week was to establish a baseline, then women received four weeks of either the treatment or the placebo. After that, the subjects crossed over to the other substance.21
Percentages of patients reporting reductions in hot flashes were similar between the two groups. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
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 Soy supplements, made from ground soybean sprouts, are rich in substances called isoflavones, which are chemicals that imitate the function of estrogen in the body, Dr. Broadhurst says. That's important, since the decline of estrogen in a woman's body after she goes through menopause is a major reason that osteoporosis is far more prevalent in women than it is in men.
Preparations of isoflavone supplements vary according to the product, Dr. Broadhurst says, so follow the dosage instructions on the package. |
| If your estrogen levels are too low, plant estrogens in the root, called isoflavones, pick up the slack and help regulate your cycle. Research indicates that black cohosh contains three compounds that affect the behavior of estrogen.
Dang Gui
Take V2 teaspoon of alcohol-based tincture in a glass of water up to four times a day. In China, dang gui (also known as dong quai) is widely prescribed for abnormal menstruation. The phytoestrogens in this member of the carrot family help regulate and balance the menstrual cycle, especially if your periods are scanty, says Dr. Yates. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
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| Most soybean products contain isoflavones, whose chemical structure closely resembles that of estrogen. More than a thousand clinical studies indicate that soy compounds act as weak estrogens in the body—filling in for "real" estrogen when there isn't enough, but blocking the body's own hormone when there's too much. |
National Women's Health Network
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| Bacteria in our intestines convert plant lignans to mammalian lignans (enterolactone and enterodiol) and convert isoflavone precursors to active isoflavones (genistein, daidzein, and equol).
Other phytoestrogens occur in some medicinal herbs, but these are different from the phytoestrogens in food plants, and, in terms of safety, we should treat them differ-endy (see chapter 8, "Herbs," and chapter 16, "Alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy"). |
Linda B. White, M.D.
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| Soy-based foods such as tofu are highly recommended because they contain isoflavones. These compounds help neutralize excess estrogen so your body can filter it out. Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts contain another class of chemicals called indoles. They also work to protect breast tissue from excess estrogen. Finally, the culinary immune-boosters garlic, onions, and shiitake mushrooms may help keep your whole system operating healthfully.
Avoid alcohol; also refrain from drinking coffee, tea, and other caffeine-containing foods and beverages. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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 Organic sources of isoflavones, which include soybeans, peanuts, lentils, green peas, split peas, and beans, have demonstrated their equality to prescription hormonal supplements without the adverse side effects.
Exercise
As with so many conditions, exercise will make a positive difference with PMS. Research has shown that regular participation in aerobic exercise can prevent negative mood swings, alleviate cramps, reduce fluid retention, and limit sugar cravings. For maximum results, exercise should be performed three or four times per week. |
| In addition, some foods, such as lima beans, soy beans, and other soy products, seem to have medicinal capabilities because of the presence of isoflavones and phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens. These substances actually curb the activity of the excess estrogen in the body's tissues. Phytoestrogens can also be found in other vegetables and in fruits, along with useful amounts of nonsoluble fiber, beta-carotene, and selenium. Flaxseeds and certain types of fish, including salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, and herring, contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have an anticancer effect. |
James A. Duke, Ph.D.
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 Like the isoflavones in soy, glycyrrhizin, the active ingredient in licorice, appears to reduce estrogen levels in women when they're too high and increase the levels when they're too low.
Could licorice candy help women with menopausal discomforts? Possibly, but read the label. Most American licorice contains extracts of licorice plus anise, which contains a chemical (anethole) that is less estrogenic than glycyrrhizin. Many health food stores carry candies made from pure licorice. |
The Complete Book of Alternative NutritionSelene Y. Craig, Jennifer Haigh, Sari Harrar and the Editors of PREVENTION Magazine Health Books
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| It's a good source of artery-protecting isoflavones.
Tofu. Sizzle cubes of tofu in a frying pan or wok with a smidgen of oil and a few of your favorite veggies, then serve over rice. (Look for blocks of isoflavone-rich tofu in the produce aisle of the supermarket.)
Veggie burgers. These burgers are quick-cooking, low in fat and high in fiber. Versions that contain soy protein concentrate, however, are low in heart-smart plant estrogens.
Wheat bran. It's not just for breakfast any more. |
| Found in soybeans and soybean products like tofu, isoflavones provide multiple benefits. They act like antioxidants and also help block tumors from getting started.
Organosulfur compounds. Found in garlic and onions, these appear to play a powerful role in helping to block the formation of tumors.
Monoterpenes. Occurring in citrus fruits, monoterpenes help protect cells by interfering with the harmful action of carcinogens.
Even some well-known nutrients like folate and calcium now appear to have larger cancer-fighting roles than researchers previously thought. |
| The Powers of "Pharmafoods"
In recent years scientists have begun exploring a host of powerful compounds with tongue-twisting names like sulforaphane, phytosterols and isoflavones. If "drugs" like these came in a bottle, you'd certainly need a prescription. But nature is generous with her favors; these and similar compounds are plentiful at every produce stand and supermarket—and, says Dr. Bal, they appear to be one of your best hopes for winning the cancer war. |
James A. Duke, Ph.D.
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| Soybeans are not the only beans high in isoflavones. Most beans and many other legumes contain reasonable amounts. I feel that little harm can be done by enjoying a diet rich in a diversity of beans unless you're allergic to them or strenuously object to the flatus they cause. (I don't, but if you'd like some techniques for reducing the gas-producing effects of beans, see page 200.)
Green Pharmacy for Menopause
In addition to a high-phytoestrogen vegetarian diet, a number of specific herbs can help relieve many symptoms associated with menopause. Here's my selection. |
Thomas Bartram
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 Alkaloids, isoflavones, coumarins, sterols. Contains eight essential enzymes:-amylase (digests starches), coagulase (coagulates milk), invertase (converts sugar into dextrose), emulsin (acts upon sugars), peroxidase (oxidases blood), lipase (fat-splitting enzyme), pectinase (forms a vegetable jelly from pectin), protase (digests protein). Together with its rich content of vitamins and minerals, Alfalfa offers an effective aid to cover a wide range of diverse conditions. Vitamin content: pro-Vitamin A (B-carotene), B6, C, D, E, K, P. |
James A. Duke, Ph.D.
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| These compounds include isoflavones, lignans, phy-tosterols and saponins.
In addition to acting like estrogen in women whose own sex hormone production has declined, phytoestrogens also appear to reduce the risk of estrogenlinked cancers such as breast cancer. Animal experiments show that phytoestrogens are extremely effective in preventing tumors of the breast tissue.
Tke boy factor
We used to think that Asian women had a low rate of breast cancer simply because they eat a low-fat diet. Now it looks as though their substantial intake of legumes like soy and bean sprouts is also a reason. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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 Researchers believe that isoflavones may inhibit the growth of particular types of tumors that are hormone dependent, that is, whose growth is stimulated by hormones that occur naturally in the body. The theory is that these plant hormones bind to receptors on hormone-dependent tumors that would normally be occupied by the body's own more potent hormones that would trigger growth. These plant hormones, however, have just the opposite effect on tumors, and can prevent growth. |
| If you do not eat soy foods on a regular basis, powdered soy protein beverages that are rich in isoflavones and prepared soy shakes are available at natural-food stores or by mail order.
Flax—Thousands of years ago, flaxseed was a normal part of the human diet but today it is primarily used to make fabric. Flaxseed is rich in lig-nans, compounds that are similar to natural estrogens produced by the body. Lignans are believed to deactivate potent estrogens that can trigger the growth of tumors. Flaxseed oil is sold in capsule or liquid form at natural-food stores. Keep the oil refrigerated. |
| Earl's Rx
Soy shake: Take one scoop of soy powdered beverage (be sure it contains isoflavones, genistein, and daidzen) and blend into 8 ounces of low-fat or no-fat soy milk. Add a few ice cubes and mix in blender. Drink daily.
Flax seed oil: One tablespoon of oil or three capsules daily. (Special flaxseed products are sold in natural-food stores.) Only use products that contain stabilized flaxseed, as ordinary flaxseed can become rancid very quickly.
Selenium: One 100 meg. tablet or capsule daily with food.
Melatonin: Take 1 mg. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
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| Red clover is an herb that's high in multiple types of phytoestrogens as well as isoflavones, the beneficial, naturally occurring chemicals that are also found in soy foods. In fact, the little globe-shaped clover flower is so potent that an extract is now sold over the counter as a menopause-targeted formula called Promensil.
You can look for red clover capsules with a dosage range between 370 and 435 milligrams per capsule at health food stores.
While you're taking the capsules, you can also drink red clover tea. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
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| Other isoflavones, daidzein and biochanin A, demonstrated weaker growth inhibition.81"83 Pagliacci et al84 reported that the in vitro inhibition of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells occurred through blocks at critical points in cell cycle control as well as via induction of apoptosis. Wang et al51 found that genistein produced a concentration-dependent effect on breast cancer cell cultures. At lower concentrations (lO^-lO"6 M), genistein stimulated growth, while higher concentrations (>10"s) inhibited growth. |
Ronald L. Hoffman, M.D.
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 Both prostate enlargement and prostate cancer are much less frequent in Japan, for example, apparently because of the higher consumption of soy, beans, and the cabbage family, all of which contain phytoestrogens (or isoflavones), which are cancer-inhibiting. Researchers have found much higher levels of these phytoestrogens in the blood of Japanese men than in Occidental men. They appear to have a blocking effect against prostate cancer and prostate disease in general.
Diet also affects prostaglandin metabolism, which may be important for prostate health. |
| Phytoestrogens — including isoflavones, phytosterols, saponins, and lignans — are compounds in plants that are capable of exerting mild estrogenic effects. In high levels, they can have significant effects, which may explain the rarity of hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms in cultures consuming a plant-based diet. Phytoestrogens are found in soy, fennel, celery, parsley, clovers, sprouts, flaxseed, nuts, and seeds. There is an over-the-counter phytoestrogen called genistein, which is an isoflavone derived from soy. Phytoestrogens from the soy plant are also used in estrogen creams. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik
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 Epidemiological data have long suggested that dietary isoflavones may confer protection against various cancers, especially breast and prostate cancer. High dietary intake of soy products in parts of Asia significantly correlated with reduced incidence of both breast and prostate cancers. Epidemiological data have not been entirely consistent in this regard, but most studies suggest protective effects. Some studies have shown, moreover, that this protection is lost in the second generation of those Asians emigrating to the United States. |
| In comparison with other isoflavones, such as genistein and daidzein, biochanin A might be expected to have possible anti-osteoporotic activity. This might be due, in part, to its weak estrogenic activity.
PHARMACOKINETICS
Little is known about the pharmacokinetics of biochanin A in humans. Inferences can be drawn from some animal studies. Biochanin A appears to be absorbed from the small intestine from whence it is transported to the systemic circulation by the lymphatics. There is little information available on the tissue distribution of biochanin A. |
| In addition to natural pigments such as monascorubin and monascin (azaphilone derivatives), red yeast rice contains starch, fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, linolenic, palmitic, stearic), phytosterols (beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol), isoflavones and monacolins. Monacolins possess hydroxymethyglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase-inhibitory activity. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are commonly known as statins. The first statin introduced in the U.S., for use as a cholesterol lowering agent, was lovastatin. Lovastatin was originally derived from Monascus ruber, and was first called monacolin K. |
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