volker schulz and Rudolf Hansel
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 Kronenberg and Fugh-Berman, 2003).
HI Other Herbs
Several other herbs used for gynecologic indications are listed in Table 7.1. Only some are available as proprietary products (Sect.7.5).
The aerial parts of the bugle weed (Lycopus spp., family Lamiaceae) are harvested just before the plant blooms. Tinctures and infusions of it were used in nineteenth-century America as a remedy for bleeding, especially nosebleeds and menorrhagia. Experimental pharmacologic studies have demonstrated antigonadotropic actions (Gumbinger et al, 1981; Winterhoff et al. |
James S. Gordon, M.D.
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 This protective effect is presumably due to soy's high content of phytoestrogens, plant estrogens that, like the drug tamoxifen, inhibit the stimulating effect of human estrogen on the development and progression of breast cancer. Soy is also extremely high in protein and serves as an excellent and often tasty substitute for meat and milk products. |
Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay.
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 Therefore, in our clinic we implement the following lifestyle measures in our treatment approach to menopause symptoms:
• A healthy diet, with an emphasis on soy foods, fruits, and vegetables to increase body levels and stores of both phytoestrogens and phytoprogesterones
• Regular exercise to sustain metabolic rate and reduce risks of cardiovascular disease and bone loss (for more detailed information about preventing and treating bone loss, refer to our discussion of osteoporosis in Chapter 15)
Lifestyle changes may not always be sufficient. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
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 Like red clover, black cohosh contains natural phytoestrogens. "It's a classic American herb widely used by menopausal women in Europe," according to master herbalist Susun Weed of Woodstock, New York, author of Menopausal Years: The Wise Woman Way.
Native American people used black cohosh first for female health complaints, and German physicians have been recommending it since the 1940s for hormone disturbances.
One study involving 110 women at the University of Gottingen in Germany showed that black cohosh can stop hot flashes before they start. The women were split into two groups. |
Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay.
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| Alfalfa is also a rich source of plant phytoestrogens, useful in balancing the hormones during menopause. The vitamin K content may also be useful for maintaining bone density.
I use alfalfa in a sweet liquid extract form as a nutrient tonic to stimulate gentle healing of the digestive tract membranes. The tonic effects become apparent after 1 or 2 weeks of use, often causing a sense of mild euphoria in the weakened. I frequently prescribe it for children and the elderly, especially when there are signs of emaciation and weakness. |
| Although I cannot currently prove it in a laboratory (unless someone gives me a few million dollars), it makes sense to me that a healthy diet throughout life, similar to the one followed by most residents of China, creates moderate fatty stores of healthy substrates, including phytoestrogens. At menopause, moderate increases in fat distribution allow for increased levels of substrates. Slight increases in weight are not problematic because they make up for the estrogen losses resulting from decreased production. |
| They are found in several herbs, including oregano leaf, turmeric root, and red clover blossom, but have not yet been studied nearly as much as phytoestrogens. One study found that these compounds tended to be either neutral or antagonistic after binding to receptors, meaning that they blocked cell response.
Plant coumarins are chemicals that have anticoagulant, antimicrobial, and antispasmodic properties. Dicoumarol, derived from improperly cured sweet clover, is a component of the blood-thinning drug warfarin. |
| Mixing a group of herbs containing immune-stimulating polysaccharides (like maitake mushroom with ganoderma mushroom) is additive, as is mixing herbs that contain phytoestrogens. Mixing herbs with similar actions to get additive effects is a common herbal strategy. Most of the herbs in the groups mentioned below have additive effects.
Synergy is a result of the combination of two or more substances that cannot be predicted by simply adding the sum of the parts. Following this phenomenon, individual nutrients must work together for the body to produce its immune response. |
Mark Stengler, N.D.
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 Some researchers also feel that estrogen-balancing chemicals in black cohosh—known as "phytoestrogens"—may act to relieve menopausal symptoms as well.
DOSAGE
Black cohosh supplements are available in capsule, tablet, and tincture form. The tea form is also available, though it's not commonly used.
As a standard dosage, I recommend a black cohosh extract standardized to 2.5% triterpene glycosides. The typical dosage used in studies for the relief of menopausal symptoms was 80 milligrams of the tablet or 80 drops of tincture. |
Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D.
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 Soybeans contain phytoestrogens that boost immunity, help keep blood vessels flexible, and block estrogen from entering cells, thus reducing the risk for hormone-related cancers such as ovarian, prostate, and breast cancers. These weak estrogen-like compounds also buffer estrogen swells, which possibly curb hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. According to Mark Messina, future research will investigate their usefulness in a variety of other conditions, from treating alcoholism and boosting brain function to managing middle-age spread and hypertension, and preventing cataracts. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
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 A safer technique might be to boost the intake of natural estrogen-like compounds called phytoestrogens in your diet.
In addition to HRT, tranquilizers, antidepressants, and sleeping pills are sometimes prescribed for specific menopausal symptoms. But these drugs have their own attendant side effects.
Several herbs can act as hormonal precursors—that is, they help the body build estrogen molecules when the hormone is running low. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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 The Chinese herb dong quai, which contains useful phytoestrogens and acts as a muscle relaxant, has demonstrated its ability to alleviate cramps attributed to fibroids. This herb should be consumed in quantities of 500 to 1,000 mg per day. Han man chow, another Chinese herb that is also known as warrior's grass, enhances functioning of the spleen and uterus, and can control severe bleeding. |
Carol Simontacchi
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 Soy-based formulas may not lead to increased aggressiveness in every child; it is possible that some humans can protect themselves from supra-physiological doses of phytoestrogens, but it is also likely that not everyone has the same level of built-in protection. Some children may indeed suffer the consequences of too much estrogen at a critical period in their developmental history. At the very least, the necessary research to learn if this is really the case must be done. |
| Scientists in New Zealand have been looking at the results of feeding high amounts of phytoestrogens and recently reported that when feeding an infant a soy-based formula along with cereal, the amount of estrogen (isoflavone) the baby received was greater than that shown to alter reproductive functions in adults.43 The implications of this hormone assault on a developing child, whether male or female, are frightening.
How do plant-based estrogens work? |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
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| Interactions between phytoestrogens and human sex steroid binding protein. Life Sci 1996; 58: 429-136
62. Evans BA, Griffiths K, Morton MS. Inhibition of 5 alpha-reductase in genital skin fibroblasts and prostate tissue by dietary lignans and isoflavonoids. J Endocrinol 1995; 147: 295-302
63. Eaton EA, Walle UK, Lewis AJ et al. Flavonoids, potent inhibitors of the human P-form phenolsulfotransferase. Potential role in drug metabolism and chemoprevention. Drug Metab Dispos 1996; 24: 232-237
64. Wilcox JN, Blumenthal BF. Thrombotic mechanisms in atherosclerosis. |
The Complete Book of Alternative NutritionSelene Y. Craig, Jennifer Haigh, Sari Harrar and the Editors of PREVENTION Magazine Health Books
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| Also, in animal studies, phytoestrogens have been shown to inhibit the growth of breast tumors. Taken together, these two factors go a long way toward explaining why breast and prostate cancer rates are low in countries like Japan, where soy foods are part of the traditional diet.
Researchers have taken into account that it's not just meatless diets that separate vegetarians from other groups. Vegetarians tend to smoke less, weigh less and come from more affluent backgrounds than meat-eaters. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
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| Urinary excretion of lignans and isoflavonoid phytoestrogens in Japanese men and women consuming a traditional Japanese diet. Am J Clin Nutr 1991; 54: 1093-1100
68. Hagmann W. Cell proliferation status, cytokine action and protein tyrosine phosphorylation modulate leukotriene biosynthesis in a basophil leukaemia and a mastocytoma cell line. Biochem J 1994; 299: 467-472
69. Okura A, Arakawa H, Oka H et al. Effect of genistein on topoisomerase activity and on the growth of [Val 12]Ha-ras-transformed NIH 3T3 cells. Biochem Biophys Res Cornmun 1988; 157: 183-189
70. |
Neal Barnard, M.D.
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 Although soy products are particularly rich in phytoestrogens, they are also found in many other legumes, vegetables, and fruits. The more of these foods you include in your routine, the better.
NATURAL PROGESTERONE
During the normal monthly cycle, estrogen dominates during the first half of the month, causing the uterine lining to thicken in anticipation of pregnancy. During the second half of the month, a different hormone, progesterone, dominates. Among other jobs, progesterone opposes the actions of estrogen, preventing too much stimulation of the uterus. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
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| 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.
Dang gui's slightly sweet-tasting root can normalize irregular
Cause: The most frequent cause of irregular menstrual cycles is a hormone imbalance that interferes with estrogen and progesterone production. |
John Boik
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 These include certain phytoestrogens, phytosterols, saponins, flavonoids, protease inhibitors, isoflavones, and lignans. Some of the more promising compounds include the phytoestrogen equol; the flavonoids quercetin, (+)-catechin, and epigallocate-chin 3-gallate (EGCG); the isoflavone genistein; and lignans obtained from flax seed and Arctium lappa. These compounds may act by a variety of mechanisms to inhibit cancer growth, such as by reducing estrogen
-r^— ——" urea.
15.1 DMSO
15.1.1 Solvent Activities
15.1.2 Hydroxy I Scavenger Action
15.3.2 Wobe-Mugos
15.3.3 Bromelain
15.4 UREA
15. |
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. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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| Soybeans, soy milk, tofu, miso, and tempeh contain phytoestrogens that help prevent many forms of cancer. Indeed, Japanese women, who eat soy on a daily basis, have the lowest incidence of breast cancer in the world. Because soy products are high in protein, they make excellent replacements for meat.
•Juices...Freshly squeezed juices provide valuable enzymes and antioxidant nutrients that are easily digestible. One of the most potent juices for liver detoxification is blueberry juice, while cabbage juice may help to prevent stomach and colorectal cancer. |
| In addition, the Chinese herb dong quai contains phytoestrogens that aid women who become anemic as a result of heavy menstruation. The herb contains vitamins A, E, and B12 and can be taken most days of the month, until menstruation starts.
For people having difficulty absorbing B12, a combination of goldenseal, gentian, and wormwood powder taken in capsule form will help increase the level of hydrochloric acid, which will aid the stomach in digestion of the vitamin. This formula should be taken only on a temporary basis, for a couple of weeks at a time. |
| These phytoestrogens also function as precursors in the adrenal glands' production of DHEA, one of our antiaging hormones.
Aromatherapy
Properly used, essential oils can help us overcome many physical and psychological conditions associated with aging. Often, they serve as a sensible alternative to medications, because unlike drugs, which distress the system with unwanted side effects, essential oils are natural substances that the body readily accepts. They benefit us on a physical level, and, at the same time, leave us feeling relaxed and uplifted. |
| 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. The consumption of broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and other cruciferous vegetables is also recommended to combat cancer. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
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| Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1995; 208: 51-59
54. Sathyamoorthy N, Wang TT, Phang JM. Stimulation of pS2 expression by diet-derived compounds. Cancer Res 1994; 54: 957-961
55. Whitten PL, Lewis C, Russel E, Naftolin F. Potential adverse effects of phytoestrogens. J Nutr 1995; 125: 771S-776S
56. Price KR, Fenwick GR. Naturally occurring oestrogens in foods -a review. Food Addit Contam 1985; 2: 73-106
57. Fortunati N, Fissore F, Fassari A et al. |
Bradley J. Willcox, D. Craig Willcox, and Makoto Suzuki
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 The other important major phytoestrogens are lignans, which are derived from flax and other grains. All plants, especially legumes (beans, peas), onions, and broccoli, contain these natural SERMs, but not nearly in the same quantity as soy and flax.82 Soy and flax are the undisputed king and queen of natural SERMs. (See the table on pages 124-125 for the most complete list of phytoestrogen-rich foods available.) The good thing about flavonoids and lignans is that they offer you protection from the damaging effects of estrogen while allowing you all the beneficial effects.82 Here's how it works. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
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| A recent case-controlled study, examined the effect of phytoestrogens on breast cancer risk. One hundred and forty-four women with early diagnosed breast cancer were paired with age- and area-of-residency-matched controls. Prior to treatment, a questionnaire, and 72 hour urine and blood tests were administered. Urine was assayed for the isoflavones daidzein, genistein, and equol, and the lignans enterodiol, enterolactone, and matairesinol. Adjustments were made for age at menarche, parity, and alcohol and total fat intake. |
Larry Trivieri, Jr.
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 Japanese women have far fewer hot flashes than American women, and researchers have correlated this with the traditional Japanese diet that includes many soybean foods, which are high in natural phytoestrogens.31 Dr. Lark emphasizes avoiding caffeine and alcohol and taking nutritional supplements of vitamin E and bioflavonoids. "Herbs to treat hot flashes," says David Hoffmann, "include dong quai, ginseng, gotu kola, and motherwort to help with palpitations that accompany hot flashes."
Ayurveda recommends treating for a pitta imbalance (see section on Premenstrual Syndrome). |
Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik
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 Resveratrol differs from other phytoestrogens, which bind estrogen receptor beta with higher affinity than they bind estrogen receptor alpha. Resveratrol also shows estradiol antagonistic behavior for estrogen receptor alpha with some estrogen receptors. It does not show estradiol antagonistic activity with estrogen receptor beta.
ResveratroFs possible antiproliferative activity also may be accounted for in several different ways. ResveratroFs antioxidant activity was discussed above. |
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