Phytoestrogen complex shows potential for improving menopause symptoms
Writing in the journal Nutrients, researchers from Korea used ethanol extracts of S. japonicum fruit (SJF) and germinated soybean embryo (GSE) containing concentrated bioactive components such as isoflavones, soyasaponins and flavonoids.
GSE is derived from soybeans that have just started germinating before sprouting, containing higher amounts of bioactives than when the plant sprouts and develops further.
SJF, known as fructus sophorae is extracted from the fruits and flower buds of a deciduous tree in Asia and is used in traditional Chinese medicine for its broad biological activities including hormone-regulating potential.
The study was motivated by controversy around hormone replacement therapy (HRT), a standard treatment strategy for menopause changes. Although the benefits of HRT usually outweigh the risks, there is still a demand for natural alternatives.
“The SJF–GSE extract, working synergistically, provides a safe and effective alternative to HRT for managing postmenopausal symptoms and enhancing bone health without adverse effects,” the researchers wrote.
Phytoestrogens and menopause
Phytoestrogens are plant substances with estrogenic properties that can be beneficial or detrimental depending on someone’s health status, age and other factors.
During menopause, estrogen levels decline, increasing the risk of bone loss and osteoporosis. Phytoestrogens can bind to estrogen receptors and potentially alleviate menopause symptoms, although studies have found mixed results.
Soybeans contain isoflavones which are bioflavonoids with estrogen-like activity. Research indicates that higher consumption of soybeans in Asian diets is associated with a lower incidence of menopause symptoms and osteoporosis.
This association may partly be because Asian females have higher levels of the gut bacteria required to convert soy isoflavones genistein and daidzein to S-equol, a bioactivator similar to estrogens.
The action of bacteria on soybeans concentrates their isoflavone content, which is why nutrition experts consider fermented soy products healthier than processed soy.
Study details
The study investigated estrogen-like activity using human breast cancer cells. It used a rat ovariectomy model to simulate postmenopausal estrogen depletion and evaluated the effects of the SJF and GSE complex at ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1.
The extract exhibited estrogen-like effects in the rats, increasing the expression of the estrogen-responsive gene pS2 and estrogen receptor α expression in MCF7 cells and positively influencing their estradiol and lipid profiles.
Physiological effects included reduced body weight and fat, enhanced bone density and structure, alleviation of vasomotor symptoms and improved vaginal mucosal health.
“These findings contribute to the burgeoning field of natural plant-based therapies, offering new insights and potential pathways for improving postmenopausal health,” the researchers wrote.
Source: Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3297; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193297
“Styphnolobium japonicum fruit and germinated soybean embryo complex extract for postmenopausal-symptom relief.”
Authors: J-W. Ahn et al.
