Botanicals in Alleviating Menopause

Abstract

Background: Estrogens play a pivotal role in maintaining human health whose imbalance leads to several disorders in the human system and most of these effects are observed during menopause. A vast number of vasomotor symptoms have been observed among which hot flushes is the most common. Though numerous medical regimens are available, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the most preferred one owing to its effectiveness in relieving menopausal symptoms. But it might pave way for various other illnesses such as cancers in the reproductive system and cardiac problems. Hence, a different strategy is required, which opened the vision towards Complementary and Alternative Medicine which is preferred throughout the world due to its efficacy and safety in varied medical issues. Methods: Data were collected from sources such as Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Google Scholar, EMBASE, PubChem and Dr. Duke’s phytochemical and ethnobotanical databases. Results: An array of plants were listed encompassing the etymology, botany of the plants, chief phytochemicals present with estrogenic potential and medicinal benefits. Vital phytoestrogens reported were flavonoids, coumestans, stilbenes, chalcones and lignans. Phytoestrogenic compounds were reported to empower women’s health during and after menopause. Conclusion: These botanicals are considered safe due to their low or no side effects but intensive research is necessitated to validate the effectiveness and safety of phytoestrogens.