Phytoestrogen: A protective shield for post-menopausal symptoms and breast cancer risk

Abstract

Menopause is a physiological unavoidable condition in women’s life which leads to vasomotor, psychological, urogenital and chronic diseases collectively termed as post-menopausal symptoms (PMS). Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is conventional line of treatment for treating PMS in which estrogens replacement is major choice for better therapeutic efficacy against symptoms like hot flushes, osteoporosis, hormonal balances, insomnia, obesity etc. However, estrogen is reported risk factor for breast cancer. The review discusses Ayurveda based strategies for management of PMS with phytoestrogen herbs, diet, lifestyle modification, de-addiction measures, yoga, aroma therapies etc. supported by evidence-based documentation.Herbs namely Dhanyaka (Coriander sativum), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia L), Chandana (Santalum album L), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi DC), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus L), Kumari (Aloe vera L), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra L), Haridra (Curcuma longa L), Triphala (Combination of fruits of Haritaki, Bibhitak, Amalaki in the proportion 1:2:4), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris L), Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna L.), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia L.), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum L), Narikela (Coccus nucifera L), Masha (Phaseolus vulgaris L), Mudga (Vigna radiata L). Shunthi (Zinziber officinale Roxb), Methika (Trigonella foenumgraecum L), Tila (Sesamum indicum L) are the natural sources of phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogen don’t exert side effects like synthetic estrogen molecules. These herbs are useful for management of various symptoms of PMS. Having anti-cancer potential against breast carcinoma these are useful for prevention of risk of breast cancer.