[Frontiers in Bioscience S3, 191-204, January 1, 2011]

Phytotherapy as alternative to hormone replacement therapy

Maria Dolores Julia Molla1, Juan Jose Hidalgo-Mora1, Marta Gurrea Soteras1

1Obstetrics and Gynecology Department. La Fe University Hospital, Valencia, Spain

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Isoflavones
3.1. General characteristics
3.2. Difficulties in research
3.3. Mechanism of action
3.4. Vasomotor symptoms
3.5. Isoflavones and bones
3.6. Cardiovascular system
3.7. Effects on breast
3.8. Action on the endometrium
3.9. Other actions of isoflavones
3.10. Developing researches
4. Cimicifuga racemosa
4.1. Generalization
4.2. Action mechanisms
4.3. Vasomotor symptoms
4.4 .Effects on mood
4.5. Effects on cancer
4.6. Other actions of Cimicifuga Racemosa
4.7. Side effects of Cimicifuga Racemosa
4.8. Drug obtaining and associations
5. Perspectives
6. Acknowledgements
7. References

1. ABSTRACT

Phytoestrogens are a group of non-steroidal compounds of plant origin that present structural and functional similarities with estradiol. Isoflavones are their most widely known category. There are different mechanisms of action of isoflavones accepted, although they may be considered as selective modulators of estrogen receptors. On the other hand, Cimicifuga Racemosa is a perennial plant used traditionally for problems related to menstruation. Its action mechanisms have not been totally identified. There is a growing interest in the usefulness of phytotherapy in the treatment of symptoms and menopause-related diseases. Isoflavones and Cimicifuga Racemosa moderately improve vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women, particularly in those who have a greater number of hot flushes. Furthermore, trials performed with soy isoflavones have observed a reduction of the loss of bone mineral density in postmenopausal women and a slight decrease in LDL cholesterol. In short, phytotherapy will constitute a therapeutic option that can offer assistance to women who want to improve their quality of life through relief of vasomotor symptoms or benefit from other effects for their health.