Title:Highlights on Important Medicinal Plants for the Menopause Syndrome
Volume: 18
Issue: 1
Author(s): Rafaele de A. Rodrigues, Aline de S. Ramos*, José Luiz P. Ferreira, Jefferson Rocha de A. Silva, Ana Clara B. Maria, Maíra Martins H. de Almeida and Ana Claudia F. Amaral*
Affiliation:
- Laboratory of Medicinal Plants and Derivatives, Department of Natural Products, Farmanguinhos, Fiocruz, Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Medicinal Plants and Derivatives, Department of Natural Products, Farmanguinhos, Fiocruz, Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil
Keywords:
Climacteric, medicinal herbs, hormone therapy, phytoestrogen, phytotherapy, flavonoid, triterpene, steroids
Abstract: Background: A reduction in ovarian hormones, which is distinctive of menopause, often
involves signs and symptoms that compromise the quality of life and health of women. The
transient manifestations are changes in the menstrual cycle, vasomotor symptoms, neuropsychological
symptoms, and genitourinary changes. In some cases, the hormonal changes can evolve to nontransitory
manifestations, which include urinary incontinence, changes in metabolism, osteoporosis,
and cardiovascular diseases. Hormone replacement therapy is the treatment of choice to alleviate
transient symptoms of menopause; however, there are many limitations, contraindications, and
situations in which the risks of adverse effects are high, such as coronary artery disease, stroke, venous
thromboembolism, dementia, type 2 diabetes, and the increased incidence of breast cancer.
Objectives: This work aims to highlight important medicinal plants for the treatment of the transient
symptoms of menopause, with less side effects than traditional hormone replacement therapy.
Conclusion: There is sufficient information regarding the efficacy and safety for the use of the following
plant species in the treatment of transient symptoms of menopause: Actaea racemosa,
Glycine max, Trifolium pratense, Salvia officinalis, Humulus lupulus, Panax ginseng, Vitex agnus--
castus, and Trigonella foenum-graecum. Additionally, the search indicated the chemical classes related
to the benefits of the selected species, adverse effects, and interactions with other drugs.
