Biochemistry & Pharmacology: Open Access
Open Access
ISSN: 2167-0501
ISSN: 2167-0501
Alpana Singh
Accepted Abstracts: Biochem & Pharmacol
Phytoestrogen may be defined as plant constituent possessing the ability to mimic the biological effects of beta eastradiol in laboratory tests by their ability to bind to the nuclear estrogen receptor, activate transcriptional response and to promote growth of estrogen dependent MCF7 cells in culture. Phytoestrogenic constituents of foods and medicinal herbs may interact with steroid sex hormone metabolism, and synergize with exogenous steroid hormones in ERT (estrogen replacement therapy), HRT (hormone replacement therapy), or GnRH (ghonadotrophic releasing hormone) inhibitors. Traditionally, a large number of different herbs have been used to affect different aspects of the activity of the female reproductive tract. The most important phytoestrogenic plant in common therapeutic use is Cimicifuga racemosa (Black cohosh). The plant has the same effects on the female system as synthetic estrogen, without the side effects. Best of all, it has no cancer causing agents like synthetic estrogen as biological activity of phytoestrogens extend beyond simple estrogen receptor activity to effects on cellular differentiation, proliferation, angiogenesis, enzyme inhibition, growth factor action and other effects which constitute protective activity against cancer. In clinical practice, it has long been known that phytoestrogenic medicinal herbs often have both estrogenic and anti- estrogenic actions. As Cimicifuga racemosa may be used to help correct estrogen dominance in pre- menopausal women yet supports estrogenic activity in post- menopausal women. This variability in action remains to be elucidated in terms of potency of phytoestrogenic constituents, balance of agonistic and antagonistic tendencies and compounds, short and long term effects, as well as the problem of different methodological approaches used to identify estrogenicity. Cimicifuga racemosa also influence pituitary action by peripheral modulation of LH and FSH via estrogenic effect. There is the need to evaluate the effects of these herbs with a scientific approach so that these can help us in future to replace the need of synthetic oestrogen with their side effects.