Next Article in Journal
Omega-3 Supplementation in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients: Impact on ICU Stay and Hospital Stay—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Previous Article in Journal
Emerging Roles for Sphingolipids in Cardiometabolic Disease: A Rational Therapeutic Target?
Previous Article in Special Issue
EZH2-Mediated H3K27 Trimethylation in the Liver of Mice Is an Early Epigenetic Event Induced by High-Fat Diet Exposure
 
 
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon.
Article

Styphnolobium japonicum Fruit and Germinated Soybean Embryo Complex Extract for Postmenopausal-Symptom Relief

1
Department of Marine Bioscience, College of Life Science, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung 25457, Gangwon, Republic of Korea
2
East Coast Life Sciences Institute, College of Life Science, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung 25457, Gangwon, Republic of Korea
3
Huscion MAJIC R&D Center, 331 Pangyo-ro, Seongnam 13488, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
4
Life Science Research Institute, NOVAREX Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28220, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
5
Glocal University Project Group, Andong National University, 1375 Gyeongdong-ro, Andong 36729, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3297; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193297 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 9 September 2024 / Revised: 23 September 2024 / Accepted: 26 September 2024 / Published: 28 September 2024
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements in Human Health and Disease)

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Hormonal alterations during menopause result in substantial physiological changes. Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is widely used as a treatment strategy for these changes, its use remains controversial due to its associated risks. Plant isoflavones are phytoestrogens that are considered a potential alternative therapy for postmenopausal syndrome. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of ethanolic extracts from Styphnolobium japonicum fruit (SJF) and germinated soybean embryo (GSE) in alleviating prominent menopausal symptoms. Methods: A cell model (MCF7 human breast cancer cells) was used to investigate estrogen-like activity. A rat ovariectomy model was used to simulate estrogen depletion after menopause and to evaluate the efficacy of the SJF–GSE complex extract at ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1. Results: Treatment with the SJF–GSE extract elicited estrogen-like effects, raising pS2 and estrogen receptor α expression in MCF7 cells. The extract was found to contain 48–72 mg/g sophoricoside and 8–12 mg/g soyasaponin 1, identified as active compounds. In ovariectomized rats, the extract effectively reduced body weight and fat content, alleviated vasomotor symptoms, improved vaginal mucosal health, and exerted osteoprotective effects by enhancing bone density and structure, reducing bone-resorption markers and positively altering estradiol levels and lipid profiles. Conclusions: The SJF–GSE extract, working synergistically, provides a safe and effective alternative to HRT for managing postmenopausal symptoms and enhancing bone health, without adverse effects. These findings support the inclusion of SJF and GSE in health-functional foods and underscore the importance of further research into plant-based therapies for menopause.
Keywords: menopause; Styphnolobium japonicum fruit; germinated soybean embryo; ovariectomized rat model; phytoestrogen; medicinal plant menopause; Styphnolobium japonicum fruit; germinated soybean embryo; ovariectomized rat model; phytoestrogen; medicinal plant

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Ahn, J.-W.; Kim, H.-S.; Damodar, K.; Shin, H.-H.; Kim, K.-M.; Park, J.-Y.; Jang, S.-K.; Yoo, Y.-M.; Jung, J.-C.; Joo, S.-S. Styphnolobium japonicum Fruit and Germinated Soybean Embryo Complex Extract for Postmenopausal-Symptom Relief. Nutrients 2024, 16, 3297. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193297

AMA Style

Ahn J-W, Kim H-S, Damodar K, Shin H-H, Kim K-M, Park J-Y, Jang S-K, Yoo Y-M, Jung J-C, Joo S-S. Styphnolobium japonicum Fruit and Germinated Soybean Embryo Complex Extract for Postmenopausal-Symptom Relief. Nutrients. 2024; 16(19):3297. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193297

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ahn, Jeong-Won, Hyun-Soo Kim, Kongara Damodar, Hee-Hyun Shin, Kyung-Mi Kim, Jung-Youl Park, Su-Kil Jang, Yeong-Min Yoo, Jae-Chul Jung, and Seong-Soo Joo. 2024. "Styphnolobium japonicum Fruit and Germinated Soybean Embryo Complex Extract for Postmenopausal-Symptom Relief" Nutrients 16, no. 19: 3297. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193297

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop