- Soy contains protein, isoflavones, and fibre, which all are thought to provide health benefits.
- It is an excellent source of dietary protein and includes all essential amino acids.
- Isoflavones like Genistin and Daidzin have an estrogen-like effect in the body hence called phytoestrogens (plant estrogens).
History
Soy is a subtropical plant and it is native to southeastern Asia.
Therefore, it has been a dietary staple in Asian countries for at least 5,000 years.
- Vitex berries contains flavonoids identified as phytoestrogens. Apigenin, a flavonoid, is an active phytoestrogen in Vitex berries.
- It has selective β-estrogen receptor sub-type binding affinity.
- It is used in western herbal formulation as menopause support to help relieving symptoms of menopause.
History
The ripe dried fruits are traditionally used for more than a thousand years and native to Greece and Italy. Traditionally, Vitex berries were used to relieve uterine cramps, symptoms associated with PMS, Menopausal symptoms and to stimulate lactation. Hence, traditional use of Vitex berries support the claim by modern science.
Most noteworhty, Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.) wrote, "If blood flows from the womb, let the woman drink dark wine in which the leaves of the vitex have been steeped."
- The potentially active constituents of Withania include alkaloids and steroidal lactones that together known as Withanolides (particularly Withaferin A). Two major Withanolides, Withaferin A and Withanolide D are responsible for most of Withania’s pharmacological activity.
- The Withanolides serve as important hormone precursors that can convert into human physiological hormones as needed. Furthermore, research indicates withania contains amphoteric compounds and it can help regulate important physiologic processes.
- It is also an adaptogen which facilitates the ability to withstand stressors, and has antioxidant properties as well.
History:
Withania Somnifera roots have been used in Ayurvedic medicine in India for hundreds of years as an "adaptogenic" herb, meaning that it is used with the intention to help the body resist physiological and psychological stress. Moreover, it is known to tone and normalize (revitalize) bodily functions. It is also known as "Indian ginseng".
- The Dried roots of Asparagus contain saponins known as Shatavarins. The phytoestrogen activity is due to the presence of steroidal saponins which exert hormone like actions in the body, and also due to the Isoflavones which have mild estrogenic activity that help to balance the estrogen levels.
- Furthermore, Various modern formulations containing Asparagus Racemosus have shown their effectiveness in alleviating the symptoms in postmenopausal and in hystrectomised patients.
History
Asparagus Racemosus is commonly found in the Himalayan mountain range of India, Nepal and also in some part of Sri Lanka. In the Ayurveda, this amazing herb is known as the "Queen of Herbs" because it promotes love and devotion. In addition, the roots of Asparagus Racemosus were used as female tonic in Ayurveda.