Phytoestrogens and Beyond: The Role of Natural Herbs in Women's Health and Hormonal Balance

¹ Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Uttar Pradesh Lucknow Campus Lucknow, 201313, India. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. /This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; Contact no.: 9816669885
² Faculty of Health, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
³ ARCCIM, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
⁴ Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT) Noida, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

^* Corresponding author: Silpi Chanda, Professor and HOD Department of Pharmacognosy, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Uttar Pradesh Lucknow Campus, Lucknow Nizampur, Maluhaur, Uttar Pradesh, India, Pin. 226028; Email id: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; Contact no.: 9816669885.

Abstract

Women, being nature's nurturers, face several challenges in their lives. These difficulties may involve a variety of medical, psychological, and reproductive problems. This review focuses on the great variety of natural herbs and their significant benefits for preventing and treating women's illnesses. The search includes several academic databases to gain information on herbs in traditional or clinical practices. Through the study of phytoestrogens' interactions with estrogen receptors, it was exploring how plant-based chemicals can mimic or modify the effects of estrogen, influencing reproductive health and alleviating menopausal symptoms. In addition, the phytochemicals are inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines, thus act on women's health and wellness by reducing inflammation in conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and other androgen-related disorders. The review emphasises the value of diet in maintaining and enhancing overall well-being. The role of vitamins B and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and omega-6 fatty acids is essential. We found that parsley, flaxseed, ginger, garlic, and pomegranate have nutritional and therapeutic value. The review highlighted the function of plants and their chemical components in regulating the physiology of hormonal balance. Phyto-oestrogens, which are natural, oestrogen- like substances present in Flaxseed, Soy, Pomegranate, Ginseng, Red Clover, etc., are beneficial in reducing the signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance and also in polycystic ovarian disease. In total, 69 plants are mentioned in this review, 53 of which have been reviewed for their phytochemistry, traditional uses, or clinical applications in standard women's diseases. The effectiveness is due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. We conclude that when traditional and contemporary scientific knowledge of the nutritional and therapeutic value of plant resources is integrated, the navigation of universal women's health and well-being will be achieved.