Menochron®

Basics

Many plants contain small amounts of substances that exert effects similar to those of the hormones produced by the human body. For this reason, these compounds – which belong to the group known as secondary plant substances – are also referred to as “phytohormones”.

Isoflavones are the most prominent members of this group. Of the isoflavones, phytoestrogens are the most important, exerting effects similar to – but weaker than – those displayed by the sex hormones produced by the human body. The phytoestrogens owe their ability to exert such effects to their structural similarity to human sex hormones like estrogen, which allows them to bind to the body's estrogen receptors, thus producing estrogenic or anti-estrogenic effects.   Another effect of phytoestrogens is to displace the body’s own (endogenous) estrogen from its transport proteins, which can in turn result in higher levels of unbound, and consequently active, endogenous sex hormones. For these reasons, phytoestrogens can be used to help maintain healthy hormone levels.

During menopause a decrease in endogenous estrogen frequently causes symptoms such as hot flashes and sweating – symptoms which have a negative effect on a woman’s general well-being. It has been demonstrated that phytoestrogens can help counteract these undesired effects.

Since the body’s own hormones and the secondary plant substances compete for the binding sites on the receptors in the body, phytohormones are able to weaken – as well as strengthen – the effect of the body’s own hormones. Whether their presence strengthens or weakens the hormonal effect in each individual case depends both on the binding specificity of the phytoestrogens to the particular receptor and the current concentration of endogenous hormones. Because the effects exerted by the body’s own hormones are substantially stronger than the effects of the plant substances, in the presence of extremely high concentrations of endogenous hormones, the plant substances tend to weaken the overall hormonal effect by displacing the more powerful hormones from the binding sites. In contrast, in the presence of very low concentrations of endogenous hormones, the phytoestrogens can display their full effect.

It is evident, therefore, that these secondary plant substances act to 'fine tune' hormonal balance in the body. Not only do these substances affect the hormones, they also have an impact on the body’s entire metabolism (i.e. the metabolism of fats, sugars and minerals) and help maintain the healthy growth of a broad range of cells and tissues. Furthermore, they protect against concerns caused by hormone-dependent metabolic changes, such as the more rapid breakdown of bone seen in older people. Plants like soy, red clover and cat’s whiskers (Orthosiphon aristatus) are especially rich in these secondary plant substances.

Besides isoflavones, Menochron® contains other valuable ingredients such as essential amino acids, saponins and phytosterols. Furthermore, valerian extract has been added to help the body get the rest and relaxation it needs. Insufficient sleep, a common concern during menopause, is often a direct result of hormonal imbalance, and deprives the body of the restful sleep it so urgently needs.    

Effects

Soybean extract: The primary effect of this extract is based on the isoflavones it contains. In particular, genistein, daidzein and glycitein – the three most important isoflavones contained in soy – have been extensively investigated to assess their estrogenic and antioxidative properties. Soy also contains saponins, substances which help maintain a strong immune system. Together with phytosterols, another important group of secondary plant substances, saponins also bind cholesterol, helping to maintain cholesterol levels already within normal ranges.

Orthosiphon: Dried leaves of Orthosiphon aristatus, also known as cat’s whiskers, contain a complex mixture of essential oils, plant acids, isoflavones, saponins and potassium salts. Extracts of these leaves have been observed to possess diuretic, weakly spasmolytic and microbicidal effects.

Wild yam root contains saponins such as diosgenin and dioscoretin. These substances help maintain healthy blood sugar and triglyceride levels and help to maintain cholesterol levels already within normal ranges.  Wild yam root has also been shown to have antioxidative and antispasmodic properties, as well as helping to protect against cellular inflammation.

Dong quai (Chinese angelica) is a herb in the celery family and is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for concerns like painful menstruation, intracyclic menstrual bleeding and menopausal complaints. It is also used to help maintain healthy circulation.

Lignans: Derived from the Latin term for wood (lignum), lignans are a specific class of antioxidants, polyphenols and isoflavones. Structurally, lignans are very similar to sex hormones. The fact that they dock to certain receptors of our cells enables them to help maintain healthy hormonal balance.  Apart from helping to promote healthy cellular growth, lignans can also help maintain a healthy heart.

Trifolium (red clover) belongs to a a group called the papilonaceous plants, and in addition to the isoflavones already discussed above, trifolium extract contains the constituents formononetin and biochanin A, precursors of genistein and daidzein which appear to have effects of their own that compliments the efficacy of red clover. The mildly-estrogenic effect exerted by all the isoflavones helps soothe the symptoms of menopause without unwanted side effects.  It has also been shown that isoflavones can help promote healthy bones.

Valerian: Also known as baldrian, is one of the oldest natural remedies known to man and has been used to treat nervousness and trouble falling asleep since ancient times. Valerian relaxes the body and makes it easier to fall asleep. Taken regularly, it has a calming and anxiety-reducing effect.

Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) contains not only isoflavones and many other effective compounds but also triterpene glycosides. These are of especially great help when it comes to soothing menopausal complaints.

Magnesium: Magnesium is one of the most important minerals for human beings. It is required for normal muscle function, among other things, and has long been used to alleviate muscle cramps. Furthermore, magnesium is essential for healthy bone structure.

Uses

Menochron® is used to soothe menopausal complaints like hot flashes, sweating, and irritability, while promoting restful sleep and healthy mood.  It also helps maintain bone health and healthy fat metabolism.

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