Manbir Online ... Plants Mimic Estrogen in Animals

Researchers say certain plants long used to treat
gynecological problems act like estrogen in animals and may
be dangerous to women who consume these plants without
really needing the estrogen.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
in Pittsburgh, Pa., found that the plants vitex, dang gui,
American ginseng and cohosh produce estrogen-like effects
in studies involving rats.
The researchers tested the effects of these plants in rats
whose ovaries had been removed so they could not produce
estrogen. After 30 days of receiving these plant compounds,
researchers found the uterus in every rat had grown
heavier, indicating the uterus was responding the same way
it would to estrogen.
Researchers also found the rats had low levels of
luteinizing hormone (LH), which is produced by the
pituitary gland to create estrogen. When there are high
levels of estrogen in the body, LH production is turned
off.
"These findings confirm reports that these plants relieve
menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes," says
researcher Patricia Eagon. "However, we still need to
conduct further pre-clinical tests with these substances to
study their long-term effects and to ensure they are safe
to use. Our results should signal a strong note of caution
to women who want to relieve menopausal symptoms, but who
have a family or personal history of breast or uterine
cancer."
Vitex is a Mediterranean plant used to treat menopause.
Cohosh is an American Indian treatment for menstrual pain
and menopausal symptoms. Dang gui and ginseng are Chinese
herbs used for different gynecological ailments.
This study was reported at the American Association
for Cancer Research in Philadelphia.

		Recently many studies have come up with too disturbing facts about the effects of various plant products used by many as a cure for various problems. Very recently researchers have found that some Plants Mimic Estrogen in Animals