Phytoprogestogen Explained
Phytoprogestogens, also known as phytoprogestins, are phytochemicals (that is, naturally occurring, plant-derived chemicals) with progestogenic effects.[1] [2]
Relative to their phytoestrogen counterparts, phytoprogestogens are rare. However, a number have been identified, including kaempferol, diosgenin (found in yam), apigenin (found in chasteberry),[3] naringenin, and syringic acid, among others. In addition, 3,8-dihydrodiligustilide from Ligusticum chuanxiong is a potent progestogen (EC50 = 90 nM), whereas riligustilide is a weak progestogen (EC50 ≈ 81 μM).[4] [5]
Notes and References
- Hajirahimkhan. Atieh. Dietz. Birgit. Bolton. Judy. Botanical Modulation of Menopausal Symptoms: Mechanisms of Action?. Planta Medica. 79. 7. 2013. 538–553. 0032-0943. 10.1055/s-0032-1328187. 23408273. 3800090.
- Zava DT, Dollbaum CM, Blen M . Estrogen and progestin bioactivity of foods, herbs, and spices . Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. . 217 . 3 . 369–78 . 1998 . 9492350 . 10.3181/00379727-217-44247. 20673587 .
- Toh. M.F.. Sohn. J.. Chen. S.N.. Yao. P.. Bolton. J.L.. Burdette. J.E.. Biological characterization of non-steroidal progestins from botanicals used for women's health. Steroids. 77. 7. 2012. 765–773. 0039-128X. 10.1016/j.steroids.2012.03.013. 22484153. 3601661.
- Lim LS, Shen P, Gong YH, Yong EL . Dimeric progestins from rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong . Phytochemistry . 67 . 7 . 728–34 . 2006 . 16516938 . 10.1016/j.phytochem.2006.01.024 . 2006PChem..67..728L .
- Ahmed. H.M.M.. Yeh. J.Y.. Lin. W.J.. Forsberg. N.E.. Cheng. W.T.K.. Ou. B.R. Validation of a luciferase bioassay to detect the progestative activity in gilts whose estrus was induced by an uterotonic herb (Ligusticum chuanxiong). Livestock Science. 163. 2014. 159–164. 1871-1413. 10.1016/j.livsci.2014.02.012.
