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Long-term intake of traditionally made Doenjang, particularly high in certain species, may improve symptoms of estrogen deficiency more effectively than unfermented soybeans.
2023 Foods Improvement of Estrogen Deficiency Symptoms by the Intake of Long-Term Fermented Soybeans (Doenjang) Rich in Bacillus Species through Modulating Gut Microbiota in Estrogen-Deficient Rats Zhang T, Yue Y, Jeong SJ, Ryu MS, Wu X, Yang HJ, et al.
Animal Study Bacillus Gut Microbiota Menopause
The study involved using four different types of traditionally made Doenjang (TMD), distinguished based on the quantities of certain species and biogenic amines they contained. These were used to observe possible alterations in energy, glucose, and lipid metabolism in estrogen-deficient female rats via potential modification of the gut microbiota. This involved comparing a control group of rats that underwent ovary removal with five other groups that were supplemented with different types of TMD and cooked soybeans.
The outcomes revealed that weight gain and visceral fat mass were lower and lean body mass was higher in the TMD and cooked soybean intake groups compared to the control group, however, these figures were not as good as those in the normal control group. Additionally, the hepatic triglyceride content was lower with TMD intake. It was further observed that the intestinal health significantly improved in the TMD groups, and some groups revealed more improvements than others. Concerning gut microbiota, certain groups showed an increase in certain types of organisms, suggesting a benefit from high amounts of the specific species in TMD. The study inferred that TMD rich in certain species correlates positively with the regulation of estrogen-related markers.
Meta-analysis revealed that lavender, particularly L. angustifolia, significantly reduces stress, making it a potentially valuable component in stress management programs.
2022 Complementary Therapies in Medicine The effect of lavender on stress in individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis Ghavami T, Kazeminia M, Rajati F
Systematic Review Lavender Stress
Results found that lavender significantly reduced stress levels, with a decrease in the intervention group compared to the control group. Subgroup analysis revealed that L. angustifolia species, aromatherapy as a delivery method, and student populations showed the most significant stress reduction effects.
Equol, a powerful estrogen-like compound derived from soy, could be key to better health in postmenopausal women if gut microbiome could be altered to facilitate its production.
2022 Nutrients Maximizing the Estrogenic Potential of Soy Isoflavones through the Gut Microbiome: Implication for Cardiometabolic Health in Postmenopausal Women Leonard LM, Choi MS, Cross TWL
Review Article Equol Gut Microbiota Isoflavone
The methodology of this research involved looking closely at the properties and actions of equol, a metabolite of the soy isoflavone daidzein. This substance is produced through the process of intestinal bacterial metabolism, but the ability to produce it is not present in over half of the human population due to the absence of specific equol-producing bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Given that the make up of the gut microbiome varies from person to person, understanding the effects of equol and daidzein in the human body has been a complex task. Furthermore, the fact that rodents easily produce equol complicates the matter, as findings from rodent models may not directly apply to humans.
While interpreting the results, it was found that equol, due to its strong estrogenic activity, could potentially be an excellent means to manage postmenopausal symptoms and overall health. However, the ability to produce equol varies significantly among people, based on the bacterial microflora of their gut. Therefore, the benefits of equol could potentially be amplified by finding effective methods to manipulate the gut microbiome to foster equol production, a strategy that could lead to improved health outcomes for postmenopausal women.
Inhalation aromatherapy using lavender and chamomile essential oils effectively reduces depression, anxiety, and stress levels in community-dwelling older adults.
2022 Explore: The Journal of Science & Healing The effects of Lavender and Chamomile essential oil inhalation aromatherapy on depression, anxiety and stress in older community-dwelling people: A randomized controlled trial Ebrahimi H, Mardani A, Basirinezhad MH, Hamidzadeh A, Eskandari F
Randomised Controlled Trial Anxiety Chamomile Depression
From a methodological perspective, the researchers adopted a three-armed, parallel, randomized, and controlled trial design. A total of 183 participants were enrolled in the study and were randomly divided into three groups: lavender, chamomile, and control group with equal numbers in each. The individuals in the experimental groups were given three drops of 1.5% lavender and chamomile essential oils to inhale for 30 consecutive nights, while the control group inhaled distilled water in the same manner. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress-Scale (DASS) was utilized to collect data both prior to the intervention, directly following the intervention, and a month after the treatment.
In terms of the results gathered, there was significant improvement in the depression, anxiety, and stress levels of individuals in the lavender and chamomile groups both immediately and one month after the treatment compared to the control group. This indicates that inhalation aromatherapy utilizing lavender and chamomile essential oils can be efficacious in reducing mental health issues among older adults residing in the community.
Pumpkin extract exhibits potential antidepressant effects similar to fluoxetine and ameliorates biochemical and structural changes in rat brains resulting from chronic stress.
2021 Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity L. Cucurbita pepo Alleviates Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress via Modulation of Apoptosis, Neurogenesis, and Gliosis in Rat Hippocampus Ayuob N, Shaker SA, Hawuit E, Al-Abbas N, Shaer NA, Al Jaouni S, et al.
Animal Study Fluoxetine Pumpkin Seed Stress
The researchers used forty male albino rats, split into four different groups: a negative control group, a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) group, a fluoxetine-treated group, and a pumpkin-treated group. These rats were exposed to CUMS for 28 days, with the treatments applied during the last 14 days of this exposure period. After these 28 days, the scientists evaluated the behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological alterations in these rats.
The application of pumpkin extract significantly reduced markers of stress and inflammation, while increasing antioxidant levels. Additionally, the extract helped reduce structural damage in the hippocampal region of the brain caused by exposure to CUMS. These effects were comparable to those observed by administering fluoxetine, a conventional antidepressant.
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