This article contains findings obtained from research on animals:
- The results from animal research studies should not be directly applied to humans and the results may not generalise to the human population.
- There may be significant differences between species in terms of physiology, physiology, and pharmacology, as well as differences in the way diseases and treatments are modelled in animals.
- Any conclusions drawn from animal research should be considered with caution and in the context of other types of research studies such as observational studies, clinical trials, and reviews of the literature.
Insights & Discussion
Long-term intake of traditionally made Doenjang, particularly high in certain species, may improve symptoms of estrogen deficiency more effectively than unfermented soybeans.
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.
Discover Related Insights
Natto and Miso, Japanese fermented soy foods, contain health-promoting bioactive components, including nattokinase, bacillopeptidase F, vitamin K2, dipicolinic acid, γ-polyglutamic acid, isoflavones, and phenolic acids.
2021 Food Research Natto and miso: an overview on their preparation, bioactive components and health-promoting effects Chan EWC, Wong SK, Kezuka M, Oshiro N, Chan HT
Review Article Isoflavone Miso Natto
The process of preparing natto involves fermenting cooked soybeans with Bacillus subtilis natto. This gives the soybeans a sticky appearance, a slippery texture, a sour aroma and a nutty flavour, and results in the production of bioactive components such as nattokinase, bacillopeptidase F, vitamin K2, dipicolinic acid, and γ-polyglutamic acid. Miso, on the other hand, refers to a paste produced by fermenting cooked soybeans with koji, which is steamed rice inoculated with Aspergillus oryzae.
The health benefits of these bioactive components, produced during the fermentation process of both natto and miso, have been identified and accentuated. These components add value to traditional soy foods, boosting their potential in promoting health. The wealth of bioactive nutrients in these foods indicate the reiterate the importance of traditional fermented foods in dietary practices.
Extract of pumpkin seeds displays estrogenic properties, potentially offering a solution to alleviate symptoms of menopausal syndromes resulting from estrogen deficiency.
2019 Phytotherapy Research Supplementation with extract of pumpkin seeds exerts estrogenic effects upon the uterine, serum lipids, mammary glands, and bone density in ovariectomized rats Lestari B, Walidah Z, Utomo RY, Murwanti R, Meiyanto E
Experimental Study LDL Menopause Oestrogen
In the study, scientists conduct in vitro analysis using a colorimetric-based assay on kidney cells derived from Chinese hamsters. Furthermore, they perform in vivo experiments involving 7-week old female rats that were specially prepared to model menopausal conditions. These rats are split into differing groups, each receiving a different dosage of pumpkin seed extract. Other observable parameters include uterine weight, condition of mammary glands, serum lipid levels, and bone density measured after a period of 30 days. The researchers also utilize a computer-based technique called molecular docking to investigate how certain active compounds in the pumpkin seed extract respond to estrogen receptors.
Separately, this study indicates the pumpkin seed extract's positive impact on uterine weight and mammary gland health in rats, demonstrating properties similar to the hormone 17β-estradiol. Additionally, consumption of the extract led to improved lipid profile - with increased levels of good cholesterol and decreased bad cholesterol- and improved bone density. The study suggests that these beneficial results align with the growth of bone-building cells and decrease in bone-resorbing cells. The digital validation confirms the strength of interactions between active compounds found in the extract and the estrogen receptors.