Study, 2010
Does Justicia pectoralis extract have hormone-like effects that could help PMS or menopause?
In lab tests, yes. The extract showed estrogenic, progestagenic, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, this was done in cells and test tubes, not people, so we don't yet know if it actually helps people.
What they did
Researchers extracted the Justicia pectoralis plant using methanol and tested whether the extract had estrogenic (estrogen-like), progestagenic (progesterone-like), and anti-inflammatory effects using lab assays with purified receptors and human cells.
What they found
The extract inhibited COX-2 enzyme at 4.8 microg/mL. It bound to estrogen receptors at concentrations of 50 microg/mL and 23.1 microg/mL, and to the progesterone receptor at 22.8 microg/mL. The extract also changed estrogen-responsive gene activity in cells but did not show a clear effect on cell growth.
What it means for you
The herb extract has the right chemical properties in lab tests to potentially help with PMS or menopausal symptoms, since it mimics hormones and reduces inflammation. However, this is only a test-tube study, not research in people. We do not know if it actually works in real people, what doses would work, or if it is safe.
4.8 microg/mL
concentration inhibiting COX-2
50 microg/mL
concentration binding to estrogen receptors
22.8 microg/mL
concentration binding to progesterone
About the study
- Original title
- Estrogenic and progestagenic effects of extracts of Justicia pectoralis Jacq., an herbal medicine from Costa Rica used for the treatment of menopause and PMS
- Authors
- Locklear TD, Huang Y, Frasor J et al.
- Journal
- Maturitas
- Year
- 2010
- Study design
- Study
- What was tested
- Methanol extract of Justicia pectoralis plant
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2010.04.001
Topics
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