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Macrì R, Maiuolo J, Scarano F, Musolino V, Fregola A, Gliozzi M, Carresi C, Nucera S, Serra M, Caminiti R, Cardamone A, Coppoletta AR, Ussia S, Ritorto G, Mazza V, Bombardelli E, Palma E, Muscoli C, Mollace V. Evaluation of the Potential Beneficial Effects of Ferula communis L. Extract Supplementation in Postmenopausal Discomfort. Nutrients 2024; 16:2651. [PMID: 39203788 PMCID: PMC11357168 DOI: 10.3390/nu16162651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Peri-menopausal discomfort can have a detrimental effect on the physical health of women due to physiological and behavioral changes. Estrogen and progesterone-based hormone therapy can alleviate menopausal symptoms, but estrogen supplementation may have negative health effects. The effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy using natural compounds for peri-menopausal disorders is still uncertain. Evidence from in vivo experiments indicates that Ferula L. extract in ovariectomized rats leads to better sexual behavior. The effect seems to be linked to the phytoestrogenic properties of ferutinin, the primary bioactive compound in the extract. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical impact of Ferula communis L. extract (titrated at 20% ferutinin, and given at doses of 100 mg/die for 90 days) on the quality of life of 64 menopausal women. The clinical trial was randomized, double-blind, and placebo controlled. Our data showed that Ferula communis L. extract reduced by 67 + 9% all symptoms associated to postmenopausal discomfort and enhanced significantly sexual behavior. In addition, the supplement led to a significant improvement of BMI and oxidative stress decrease in the women who received it, while also keeping platelet aggregation within normal levels. Overall, these results could point to the potential use of supplementation with Ferula communis L. extract to revert or mitigate menopause dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Macrì
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.S.); (A.F.); (M.G.); (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (A.R.C.); (S.U.); (G.R.); (V.M.); (E.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Jessica Maiuolo
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biology, IRC-FSH Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (J.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Federica Scarano
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.S.); (A.F.); (M.G.); (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (A.R.C.); (S.U.); (G.R.); (V.M.); (E.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Musolino
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biology, IRC-FSH Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (J.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Annalisa Fregola
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.S.); (A.F.); (M.G.); (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (A.R.C.); (S.U.); (G.R.); (V.M.); (E.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Micaela Gliozzi
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.S.); (A.F.); (M.G.); (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (A.R.C.); (S.U.); (G.R.); (V.M.); (E.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Cristina Carresi
- Veterinary Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.C.); (E.P.)
| | - Saverio Nucera
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.S.); (A.F.); (M.G.); (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (A.R.C.); (S.U.); (G.R.); (V.M.); (E.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Maria Serra
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.S.); (A.F.); (M.G.); (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (A.R.C.); (S.U.); (G.R.); (V.M.); (E.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Rosamaria Caminiti
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.S.); (A.F.); (M.G.); (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (A.R.C.); (S.U.); (G.R.); (V.M.); (E.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Antonio Cardamone
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.S.); (A.F.); (M.G.); (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (A.R.C.); (S.U.); (G.R.); (V.M.); (E.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Anna Rita Coppoletta
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.S.); (A.F.); (M.G.); (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (A.R.C.); (S.U.); (G.R.); (V.M.); (E.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Sara Ussia
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.S.); (A.F.); (M.G.); (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (A.R.C.); (S.U.); (G.R.); (V.M.); (E.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Giovanna Ritorto
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.S.); (A.F.); (M.G.); (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (A.R.C.); (S.U.); (G.R.); (V.M.); (E.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Valeria Mazza
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.S.); (A.F.); (M.G.); (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (A.R.C.); (S.U.); (G.R.); (V.M.); (E.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Ezio Bombardelli
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.S.); (A.F.); (M.G.); (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (A.R.C.); (S.U.); (G.R.); (V.M.); (E.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Ernesto Palma
- Veterinary Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (C.C.); (E.P.)
| | - Carolina Muscoli
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.S.); (A.F.); (M.G.); (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (A.R.C.); (S.U.); (G.R.); (V.M.); (E.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Mollace
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.S.); (A.F.); (M.G.); (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (A.C.); (A.R.C.); (S.U.); (G.R.); (V.M.); (E.B.); (C.M.)
- Renato Dulbecco Institute, 88046 Lamezia Terme, Italy
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Jin Z, Tian C, Kang M, Hu S, Zhao L, Zhang W. The 100 top-cited articles in menopausal syndrome: a bibliometric analysis. Reprod Health 2024; 21:47. [PMID: 38589898 PMCID: PMC11003046 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-024-01770-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Significant scientific research has been conducted concerning menopausal syndrome(MPS), yet few bibliometric analyses have been performed. Our aim was to recognise the 100 most highly cited published articles on MPS and to analytically evaluate their key features. METHODS To identify the 100 most frequently cited articles, a search was conducted on Web of Science using the term 'menopausal syndrome'. Articles that matched the predetermined criteria were scrutinised to obtain the following data: citation ranking, year of publication, publishing journal, journal impact factor, country of origin, academic institution, authors, study type, and keywords. RESULTS The publication period is from January 1, 2000, to August 31, 2022. The maximum number of citations was 406 and in 2012. The median citations per year was 39.70. Most of the articles focused on treatment and complications. These articles were published in 36 different journals, with the Journal of MENOPAUSE having published the greatest number (14%). Forty-eight articles (48%) were from the United States, with the University of Pittsburgh being the leading institute (9%). Joann E. Manson was the most frequent first author (n = 6). Observational studies were the most frequently conducted research type (n = 53), followed by experimental studies (n = 33). Keyword analysis identified classic research topics, including genitourinary syndrome of menopause, bone mineral density (BMD), and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) loci. CONCLUSION Using bibliometrics, we conducted an analysis to identify the inadequacies, traditional focal points, and potential prospects in the study of MPS across current scientific areas. Treatment and complications are at the core of MPS research, whereas prediction and biomarkers have less literature of high quality. There is a necessity for innovative analytical metrics to measure the real effect of these papers with a high level of citation on clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zishan Jin
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
- Institute of Metabolic Diseases, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Chuanxi Tian
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Mengjiao Kang
- Institute of Metabolic Diseases, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Shiwan Hu
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
- Institute of Metabolic Diseases, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Linhua Zhao
- Institute of Metabolic Diseases, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Institute of Metabolic Diseases, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China.
- Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China.
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Ferula communis L. (Apiaceae) Root Acetone-Water Extract: Phytochemical Analysis, Cytotoxicity and In Vitro Evaluation of Estrogenic Properties. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11151905. [PMID: 35893609 PMCID: PMC9329896 DOI: 10.3390/plants11151905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Ferula communis L. (F. communis) belongs to the Apiaceae family and is a herbaceous plant with various pharmaceutical properties, due to the different contents of bioactive compounds extracted mainly from its roots, as well as its leaves and rhizome. To date, this plant extract has demonstrated estrogenic, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, cytotoxic, antimicrobial and anti-neoplastic properties. Its estrogenic activity is justified by the presence of ferutinin, an ester of a sesquiterpenic alcohol that acts as an agonist for estrogen receptors, with a chemical formula equal to C22H3O4. The component present in F. communis responsible for the toxicity of the plant is ferulenol, a prenylated coumarin with the chemical formula C24H30O3. This compound is capable of inducing mortality via its strong anti-coagulant properties, leading to a lethal hemorrhagic syndrome, ferulosis, in animals that feed on a chemotype of F. communis containing a high amount of ferulenol. The removal of the component ferulenol makes extracts of Ferula non-toxic. In fact, the remaining prenylated coumarins are not present in concentrations sufficient to induce toxicity. The intake of high concentrations of the extract of this plant leads a double dose-dependent effect that is typical of sesquiterpenes such as ferutinin. Here, we assessed the cytotoxicity and the estrogenic properties of the F. communis phytocomplex obtained through extraction using a mixture of acetone and water. Among the active constituents of F. communis, the identification of ferutinin and ferulenol was performed using HPLC. The effects of the extract were evaluated, following the removal of ferulenol, on three cell lines: human breast cancer MCF-7, human cervical cancer HeLa and human osteoblastic sarcoma Saos-2. The choice of these cell lines was justified by the need to mimic certain processes which may occur in vivo and which are estrogen-dependent. The obtained results demonstrated that F. communis extract, in addition to possessing an estrogenic-like property, showed a dose-dependent effect. Low concentrations (0.1–0.8 μM) demonstrated a hyperproliferative effect, whereas higher concentrations (1.6–50 μM) were toxic. Therefore, this extract could be an excellent candidate to make up for a reduction or lack of estrogen.
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Abstract
In screening for breast cancer (BC), mammographic breast density (MBD) is a powerful risk factor that increases breast carcinogenesis and synergistically reduces the sensitivity of mammography. It also reduces specificity of lesion identification, leading to recalls, additional testing, and delayed and later-stage diagnoses, which result in increased health care costs. These findings provide the foundation for dense breast notification laws and lead to the increase in patient and provider interest in MBD. However, unlike other risk factors for BC, MBD is dynamic through a woman’s lifetime and is modifiable. Although MBD is known to change as a result of factors such as reproductive history and hormonal status, few conclusions have been reached for lifestyle factors such as alcohol, diet, physical activity, smoking, body mass index (BMI), and some commonly used medications. Our review examines the emerging evidence for the association of modifiable factors on MBD and the influence of MBD on BC risk. There are clear associations between alcohol use and menopausal hormone therapy and increased MBD. Physical activity and the Mediterranean diet lower the risk of BC without significant effect on MBD. Although high BMI and smoking are known risk factors for BC, they have been found to decrease MBD. The influence of several other factors, including caffeine intake, nonhormonal medications, and vitamins, on MBD is unclear. We recommend counseling patients on these modifiable risk factors and using this knowledge to help with informed decision making for tailored BC prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara P Lester
- Corresponding author: Sara P. Lester, MD, Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Aparna S Kaur
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Suneela Vegunta
- Division of Women’s Health Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
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Armeni E, Paschou SA, Goulis DG, Lambrinoudaki I. Hormone therapy regimens for managing the menopause and premature ovarian insufficiency. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 35:101561. [PMID: 34274232 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2021.101561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The transition to menopause is associated with a changing hormonal milieu, leading to bothersome menopausal symptoms in the short-term and chronic health problems in the long-term. Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is characterized by the cessation of menses before the age of 40 years. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is indicated to restore sex hormones to normal premenopausal levels and prevent chronic diseases, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is indicated in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women over 45 years of age for managing menopausal symptoms, symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy, and reducing the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Individualization is the key to management, aiming at maximizing efficacy and minimizing clinically relevant risks. This review aimed to present the hormone therapy regimens for women during the transition or after menopause and women with POI and early menopause, as well as advise on: i) the initiation of MHT, ii) steps for monitoring during follow up, iii) weaning and discontinuation of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Armeni
- Menopause Unit, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aretaieio Hospital, Athens, Greece; Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stavroula A Paschou
- Menopause Unit, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aretaieio Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios G Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotele University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Irene Lambrinoudaki
- Menopause Unit, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aretaieio Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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