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Effects of a herbal supplement on estrogen metabolism in pre‐ and post‐menopausal women: a randomized controlled trial
Author(s) -
Laidlaw Maggie,
Cockerline Carla Ann,
Sepkovic Daniel W.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.214.1
Subject(s) - enterolactone , estrogen , medicine , breast cancer , placebo , phytoestrogens , urine , urinary system , endocrinology , menopause , physiology , gynecology , cancer , alternative medicine , pathology
Objectives The major trial objective was to determine whether a breast health supplement containing indole‐3‐carbinol and hydroxymatairesinol lignan would alter estrogen metabolism to favour C‐2 hydroxylation and reduce C‐16 hydroxylation. Methods Forty‐seven pre‐menopausal and forty‐nine post‐menopausal women were recruited for this study, and were divided by random allocation into treatment and placebo group. Major treatment ingredients were HMR lignin and indole‐3‐carbinol, consumed for 28 days. At day 0 and day 28, blood samples were analysed for serum enterolactone concentrations, and first morning random urine samples were assessed for estrogen metabolites. Repeated measures ANOVA statistical testing was performed. Results In pre‐menopausal women, treatment supplementation resulted in a significant increase (p<0.05) in urinary 2‐hydroxyestrone (OHE) concentrations and in the 2:16 alpha‐OHE ratio. In post‐menopausal women, treatment supplementation resulted in a significant increase in urinary 2‐OHE concentrations. In pre‐ and post‐menopausal women combined, treatment supplementation produced a significant increase in urinary 2‐OHE concentration and a trend (p=0.074) toward an increased 2:16 alpha‐OHE ratio. There were no significant increases in serum enterolactone concentrations in the treatment or placebo groups. Conclusions Supplementation with a mixture of indole‐3‐carbinol and HMR lignan in women significantly increased estrogen C‐2 hydroxylation. This may constitute a mechanism for the reduction of breast cancer risk as well as risk for other estrogen‐related cancers. Research Support: Fem Med Formulas Limited Partnership