Estrogens are critical for bone health and the development of breast and prostate tissues.At menopause,our cohort studies show that naturally occurring estrogens in the body protect against osteoporotic hip fractures,...Estrogens are critical for bone health and the development of breast and prostate tissues.At menopause,our cohort studies show that naturally occurring estrogens in the body protect against osteoporotic hip fractures,but can also increase the risk of breast cancer.Extracts of Epimediumspp.is widely used to treat osteoporosis and improve general health in post-menopausal women.Prenylated flavonoids from Epimedium spp.exert potent estrogenic effects making it an attractive alternative to estrogen replacement therapy for treatment of osteoporosis.Lead compounds from epimedium such as icaritin impact pro-osteoblastic,anti-osteoclastic signaling pathways in bone cells;and anti-tumour effect on nuclear receptors in breast and prostate cancer animal models.Oral administration of a Epimedium spp.extract in openlabel,two-period,randomized,crossover study indicate significant ex-vivo effects on ERαand ERβ-mediated bioactivities and breast cancer cell proliferation.Challenges in the taxonomy,standardization and quality manufacturing of extracts suitable for pharmacokinetic,pharmacodynamics and efficacy studies in humans will be discussed.展开更多
文摘Estrogens are critical for bone health and the development of breast and prostate tissues.At menopause,our cohort studies show that naturally occurring estrogens in the body protect against osteoporotic hip fractures,but can also increase the risk of breast cancer.Extracts of Epimediumspp.is widely used to treat osteoporosis and improve general health in post-menopausal women.Prenylated flavonoids from Epimedium spp.exert potent estrogenic effects making it an attractive alternative to estrogen replacement therapy for treatment of osteoporosis.Lead compounds from epimedium such as icaritin impact pro-osteoblastic,anti-osteoclastic signaling pathways in bone cells;and anti-tumour effect on nuclear receptors in breast and prostate cancer animal models.Oral administration of a Epimedium spp.extract in openlabel,two-period,randomized,crossover study indicate significant ex-vivo effects on ERαand ERβ-mediated bioactivities and breast cancer cell proliferation.Challenges in the taxonomy,standardization and quality manufacturing of extracts suitable for pharmacokinetic,pharmacodynamics and efficacy studies in humans will be discussed.
