Evidence supporting the use of: 8-Prenylnaringenin
For the health condition: Menopause
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
8-Prenylnaringenin (8-PN) is a potent phytoestrogen found primarily in hops (Humulus lupulus), the plant used to flavor beer. Its use to support or treat menopausal symptoms has a scientific basis, though the body of evidence is still limited and mostly derived from small-scale clinical trials and preclinical studies. 8-PN binds selectively to estrogen receptors, particularly ER-alpha, and exhibits estrogen-like activity. This mechanism underlies its potential to alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, which are caused by declining endogenous estrogen levels.
Several clinical trials have evaluated hop extracts standardized for 8-PN content in postmenopausal women. A 2006 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (Heyerick et al., 2006) found that hop extract improved menopausal symptoms compared to placebo. Other studies have reported similar findings, though methodological limitations (such as small sample sizes and variability in extract standardization) are common.
There is no strong tradition of using hops specifically for menopause in herbal medicine; the interest is primarily due to recent scientific findings about 8-PN's activity. While the evidence is promising, especially in comparison to other phytoestrogens, comprehensive, large-scale clinical trials are still needed to firmly establish efficacy and safety. As such, scientific support exists but is not yet robust, justifying a moderate evidence score.
Other ingredients used for Menopause
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)Alfalfa
Aloe vera
ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
black cohosh
black currant
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
calcium
chaste tree
cordyceps
damiana
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dog rose
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
fish oil
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
hibiscus
HMR lignan
hops
knotweed
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
maca
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
nettle
okra
omega-3 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
pollen
pomegranate
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
wild yam
red clover
atractylodes
smilax
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
lingzhi
root tuber
dioscorea
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
anemarrhena asphodeloides
barrenwort
goji berry
amaranth
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
8-Prenylnaringenin
Akebia
Antler
Achyranthes
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Anemarrhena
Atractylone
Black Seed
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black root
Chinese Silkvine
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Danshen
Daidzein
Durian
Dong Quai
Euryale seed
Elk antler
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Fo-Ti
Ficus religiosa
Glycetein
Horny Goat Weed
Hypericum
Isoflavones
Lycium
lemon balm
Lady's Mantle
Linden
Lotus
Loranthus
Labisia pumila
Macamides
Montanoa tomentosa
Meadow sage
Miroestrol
Macaenes
Ophiopogon
Puerain
Pulsatilla
Prickly Pear Cactus
Phytoestrogens
Polygonum
Rue
Rubus
Rockweed
Rehmannia
Rose
Rooibos
Rosa laevigata
Rhubarb
Soy
Soy Protein
Stone Root
Vervain
Viburnum
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Withanolides
Yellow-Fruit Nightshade
Other health conditions supported by 8-Prenylnaringenin
Aging (prevention)Estrogen (low)
Hot Flashes
Menopause
Osteoporosis
Vaginal Dryness