and symptoms associated with menopause. Photo courtesy of _foam, flickr. Chile S indigenous peoples have used plants and shrubs to cure many diseases for centuries. But now, researchers at the universities of Chile and Valparaiso University have led a study showing that these plants could be used as a more natural way of caring for some cancers and Alleviating menopausal symptoms.Endocrinologist Andre N. Tchernitchin and his team of scientists have studied how phytoestrogens found in plants can inhibit abnormal cell growth. Phytoestrogens are also known as estrogen and diet can mimic estrogen or antiestrogen effects.Tchernitchin explains that the studies were based on previous research and indigenous knowledge of Aymara and Mapuche collected has been instrumental in the discovery that plants have effects medicines. The team was seeking an alternative to synthetic hormone therapy, which, although widely used, has some contraindications. The growth of abnormal cells and tumor formation can occur with hormonal therapy.They analyzed hundreds of species native to the northern and central Chile. The aim was to find plants with more efficient phytoestrogens. After trials on rats and on stem cells revealed that this type of treatment will be very effective and has very little side effects. The types of plants tested have not yet public.One plants helps control cell growth accelerated during menopause, osteoporosis and reduce bone loss and enhances metabolism. Another plant could be used to treat and prevent uterine fibroids. A third plant could help in Reducing cellular growth during menopause, usually caused by synthetic hormones. The team hopes to begin human trials within the next two years, that is, if funding is available. Tchernitchin hoped that the development of this treatment will help expand the pharmaceutical industry in Chile, and the culture of these plants. The profits could be redirected to more universities and scientific research, said.SOURCE: THE NACIONBy Melanie MelocheHolubowski (br br
