Developed based on a thorough review of the scientific evidence, NutraOrigin's Menolief formula includes only ingredients with documented efficacy and safety, and contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The ingredients described below will give you a better understanding of how Menolief works to alleviate the irksome symptoms of menopause.*

The Right Type of Estrogen Metabolism
When estrogen is metabolized, it undergoes a biological process called hydroxylation. Under normal circumstances, hydroxylation leads directly to one of three possible outcomes: the synthesis of 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OH), 16α-hydroxyestrone (16α-OH) or 4-hydroxyestrone (4-OH). Biologically, the ultimate effect that estrogen exerts depends on how it is metabolized, and these three metabolites vary widely in their estrogenic activity. The 2-OH “good metabolite” fosters only weak estrogenic activity, while the 16α-OH and 4-OH metabolites show strong and persistent estrogenic activity. These latter two metabolites are the ones most often linked to excess-estrogen health issues.*

4-OH may get transformed into highly reactive quinones, which can damage DNA. However, this oxidative threat can be minimized if 4-OH is detoxified.*

Trimethylglycine
Also known as betaine, trimethylglycine (TMG) is naturally manufactured by the body. TMG inhibits the activity and minimizes the oxidative threat of 4-OH estrogen, and supports the beneficial properties of 2-OH estrogen.* Because TMG helps break down the amino acid homocysteine, which may negatively affect cardiovascular health, it has been successfully used to lower high homocysteine levels.* (1,2) Homocysteine levels are documented to increase after menopause, due to declining levels of estrogen.* (3)

Rosemary Extract
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a woody, perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. Commonly used as a spice, it also has medicinal value.*

Rosemary leaf extract has been shown to support healthy estrogen metabolism in an animal model.* (4) Specifically, rosemary increased the production of 2-OH (the “good metabolite”) by 150 percent and decreased the production of 16α-OH (the “bad metabolite”) by 50 percent.* Rosemary also contains antioxidants, which protect against free radical damage.* That is especially important for menopausal women, as menopause causes a reduction in antioxidant levels.* (5)

Turmeric Extract
Turmeric, also known Curcuma longa, is a tropical plant native to India and Southeast Asia. It is part of the ginger family. Turmeric's active constituent, curcumin, has been the subject of much scientific study.*

Laboratory research indicates curcumin triggers the production of glutathione, one of the body’s most important antioxidants.* (6,7) This action may offer valuable protection to tissues in the presence of reactive (16α-OH and 4-OH) estrogen metabolites.* When combined with synergistic isoflavones, curcumin shows evidence of supporting breast health.* (8) Research has also suggested that curcumin acts as a free radical scavenger.* (9,10)

Soy Isoflavone, Red Clover and Kudzu Extracts
Soybeans, red clover and kudzu all contain active constituents called isoflavones. Isoflavones are phytoestrogenic, meaning they closely resemble human estrogen in structure. Isoflavones are selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), meaning they can play the role of either an estrogen agonist or an estrogen antagonist, depending on what the body requires at the time.*

When estrogen levels are low, isoflavones attach to estrogen receptors and weakly imitate human estrogen, acting as a "substitute" for the estrogen menopausal women are missing.* (Declining estrogen levels are the key cause behind menopausal symptoms.)*

Soy Isoflavones
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 80 women found supplementation with soy isoflavones significantly decreased menopausal symptoms and maintained cholesterol levels already within a healthy range.* (11) Another study found soy isoflavones improved the number and severity of vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats.* (12) It's not just women going through menopause who benefit from soy, however. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, soy isoflavones were shown to increase cognitive function, particularly verbal memory, in postmenopausal women.* (13)

Red Clover
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial in postmenopausal women discovered that, compared with placebo, red clover isoflavone supplementation significantly decreased menopausal symptoms and had a positive effect on vaginal health and triglyceride levels.* (14) Another study found that menopausal women taking red clover supplements had stronger, more flexible arteries than those receiving placebo.* (15) Still more human studies have indicated red clover may help maintain blood pressure already within the normal range and support healthy bone density.* (16,17)

Kudzu
Kudzu is not as well-researched as soy and red clover; however, one human clinical study in post-menopausal women found the herb enhanced cognitive function, improving attention span and flexible thinking.* (18)

Black Cohosh Extract
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is an herb native to eastern North America that was valued by Native American tribes for addressing female complaints.* It is considered an anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory and uterine tonic and has been used to relieve hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats and occasional trouble sleeping.* (19,20)

Black cohosh is one of the most well-researched herbs for the reduction of menopause symptoms. A total of 17 human clinical trials studying the effects of black cohosh in menopausal women have been published, with the majority showing benefit. One randomized, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled human study concluded that black cohosh was more effective at reducing menopausal symptoms than placebo, and was particularly beneficial for reducing hot flashes.* (21) Studies in post-menopausal women have indicate the herb may improve quality of life and support bone health.* (22,23,24)

Damiana Extract
Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a shrub native to Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.*

This herbal supplement is believed to help with energy, low estrogen and hot flashes, all associated with menopause.* It has also been used to relieve occasional stress and anxiety.* (25) Laboratory research has shown that damiana binds to progesterone receptors, so it may have a progesterone-like effect in the body.* (26)

Dong Quai Root Extract
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is one of the most revered herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine. A nourishing blood tonic, it is commonly used to treat menstrual problems.* (27) Dong quai is sometimes called "female ginseng," referring to its overall tonifying effect on the female system. It has been used for centuries to help balance female hormones during menopause and perimenopause, particularly for the relief of hot flashes.* (28,29)

Magnolia Bark
Magnolia bark (Magnolia officinalis) is a traditional Chinese medicine from the family Magnoliaceae. While it has been used for a variety of indications over the past 2,000 years, one use that has stayed consistent is "fright chi," which, translated into Western terminology, means emotional distress.* (30)

Magnolia bark is rich in two active biphenol compounds, magnolol and honokiol. These constituents have demonstrated anti-stress effects in an animal model.* (31) Stress is one of the common emotional disturbances of menopause.*

Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a phytochemical present in grapes and wine that has been the subject of much scientific scrutiny and media attention.

Like isoflavones, resveratrol is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). That means it can play the role of either an estrogen agonist or an estrogen antagonist, depending on what the body requires at the time.* (32) Resveratrol also scavenges harmful hydroxyl radicals, protecting healthy tissues from harm.* (33)

Horsetail
Horsetail is a prehistoric plant that gets its name from its long stem and feathery branches. Its medicinal use dates back to ancient Greece and Rome.*

During menopause, estrogen is reduced gradually, resulting in accelerated bone loss. Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a rich source of the mineral silica, which is necessary for bone health.* A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in menopausal women found that horsetail extract, in combination with a calcium supplement and on its own, caused a significant improvement in bone density.* (34)

Motherwort
As the name implies, motherwort is an herb with a special affinity for women. It has been used since ancient Greek and Roman times for all things feminine: pregnancy, birth, motherhood and menopause.*

Motherwort may be useful for relieving the occasional anxiety initiated by the hormonal changes of menopause.* (35) Research shows that motherwort can calm the central nervous system, helping promote a state of peace.* (36)

Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is an essential vitamin that plays a role in energy production, nervous system health and the metabolism of fats and protein.*

Research has shown that the amount of vitamin B6 (as pyridoxal 5'-phosphate) in the cells influences how they respond to hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.* (37) Vitamin B6 also raises levels of serotonin - a neurotransmitter that regulates mood.* (38) Therefore, vitamin B6 may have mood-enhancing effects.*

Wild Yam Extract
Native to North America, wild yam is a tuberous vine that has been used to alleviate female complaints since the 18th century.*

Interestingly, the plant contains diosgenin, a phyto-estrogen that has been successfully converted in a laboratory setting to the hormone progesterone. Some practitioners believe that menopause symptoms are not due simply to declining levels of estrogen, but to an imbalance in the estrogen-to-progesterone ratio. Therefore, it is theorized that wild yam could balance levels of these hormones and reduce menopause symptomology.*

Chrysin
Chrysin is a naturally occurring phytochemical that is extracted from the blue passion flower (Passiflora caerulea).*

Chrysin suppresses the enzyme aromatase, which is found in fat cells, including those of breast tissue. Blocking aromatase may support normal, healthy cell replication.* (39) Chrysin also has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.* (40)

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