The Potential Health Benefit of Cowpea Estrogen-like Activity to Restore Vaginal Epithelial Cells Thinning Due to Menopausal Syndrome

Abstract

This is achieved through the regulation of vaginal epithelial thickness and the facilitation of antimicrobial peptide synthesis through receptorbinding interactions. 3,4 Estrogen is commonly employed as a form of hormonal replacement therapy in the treatment of many illnesses, such as vaginal atrophy-related conditions in women experiencing menopause. The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) has highlighted concern regarding the lack of regular administration of estrogen replacement medication as a prophylactic measure for many patients. 5,6 Cowpeas contain genistein, a prominent isoflavone found in legume plants. Genistein is a natural flavonoid that has a strong affinity for the estrogen receptor (ER) due to its chemical structure resembling 17βestradiol. 7,8,9 According to a previous study, genistein acts similarly to estrogen in living organisms and in lab settings, promoting mammary gland growth and boosting the growth of MCF-7 cell tumors in mice that have had their ovaries removed. 10,11 In support of this finding, our prior research has already established the correlation between estrogen treatment and the promotion of vaginal epithelial cell repair following ovariectomy (OVX) through key regulatory genes. 12 Moreover, a positive correlation was demonstrated between the initiation of menopausal hormone therapy and the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease and all-cause dementia, even among women who initiated treatment at the age of 55 years or younger. Additionally, the potential negative consequences associated with extended estrogen therapy encompass vaginal hemorrhage, perineal pain, and the development of breast cancer. 13,14,15 Consequently, further research is required to identify alternative agents capable of producing similar advantageous outcomes to estrogen with minimal or no adverse effects.