Effect of Astragalus sinicus Ethanol Extract on Menopausal Symptoms in an Ovariectomized (OVX) Mouse Model.

As the aging population grows, the proportion of postmenopausal women is also increasing. Menopause can cause various symptoms and reduce quality of life. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common treatment to alleviate these symptoms, but long-term use carries the risk of side effects such as breast cancer and endometriosis, highlighting the need for new alternatives. Astragalus sinicus is a plant native to East Asia, primarily used to improve rice cultivation in paddies. However, research on its potential as a medicinal resource remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of A. sinicus ethanol extract as a treatment for menopause-related symptoms using the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and ovariectomized (OVX) mice. In vitro experiments confirmed that A. sinicus ethanol extract improved the mRNA expression of menopause-related genes and exhibited estrogenic activity. Additionally, in vivo experiments demonstrated that A. sinicus ethanol extract effectively alleviated menopausal symptoms. These findings suggest that A. sinicus ethanol extract may serve as a novel alternative for addressing menopause-related health issues.