Plants altering hormonal milieu: A review

There are two important systems in human beings, which control and maintain the homeostasis i.e. maintaining the internal environment in a balanced state. First and foremost important system is nervous system with the help of functioning cells called neurons. These neurons are characterized by their conductivity with the help of neurotransmitters i.e. chemical mediators. This nervous system is well organized and function efficiently in human beings. Second important system is also organized and efficiently function with other set of chemical messengers known as hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers synthesised by the ductless glands and released in the blood and they execute their functions at their target organs which are far away from the site of release. Hormones are chemically of two types: peptides and steroidal in nature. The major endocrine glands include the pineal gland, pituitary gland, pancreas, ovaries, testes, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, and adrenal glands. A wide variety of these chemical substances are produced by endocrine cells, most of which are in glands. The peptide hormones are synthesized from the gene expression by the specific genes to express the final proteins and also the specific enzymes for the conversion of cholesterol into steroids in case of steroidal hormones. If these expression alter, there may be the chances of hormonal imbalance. In most of the The aim of the present review article is to investigate the herbs which can alter the levels of hormones like Follicle stimulating hormone, Prolactin, Growth hormone, Insulin, Thyroxine, Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, and Relaxin etc. Hormones are chemical signal agents produced by different endocrine glands for regulating our biological functions. The glands like pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, ovaries in women and testes in men all secrete a number of hormones with different actions. However, when these hormones are perfectly balanced then people become healthy and fit. But several factors like pathophysiological as well as biochemical changes, disease conditions, changes in the atmosphere, changes in the body, diet changes etc. may result in imbalance of various hormones that produce undesirable symptoms and disorders. As medicinal plants have their importance since ancient time, people have been using it in various ways as a source of medicine for regulation of hormonal imbalance. Moreover, it is observed that certain herbs have a balancing effect on hormones and have great impact on well-being of the people. So, considering these facts we expect that the article provides an overview on medicinal plants with potential of altering hormone level. Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction 2017; 6(2): 49-53