Soybean isoflavones eliminate nifedipine-induced flushing of tail skin in ovariectomized mice
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Updated: Aug 23, 2026
An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
Published on: August 13, 2019
Mamiko Kai1, Atsushi Yamauchi, Koji Tominaga
1Department of Pharmaceutical Care and Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan.
Abstract:
Hot flushes are one of the most frequent symptoms in menopausal women. We investigated effect of soybean isoflavones (Soyaflavone HG) on nifedipine-induced flushing in ovariectomized mice. Ovariectomy markedly aggravated nifedipine-induced increase in tail skin temperature. Soyaflavone HG (10 mg/kg, p.o., once a day for 5 days) inhibited nifedipine-induced flushing in ovariectomized mice. The inhibitory effect of Soyaflavone HG was significantly reversed by an estrogen-receptor antagonist, ICI 182,780, suggesting that Soyaflavone HG prevents nifedipine-induced flushing partially through estrogen receptors. We presented the experimental evidence suggesting that soybean isoflavones including Soyaflavone HG have the benefits for menopausal hot flushes.
Insights
Soybean isoflavones, like Soyaflavone HG, may alleviate hot flushes in menopausal women. This study showed Soyaflavone HG reduced flushing in mice, potentially by interacting with estrogen receptors.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Endocrinology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Hot flushes are a common and distressing symptom for menopausal women.
- Estrogen deficiency following menopause contributes to the occurrence of hot flushes.
- Soybean isoflavones are plant-derived compounds with potential phytoestrogenic activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of soybean isoflavones (Soyaflavone HG) in mitigating nifedipine-induced flushing.
- To explore the potential mechanism of action, specifically the involvement of estrogen receptors.
Main Methods:
- Ovariectomized mice were used as a model to simulate menopausal conditions.
- Nifedipine was administered to induce flushing, measured by tail skin temperature increase.
- Soyaflavone HG was administered orally, and its effects were assessed with and without an estrogen-receptor antagonist (ICI 182,780).
Main Results:
- Ovariectomy exacerbated nifedipine-induced flushing.
- Soyaflavone HG treatment significantly inhibited the nifedipine-induced flushing in ovariectomized mice.
- The inhibitory effect of Soyaflavone HG was partially reversed by the estrogen-receptor antagonist ICI 182,780.
Conclusions:
- Soybean isoflavones, exemplified by Soyaflavone HG, demonstrate a beneficial effect on menopausal hot flushes.
- The mechanism of action appears to involve partial interaction with estrogen receptors.
- These findings support the use of soybean isoflavones as a potential natural remedy for menopausal flushing.