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Menopause represents a significant physiological transition affecting millions of women worldwide. As hormonal changes occur, many women experience a broad range of interconnected physical and emotional symptoms that can significantly impact everyday wellbeing.
Women commonly experience a combination of1:
- Vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood fluctuations
- Irritability and emotional imbalance
- Sleep disturbances
- Reduced overall wellbeing
Yet many available natural solutions approach menopausal symptoms in isolation and focus predominantly on the physical aspects, overlooking the emotional dimensions despite their significant impact on quality of life.
Hops: A Source of Complementary Bioactive Compounds
Hops (Humulus lupulus L.), traditionally known for their use in brewing, contain naturally occurring bioactive compounds that have attracted scientific interest in menopause support.
Two groups of compounds found in hops are particularly relevant:
Prenylated flavonoids found in hops play a key role in relieving physical symptoms, particularly hot flashes and vaginal dryness2,3. Through their ability to bind to estrogen receptors, these compounds act as phytoestrogens, with 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN) recognized as one of the most potent phytoestrogens identified to date, despite its naturally low abundance3,4. Hops also provide a broader spectrum of prenylated flavonoids, including hop-specific compounds such as xanthohumol and desmethylxanthohumol, which can account for up to 80–90% of total hop flavonoids5,6. These compounds act as metabolic precursors and can be converted in vivo into 8-PN through the action of the gut microbiota and hepatic metabolism, contributing to a sustained phytoestrogenic effect7-9.
Overall, the prenylated flavonoids contribute to hormonal balance modulation, helping reduce the intensity and frequency of menopausal discomfort while maintaining a natural, plant-derived approach.
Equally important are the bitter acids in hops and the related compounds, which contribute to mood regulation and sleep quality. Bitter acids found in hops interact with GABAergic signaling pathways in the central nervous system, enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission and promoting a calming effect10. This mechanism is particularly relevant in menopause, where changes in neuroendocrine balance are often associated with sleep disturbances, irritability, and increased anxiety.
Together, through their complementary mechanism of action, hop bioactives address the multifactorial nature of menopause, helping combat:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Changes in mood (including irritability and anxiety)
- Sleep quality
From Bioactive Science to Ingredient Innovation
Building on this scientific understanding, standardized botanical ingredients can be developed to deliver the complementary benefits of the hop plant.
Menoduo™ is a full spectrum botanical ingredient that leverages the full bioactive potential of hops (Humulus lupulus L.).
Unlike conventional extracts standardized to a single compound family, Menoduo™ brings together two complementary groups of bioactive compound families naturally present in hops: prenylated flavonoids and hops bitter acids.
Partner with Natac
Menoduo™ reflects Natac’s commitment to developing scientifically grounded botanical ingredients that translate bioactive research into innovative formulation opportunities.
For companies developing menopause-focused products or expanding women’s health portfolios, Menoduo™ offers a differentiated ingredient platform inspired by clinically studied hops bioactives.
Discover more and explore collaboration opportunities with Natac.
References
- World Health Organization. Menopause. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/menopause
- Miljkovic D, Nasri A, et al. Nutrients. 2022
- Milligan SR et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1999.
- Bolton, J.L. et al. Chem Res Toxicol, 2019, 32(2), 222-233
- Stevens JF, Page JE. J Agric Food Chem. 2004.
- Dhooghe L et al. J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2010.
- Possemiers S et al. J Agric Food Chem. 2005.
- Possemiers S et al. J Nutr. 2006.
- Nikolic D et al. J Mass Spectrom. 2005.
- Benkherouf, A.Y. et al. Eur J Pharmacol, 2020, 873, 172962.
