Western Herbal Medicine, Epigenetics, and Endometriosis

Abstract

Endometriosis is an enigmatic disease characterized by the presence and growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. The etiology of endometriosis is poorly understood, yet recent evidence suggests that epigenetic aberrations and heritable changes in the genome may be the key to understanding how to approach this disease. Difficulty in long-term management of endometriosis symptoms and unpredictability of treatment outcome necessitate research into other treatment modalities, such as Western herbal medicine. This article reviews commonly used herbs in the treatment of endometriosis, the effects of phytochemical constituents on endometrial cells, and the impact on the epigenome.

The oil-resin of the tropical rainforest tree Copaifera langsdorffii reduces cell viability, changes cell morphology and induces cell death in human endometriotic stromal cultures

“…The Chinese literature relates the use of medicinal herbs for endometriosis‐like symptoms, and actually there is growing popularity in West China for the use of medicinal herbs in treating endometriosis,[52] which was updated by Stephens and colleagues [53]. However, many studies in vitro and in vivo are still needed for a better understanding of pharmacological properties of the plant species used in the clinical area.…”

Delphinidin induces antiproliferation and apoptosis of endometrial cells by regulating cytosolic calcium levels and mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization

“…10 Moreover, up to 50% of patients with endometriosis are infertile, and 40% of infertile women suffer from endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. 10 Moreover, up to 50% of patients with endometriosis are infertile, and 40% of infertile women suffer from endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain.…”

“…25 However, recent comprehensive studies have identified numerous proteins, transcription factors, and small RNAs as causes for the implantation and development of lesions during endometriosis that subsequently lead to infertility. 10 Also, the phytoestrogens chrysin and naringenin inhibit the aromatase activity in the human endometrium, which reduces estrogen synthesis in patients with endometriosis. 26,27 In contrast, the phosphorylation of AKT, P70S6SK, and ERK1/2 is increased in endometrial cells collected from patients with endometriosis, in comparison to those of normal endometrial cells.…”

“…Delphinidin thus inhibits the proliferation of human endometrial cells and induces apoptosis, and could be a novel therapeutic anthocyanin for the treatment of endometriosis in human subjects effects. 10 Also, the phytoestrogens chrysin and naringenin inhibit the aromatase activity in the human endometrium, which reduces estrogen synthesis in patients with endometriosis. 31 Moreover, the flavonoid apigenin directly regulates the signal proteins, ERK1/2, JNK, and AKT, and depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, while activating the proapoptotic proteins, thus inducing the apoptosis of human endometrial cells in patients with endometriosis.…”

“…Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often administered for reducing pain but they cause ovulatory dysfunction, cardiovascular disorders, bone loss, and thrombosis. 9,10 Anthocyanin is a flavonoid with well-known antioxidative and anticancerous properties. 6 Recent studies in the East and West have focused on various phytochemicals for relieving pain, and have attempted to extend their use for the treatment of endometriosis itself.…”