[Lotus]

REISHI

Estrogen-like activity of ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum
Abstract
The ethanol extract from the fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum was tested for its estrogen-like activity by using the cell proliferation assay (MCF-7 cells, human breast cancer cells), as well as the estrogen receptor binding assay, and pS2 mRNA expression assay in MCF-7 cells in vitro and uterotrophic assay in vivo. The ethanol extract of G. lucidum showed signifi cant positive effects on the proliferation of MCF-7 cells. This proliferation effect is related to the estrogenic activity of G. lucidum, because this proliferation activity was inhibited by the addition of the antiestrogenic compound ICI 182,780. The ability to bind to human estrogen receptors (hERs) α and β of the ethanol extract of G. lucidum was confirmed by using the coactivator-bacterial alkaline phosphatase system. ER-dependent cell responsibilities were investigated by examining the regulation of gene transcription for pS2 in MCF-7 cells. Our results demonstrated that the pS2 mRNA levels are significantly increased by the ethanol extract of G. lucidumvia an estrogen-like manner. Additionally, young rats that received the ethanol extract of G. lucidum (200 mg/kg per day) for 3 days showed a signifi cant increase (growth approximately twofold compared with the control group) in uterine weight after each treatment, which supports the estrogen-like activity of the ethanol extract of G. lucidum in vivo. It was concluded that the ethanol extract of G. lucidum showed estrogen-like activity, which may be useful in regulating hormone levels to treat related diseases such as osteoporosis if safety is fully guaranteed.
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007...008-0992-2

'A general Ganoderma lucidum extract does not separate the triterpenoids and the polysaccharides present in the mushroom, which make up the ethanolic and water-soluble extracts, respectively. The standard dose for the basic extract is 1.44g – 5.2g. The most popular dose is 5.2g, taken in three doses of 1,800mg.

The standard dosage for the ethanolic extract is 6mg. The water-soluble extract should be dosed similarly to the basic extract.

'The basic extract is essentially dehydrated mushroom powder, which makes it about 10 times as potent as the actual mushroom. This means that 5g of extract is similar to about 50g of whole mushroom.'


Inhibition of 5α-reductase results in decreased conversion of testosterone to DHT, leading to increased testosterone and estradiol. Other enzymes compensate to a degree for the absent conversion, spec voifically with local expression at the skin of reductive 17b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, oxidative 3a-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and 3b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes. Inhibition of the enzyme can be classified into two categories: steroidal, which are irreversible, and nonsteroidal. 5-α reductase 2 is the one we're interested in,


Chapter 9Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/

A Medicinal Mushroom

Triterpene content ranged from undetectable to 7.8% and the polysaccharide content varied from 1.1–5.8% (Chang and Buswell 2008). Such variations can occur for several reasons, including differences in the species or strains of mushroom used and differences in production methods.

Anti-androgenic activities of Ganoderma lucidum.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16029938


An Update on Plant Derived Anti-Androgens
http://endometabol.com/?page=article&article_id=3644


The anti-androgen effect of ganoderol B isolated from the fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17499997


Recent advances in the chemistry and pharmacological activity of new steroidal antiandrogens and 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15853706

http://examine.com/supplements/Ganoderma+lucidum/

[Lotus]

Those lists pop up from time to time , note, some foods are pro-E and anti-DHT and T, or otherwise known as NBE super foods.

What foods promote NBE?

The following is only a partial list, with help I'm sure we can grow the list. Leafy greens and veggies (what kinds? And belong to what group?) so any ideas there would be helpful too. Thanks for any help!


Foods that have or help increase estrogen

Apples
Cherries
Plums
Beets
Peppers
Cucumbers
Barley
Rice
Wheat
Sunflower seeds-High in protein which increases breast volume
Flax seeds
Parsley- stimulates the production of estrogen/regulates hormonal disorders
Clover
Chicken
Strawberries
Raspberries
Prunes
Pineapple
Watermelon
Peaches
Garlic
Onions
Winter squash
Green beans
Tomatoes
Papaya (green unripe, cook before consumption)
Potatoes
Pumpkin
Milk
Seafood-Sockeye Salmon, mussels
Yogurt
Licorice
Fenugreek
Fennel
Alfalfa sprouts-Phytoestrogen, promotes breast health
Kidney beans
Lima beans
Red beans
Asparagus
Lettuce
Red cabbage
Eggs
Protein shakes
Corn
Blueberries
Ginger
Prawns
Olives
Turmeric
Figs
Buckwheat


Foods that minimize testosterone


Garlic
Chicken
Fenugreek
Saw palmetto
Chick peas
Cherries
Black eyed peas
Fennel seeds
Whole grains


Foods that block DHT


Wheat germ
Sesame oil
Canola oil
Peanuts
Almonds
Macadamia nuts
Soy
Beta Sitosterol
Saw Palmetto
Spearmint
Pumpkin Seeds

5 alpha reductase inhibitor activity Food Weapons (the stuff that prevents DHT [DHT-bad for boob growth]).



Apricot
Asparagus
Avocado
Banana
Barley
Basil
Beets
Black pepper
Bell peppers
Bok Choy, cabbage
Brussels sprouts
Cacao (seed)
Carrot
Cashew
Cauliflower
Celery
Chick peas
Chives
Cilantro
Corn
Cucumber
Dill
English walnut
Evening primrose oil
Fennel
Ginger
Ginko biloba
Ginseng
Grape
Grapefruit
Green tea
Papaya
Peanut
Pear
Pecans
Pineapples
Potato (found in tuber)
Pumpkin
Lentil
Lettuce
Licorice
Lima bean
Mango
Nettle
Nigella stavia (black caraway & cumin, nutmeg, coriander)
Oregano
Rye (seed)
Sage
Shallots (onions)
Strawberry
Summer squash
Sunflower
Sweet potato
White peony
Valerian

(From Dr. Duke)

[Lotus]

Thread is open,

[Lotus]

More info on Aromatase

Inhibiting the enzyme 5 alpha reductase prevents the conversion to DHT, and the Aromatase enzyme converts free Testosterone to E2. Scientists are using the enzymes of 5-ar and aromatase as inhibitors to fight cancer.

Novel aromatase and 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8043491

Risks and benefits of aromatase inhibitors in postmenopausal breast cancer
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10514021

• So the idea of using these enzymes for the benefit of breast growth isn't actually novel because your using them whether it's realized or not.
  

• Aromatase activity has not only been demonstrated in gonads and placenta but also in brain [6], fat tissue [7,8], muscle [9], hair [10], bone [11] and vascular tissue [12].
  

• Estradiol is the most potent estrogen produced in the body. It is synthesized from testosterone or estrone via aromatase or 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, respectively.
  

• The total estradiol production rate in the human male has been estimated to be 35-45 μg (0.130-0.165 μmol) per day, of which approximately 20% is directly produced by the testes [13,14]. Roughly 60% of circulating estradiol is derived from direct testicular secretion or from conversion of testicular androgens. The remaining fraction is derived from peripheral conversion of adrenal androgens [15].
  

• The mean estradiol plasma concentration in men is only about 1/200 of the mean plasma testosterone concentration [16] and is comparable to estradiol levels found in women in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.
  

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3143915/

_________________________________________________

Testosterone can bind directly to androgen receptors (ARs) or can be aromatized to estradiol (E2), acting on estrogen receptors (ERs), or reduced to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), acting on ARs.

• These metabolites (E2 and DHT) play crucial roles in the organism, mediating many functions such as cognition, reproduction, feeding, muscle, blood and brain metabolism.
  

• Thus modulation of the enzymes 5-alpha reductase and aromatase has to be considered an important gateway to these functions. The former plays an important role in testosterone conversion to DHT in androgen-dependent tissue, the latter in T aromatization to E2.
  

Aromatase

• There's an enzyme in the bodies of both men and women called aromatase. Its primary action is to produce female sex hormones, or estrogens. It produces them from male sex hormones (androgens) such as testosterone and their precursors.
  

• Aromatase also converts androstenedione (a sex hormone precursor) to the female hormone estrone, another estrogen, although weaker than estradiol.
  

• If you increase the activity of aromatase, you can increase levels of female sex hormones (estradiol, estrone).
  

• If you decrease the activity of aromatase, you can decrease levels of female sex hormones, while increasing relative levels of male sex hormones, e.g. testosterone.
  

• Men's bodies normally contain some level of estrogens, in addition to testosterone and their kind. Likewise, women's bodies contain some level of male androgens including testosterone.
  

• The ratio of male-to-female hormones contributes to our masculinity or femininity. Aromatase is one chemical that can tweak that ratio. It operates the same in both men and women, although an array of compounds can affect its activity.
  

________________________________________________________________

Testosterone-has two metabolites that pose potential problems for aging males and also for bodybuilders and athletes. One is estradiol (testosterone is converted to estradiol by the enzyme aromatase) and the other is dihydrotestosterone (DHT) (testosterone is converted to DHT by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase). As men age, there is a dramatic decrease in testosterone production, but without a corresponding decrease in the production of estradiol and DHT. Even though testosterone levels have plummeted, the aromatization of testosterone to estradiol is maintained, or even accelerated, and more testosterone is also being aromatized in fatty tissues. This creates excess levels of estradiol and, as a consequence, a blood level ratio of testosterone to estradiol that continues to decline, tipping the scale in balance of an estradiol-dominant environment.

[Lotus]

Gonadotrophins and testicular function

FSH and LH are important regulators of spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis, acting respectively on the Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. They increase intracellular concentrations of free cholesterol and its transport through the mitochondrial membrane by the StAR protein (the regulation of StAR is the rate-limiting step in gonadotrophin-induced steroid synthesis). Here cholesterol is converted into pregnenolone, then in androstenedione, DHEA and testosterone: these androgens bind to an androgen-binding protein (ABP), which carries them in the testicular fluid. Some testosterone is converted to estradiol by Sertoli cell-derived aromatase enzyme.



Leydig cell steroidogenesis is controlled primarily by LH with negative feedback of testosterone on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Testosterone and FSH act synergically on the Sertoli cells, that produces inhibin (which has a selective negative feedback action on FSH secretion) and androgen receptors. The small amount of estrogen formed from peripheral aromatization of testosterone can inhibit both FSH and LH secretion.
If testicular androgen production is inhibited by the administration of exogenous androgens then spermatogenesis ceases.

Transport, metabolism and actions of androgens

The 98% of circulating testosterone is bound to albumin or to sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). SHBG is synthesized in the liver and its circulating concentration is increased by estrogen or excess thyroid hormones and decreased by exogenous androgens, glucocorticoids or growth hormone and by hypothyroidism, acromegaly and obesity. In the liver, testosterone is converted to androsterone and etiocholanolone.
In target tissues, testosterone or its reduced form DHT induces release of a heat shock protein, dimerization of two receptors and translocation to the nucleus where the dimer binds to an estrogen-like hormone response element on DNA.
http://flipper.diff.org/app/items/5569

[Lotus]

Hi BN,

I've moved this NBE guide to the General Discussion Section so all can use it as a reference. I'll be adding more genetic female info to help out the ladies, good luck.

[Lotus]

This video is 2:20 minutes long, it's how estrogens bind to cell receptors, the sound is weird but it's an awesome video.


The Estrogen Receptor (II): Molecular & Cellular Mechanisms
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tK4lzxQuxTM

Once you have answered Peggy Curious to hear of RC too . As a blood cleanser alone id like to try one day let alone the other benefits.


I think the obvious choice is to balance herbs that are PRO-ER-a with ER-b (protective receptor). Turmeric, green tea, essential fatty acids, and certain phtyoestrogens. 5 ar inhibitors are still a viable choice, reishi binds to ER's, not sure which one yet. WP is still a good choice. New weapons are things like 17 beta HSD's, type 1 & 4, plus CYP19 is still a viable option considering the andro to estro pathway,(that backdoor pathway is yet to be tapped).




Bottom line- low dose esstential fatty acids (eg-EPO) 2000 mg and 2000 mg omega 3's, coconut oil 2000 mg will have a big effect on ER-a bioavailability over straight use of phytoestrogens. And for more depth, RC, Vitex, Hops all have an ER-alpha affinity. Balance with turmeric, green tea, progesterone, WP, reishi and boobie friendly foods that's been shared and its a solid program.

[i]Ok how many tablespoons of coconut oil would add up to 2000mg?

2-3 tablespoons

And what could be used in place of progesterone and at what point would you utilize that in your cycle if applicable?

Fenugreek, red clover, Vitex. FG, RC and vitex are versatile herbs, hey can be used throughout a cycle, (with the exeception of a break in the middle, [3-5]days).

[Lotus]

These oils target breast growth, madacamia, red clover targets ER-a (the growth receptor). The links provided are for fyi. (vitex is listed for its pro-estrogen receptor alpha properties, but it's a supplement). Turmeric is protection against the proliferation of breast cancer.

Coconut oil
http://www.amazon.com/Barleans-Organic-Virgin-Coconut-16-Ounce/dp/B002VLZ8D0/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1425050271&sr=8-10&keywords=coconut+oil

Cucumber oil
http://www.amazon.com/CUCUMBER-Undiluted-Pressed-Botanical-Beauty/dp/B00BX3RLD2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1425049927&sr=8-2&keywords=cucumber+oil

Macadamia oil
http://www.amazon.com/Macadamia-Nut-Cold-Pressed-Liquid/dp/B0017OAHPQ/ref=pd_sbs_bt_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0BAN3M7J6KP6K6V5CNMS

Nutmeg oil
http://www.amazon.com/Nutmeg-Essential-U...B005Y4CV72

Turmeric oil
http://www.amazon.com/Turmeric-100-Therapeutic-Grade-Essential/dp/B005CIK5U0/ref=pd_sim_bt_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=07KHAMV92SQF7DQVSZG5

Red clover oil
http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Answer-Alcohol-Free-Flowering-1-Fluid/dp/B0001VUXKU/ref=sr_1_3?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1425066423&sr=1-3&keywords=Red+clover+extract

Vitex extract
http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Answer-Alcohol-Free-Vitex-1-Fluid/dp/B00014F9YC/ref=sr_1_6/177-7490590-4453118?ie=UTF8&qid=1425065984&sr=8-6&keywords=chasteberry

[Lotus]

Estrogen receptor alpha ERa is the growth receptor
Estrogen receptor beta ERb protects against cancer

Breast growth requires supplements that are pro ERa, having a good ratio of ERa to ERa is a proactive step in achieving normal growth vs malignant growth.

Botanical Modulation of Menopausal Symptoms: Mechanisms of Action?
https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/...32-1328187

[Lotus]

up-date, I'll be adding a few other things before the end of the month, I hope you find this guide useful. I'll will be listed in both sections.