Plant Compounds Blunt Menopausal Effects in Rats

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Women who enter menopause often develop high blood pressure, insulin resistance (a risk factor for type 2 diabetes), and memory loss. New research conducted in menopausal rats suggests that polyphenols - compounds found in grapes, soy, and kudzu -- may blunt some of these side effects associated with menopause. "It is unlikely that these polyphenols could eventually provide effective stand-alone therapy for post-menopausal women," said Dr. J. Michael Wyss, but at some point they may be used to complement traditional pharmaceutical compounds, making them effective at a lower dosage.