--- title: Does Justicia pectoralis extract have hormone-like effects that could help PMS or menopause? description: In lab tests, yes. The extract showed estrogenic, progestagenic, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, this was done in cells and test tubes, not people, so url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/estrogenic-and-progestagenic-effects-of-extracts-of-justicia-pectoralis-jacq-an-2010/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does Justicia pectoralis extract have hormone-like effects that could help PMS or menopause? Study, 2010 # Does Justicia pectoralis extract have hormone-like effects that could help PMS or menopause? In lab tests, yes. The extract showed estrogenic, progestagenic, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, this was done in cells and test tubes, not people, so we don't yet know if it actually helps people. Early or limited evidence Not a human subject study; plant extract tested in laboratory assays ## What they did Researchers extracted the Justicia pectoralis plant using methanol and tested whether the extract had estrogenic (estrogen-like), progestagenic (progesterone-like), and anti-inflammatory effects using lab assays with purified receptors and human cells. ## What they found The extract inhibited COX-2 enzyme at 4.8 microg/mL. It bound to estrogen receptors at concentrations of 50 microg/mL and 23.1 microg/mL, and to the progesterone receptor at 22.8 microg/mL. The extract also changed estrogen-responsive gene activity in cells but did not show a clear effect on cell growth. ## What it means for you The herb extract has the right chemical properties in lab tests to potentially help with PMS or menopausal symptoms, since it mimics hormones and reduces inflammation. However, this is only a test-tube study, not research in people. We do not know if it actually works in real people, what doses would work, or if it is safe. 4.8 microg/mL concentration inhibiting COX-2 50 microg/mL concentration binding to estrogen receptors 22.8 microg/mL concentration binding to progesterone ## About the study Original title Estrogenic and progestagenic effects of extracts of Justicia pectoralis Jacq., an herbal medicine from Costa Rica used for the treatment of menopause and PMS Authors Locklear TD, Huang Y, Frasor J et al. Journal Maturitas Year 2010 Study design Study What was tested Methanol extract of Justicia pectoralis plant Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2010.04.001](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2010.04.001) ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Dysmenorrhea and period pain](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-dysmenorrhea/)[Other herbal medicine](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-herbal-other/)[Perimenopause and menopause](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-perimenopause/)[Economic burden](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-economic-burden/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Randomised trial, 2006 What herbs and dietary supplements have evidence for treating premenstrual syndrome? Review, 2021 Do herbal products help with PMS? Review, 2025 Do herbal remedies help with menstrual and menopausal symptoms? Randomised trial, 2009 What does research show about alternative treatments like herbs and supplements for PMS? Study, 2007 Could a plant from Costa Rica help with period pain and PMS? Review, 2002 What supplements or alternative treatments help PMS symptoms? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗