Serene woman surrounded by glowing plants, symbolizing improved health and vitality during menopause.

Beyond HRT: Can a Natural Combo Ease Menopause and Boost Heart Health?

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"Explore how a new nutraceutical blend offers a promising alternative for managing menopause symptoms and improving cardiovascular health, challenging traditional hormone therapies."

Menopause, the cessation of menstruation, marks a significant transition in a woman's life, often accompanied by a constellation of symptoms. These can range from the well-known hot flashes and night sweats to more subtle but equally disruptive issues like insomnia, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and even joint pain. While hormone therapy (HT) has long been a primary treatment option, concerns about its long-term risks, including increased risk of breast cancer and thrombosis, have led many women to seek alternative solutions.

This has fueled interest in non-hormonal therapies, particularly nutraceuticals (NUTs). Nutraceuticals are concentrated forms of bioactive substances derived from foods, offering potential health benefits in dosages exceeding those typically found in a normal diet. Phytoestrogens, plant-based compounds with estrogen-like activity, are one class of nutraceuticals that have gained attention for their potential to alleviate menopausal symptoms. However, the effectiveness of phytoestrogens can vary significantly due to individual differences in metabolism and gut bacteria composition.

To address these challenges, researchers have explored combining phytoestrogens with other beneficial compounds, such as probiotics. A recent study published in the International Journal of Women's Health investigated the effects of a novel nutraceutical combination (AkP04, Morestril®) containing soy isoflavones, Angelica sinensis, Morus alba leaf extract, and magnesium, along with the probiotic Bifidobacterium breve B3. The study aimed to assess its impact on postmenopausal symptoms and cardiovascular risk factors.

Decoding the Science: How the Nutraceutical Combination Works

Serene woman surrounded by glowing plants, symbolizing improved health and vitality during menopause.

The study, a crossover, randomized, double-blind trial, involved 43 symptomatic postmenopausal women with a Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) score of 20 or higher. Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving probiotics plus a placebo for four weeks, followed by probiotics plus the nutraceutical combination (NUT) for another four weeks, and the other group receiving the treatments in reverse order. The researchers used the MRS to evaluate the severity of menopausal symptoms and monitored cardiovascular risk factors such as lipid profile, blood pressure, and fructosamine levels.

The results revealed significant improvements in several key areas:

Reduced Menopause Symptoms: Participants experienced a significant reduction in MRS score after the NUT period compared to both baseline and the placebo period.
Improved Lipid Profile: The active-treatment period led to a significant reduction in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, along with an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration.
Lower Diastolic Blood Pressure: A significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure was observed during the NUT period compared to baseline.

These findings suggest that the nutraceutical combination effectively alleviates menopause symptoms and improves cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women. The specific ingredients in the combination likely contribute to these benefits through various mechanisms. Soy isoflavones, known for their estrogen-like activity, can help alleviate hot flashes and other estrogen deficiency-related symptoms. Angelica sinensis, a traditional Chinese medicine herb, is believed to have hormone-balancing effects. Morus alba leaf extract may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve lipid metabolism. Magnesium plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including blood pressure regulation and bone health. The addition of Bifidobacterium breve B3, a probiotic, helps stabilize the gut microbiota, potentially enhancing the absorption and utilization of isoflavones.

The Road Ahead: What These Findings Mean for You

While these results are promising, it's important to remember that this was one study with a specific group of participants. More research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the long-term effects of this nutraceutical combination. However, if you're a postmenopausal woman seeking a natural alternative to hormone therapy for managing symptoms and improving your heart health, this research offers a ray of hope. Talk to your doctor about whether this nutraceutical combination might be right for you. They can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks based on your individual health history and needs.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What is the novel nutraceutical combination (AkP04, Morestril®) and what components make it a potential alternative to hormone therapy for managing menopause symptoms?

The novel nutraceutical combination, known as AkP04 or Morestril®, is composed of soy isoflavones, Angelica sinensis, Morus alba leaf extract, magnesium, and the probiotic Bifidobacterium breve B3. This combination is designed to alleviate menopause symptoms and improve cardiovascular risk factors. Soy isoflavones mimic estrogen, potentially reducing hot flashes. Angelica sinensis may balance hormones. Morus alba leaf extract could regulate blood sugar and improve lipid metabolism. Magnesium aids blood pressure and bone health. Bifidobacterium breve B3 stabilizes gut microbiota, enhancing isoflavone absorption.

How does the study differentiate itself in evaluating the effectiveness of the nutraceutical combination (AkP04, Morestril®) compared to previous research on hormone therapy?

The study used a crossover, randomized, double-blind trial involving 43 symptomatic postmenopausal women, assessing both menopausal symptoms (using the Menopause Rating Scale or MRS) and cardiovascular risk factors like lipid profile, blood pressure, and fructosamine levels. Participants received either probiotics plus placebo or probiotics plus the nutraceutical combination (AkP04, Morestril®) in alternating four-week periods, allowing for a direct comparison of effects within the same individuals. Unlike hormone therapy studies, which often focus on hormonal effects and potential risks like breast cancer, this research emphasizes a natural alternative with benefits for both symptom relief and heart health.

What specific cardiovascular benefits were observed in the study participants using the nutraceutical combination (AkP04, Morestril®)?

Participants using the nutraceutical combination (AkP04, Morestril®) experienced significant improvements in their lipid profiles, including a reduction in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, alongside an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration. Additionally, a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure was observed during the active treatment period. These changes suggest a positive impact on cardiovascular health, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease in postmenopausal women.

What are the individual roles of soy isoflavones, Angelica sinensis, and Morus alba leaf extract in alleviating menopause symptoms, and how does the probiotic Bifidobacterium breve B3 enhance the efficacy of the nutraceutical combination (AkP04, Morestril®)?

Soy isoflavones alleviate symptoms like hot flashes due to their estrogen-like activity. Angelica sinensis, a traditional Chinese medicine herb, is believed to have hormone-balancing effects. Morus alba leaf extract may help regulate blood sugar and improve lipid metabolism, addressing metabolic changes during menopause. Bifidobacterium breve B3 stabilizes the gut microbiota, enhancing the absorption and utilization of soy isoflavones, which can be affected by individual differences in metabolism and gut bacteria composition. The interaction with the gut promotes the impact of isoflavones.

Given the promising results of the nutraceutical combination (AkP04, Morestril®), what further research is necessary to fully understand its potential and long-term effects on postmenopausal women's health?

While the results are promising, more research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the long-term effects of the nutraceutical combination (AkP04, Morestril®). Future studies should include larger and more diverse groups of participants to account for individual differences in metabolism and gut bacteria composition. Additionally, longer-term studies are necessary to assess the sustained effects on menopause symptoms, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being. Research should also explore potential interactions with other medications and assess any long-term safety concerns.