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Women's health and ageing healthily

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S-equol: The key guardian of hormonal balance and women’s health

Throughout a woman’s life, hormonal balance is fundamental to sustaining physical and mental vitality.

Particularly during perimenopause and menopause, fluctuations in estrogen levels not only trigger discomforts like hot flashes, insomnia and mood swings but also profoundly impact long-term health of the bones, cardiovascular system, nervous system and ovaries.

Among various natural bioactive compounds, S-equol has garnered significant scientific and health interest due to its unique receptor selectivity, well-defined physiological functions and broad therapeutic potential.

S-equol: ‘Intelligent key’ to estrogen receptors

Equol is a metabolic end product of soy isoflavones, produced by specific gut microbiota. Its bioactive form, S-equol, is the only enantiomer produced in the human body. It not only shares high structural similarity with endogenous estrogen 17 β-estradiol, but also possesses a critical advantage: High selective binding affinity for estrogen receptor beta (ERβ).¹

Research confirms that S-equol’s affinity for ERβ (Ki = 0.73 nM) is approximately nine times higher than for estrogen receptor alpha (Erα) (Ki = 6.41 nM).¹⁻² This distinct ‘subtype preference’ enables it to exert estrogen-like effects in low-estrogen states of body (e.g., postmenopause) while demonstrating mild anti-estrogenic activity in high-estrogen environments (e.g., certain breast tissues).³⁻⁴

This dual-directional regulatory capability provides a balanced approach to hormonal support, helping to mitigate risks associated with conventional hormone replacement therapies.

Figure 1: S-equol Science Mechanism - Soy Isoflavones Metabolism by Gut Microbiota, Affinity for Estrogen Receptors ERα vs ERβ - Bonerge

The multifaceted role of S-equol in women’s health

Relieves menopausal symptoms by regulating thermoregulation and mood

By activating Erβ – highly expressed in the hypothalamus – S-equol helps stabilize the body’s temperature control center, effectively reducing the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats. It also promotes the synthesis of neurotrophic factors (e.g., brain-derived neurotrophic factor ) in key brain regions like the hippocampus, thereby supporting mood stability, cognitive function and sleep quality.³

Supports bone health and inhibits bone loss

ERβ serves as a crucial regulator in the skeletal system. Through ERβ activation, S-equol suppresses the RANKL/NFATc1 pathway – a primary driver of osteoclast differentiation – thereby curbing excessive bone resorption. Concurrently, it promotes osteoblast survival and activity, contributing to the maintenance of bone mineral density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

Promotes ovarian and reproductive system health

S-equol modulates ovarian function primarily via ERβ. In high-estrogen settings, it can competitively bind to ERα, helping to inhibit abnormal cellular proliferation and maintain tissue homeostasis. Its high selectivity for ERβ supports ovarian health while minimizing unwanted stimulation of estrogen-sensitive tissues such as the breast and endometrium, ensuring a more targeted and safer profile.

Supports cardiovascular and metabolic health

Through ERβ activation, S-equol stimulates vascular endothelial cells to release nitric oxide (NO), a key molecule for vasodilation, thereby supporting healthy blood flow. It also aids in regulating lipoprotein metabolism in the liver and enhances insulin sensitivity, offering comprehensive support for cardiovascular and metabolic wellness.

Figure 2: S-equol Benefits for Women's Health - Menopause Mood, Bone Health, Cardiovascular, Ovarian & PCOS Support - Bonerge

Synergistic formulations: S-equol and key natural partners

While potent alone, S-equol’s benefits can be amplified through strategic combinations. Integrating it with other evidence-backed natural ingredients creates synergistic effects that address the complex, multi-faceted nature of women’s health.

1. Black cohosh: An ideal partner for neuro-endocrine balance

This traditional herb complements S-equol’s actions:

Modulates neurotransmitters By acting on serotonin (5-HT7) and dopamine systems, it helps stabilize body temperature and mood, working in concert with S-equol to alleviate hot flashes and emotional volatility.

Regulates the endocrine axis It can influence luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, helping to alleviate symptoms driven by hormonal fluctuations without directly increasing estrogen levels.¹⁰

Anti-inflammatory and mild phytoestrogenic effects Its active compounds can provide anti-inflammatory benefits and exhibit mild affinity for ERβ, enhancing the overall regulatory effect when combined with S-equol.¹¹

2. Fisetin: A potent senolytic and metabolic regulator

This natural flavonoid offers multi-layered protection:

Senolytic and anti-inflammatory actions Fisetin can selectively clear senescent cells and inhibit NF-κB-driven inflammation, collectively reducing tissue damage and chronic inflammation.¹²

Hormonal and metabolic regulation Studies, including those in PCOS models, show fisetin can help reduce testosterone levels and improve insulin sensitivity, working alongside S-equol to correct imbalances.¹³⁻¹⁴

Supports ovarian function Fisetin can help regulate cellular energy metabolism through pathways like AMPK/SIRT1, providing support for follicular development and ovarian reserve.¹²

3. Urolithin A: A cellular renewal catalyst

This postbiotic metabolite is emerging as a key player in cellular health:

Modulates circadian rhythms Urolithin A can help regulate core clock genes, which are vital for maintaining robust circadian rhythms.¹⁵ This regulation supports synchronized hormonal secretion and improves overall sleep-wake cycles, contributing to systemic metabolic and cellular health.

Enhancing NAD+ Metabolism Urolithin A boosts endogenous NAD+ synthesis at its source by activating the SIRT1-NAMPT pathway, thereby promoting cellular energy metabolism and renewal.¹⁶

Regulates follicle development Urolithin A can help inhibit excessive primordial follicle activation and reduce follicle apoptosis through pathways like PI3K/Akt, reducing the damage of oxidative stress to cell and ovarian function.¹⁷

Figure 3: S-equol & Key Natural Partners - Black Cohosh, Fisetin, Urolithin A Synergistic Formulations for Women's Health - Bonerge

Scientifically validated, market-ready solutions

Bonerge invests heavily in rigorous scientific research, extensive clinical trials, and comprehensive regulatory approvals to ensure its ingredients deliver unparalleled safety, efficacy and reliability for its partners worldwide.

Large-scale commercial production of bio-fermented S-equol Bonerge provides the industry-leading, only Self-Affirmed Generally Recognized As Safe (SA-GRAS) certified S-equol with over 99% purity on the market. This pharmaceutical-grade quality, backed by significant regulatory investment, guarantees both supreme safety and exceptional functional activity for ERβ. It has pioneered the large-scale commercial production of bio-fermented S-equol, ensuring not only the highest quality but also a stable supply and superior cost-effectiveness, empowering brand clients to develop cutting-edge products with confidence.

Targeting cellular health and antioxidant defense As the globally exclusive SA-GRAS certified, high-content natural fisetin ingredient, BeFisetin® stands in a league of its own. It is 100% extracted from natural sources, setting it apart from synthetic alternatives that may misrepresent their origin. Its superior quality and efficacy are further substantiated by two human clinical studies, providing trusted, evidence-backed support for formulations targeting cellular health and antioxidant defense.

Enhancing bioavailability of urolithin A StanYouth® boasts an exceptional 99% ultra-high purity of urolithin A, achieved through Bonerge’s proprietary and patented production process. Its profound health benefits are demonstrated by three human clinical trials.

Bonerge has developed a patented delivery form specifically designed to significantly enhance its bioavailability, ensuring end consumers experience optimal efficacy. This makes StanYouth the premier choice for advanced cellular health and anti-aging solutions.

By integrating these science-backed ingredients – EquoYouth S-equol, BeFisetin fisetin, and StanYouth urolithin A – Bonerge enables synergistic, multi-targeted support for hormonal balance and overall women’s wellness, empowering a life of vitality through the power of nature and innovation.

Figure 4: Bonerge Premium Ingredients Targeting Women's Health - EquoYouth S-equol, BeFisetin, StanYouth Urolithin A for Hormone Balance & Ovarian Health

References

  1. Setchell, KD.; et al. S-equol, a potent ligand for estrogen receptor beta, is the exclusive enantiomeric form of the soy isoflavone metabolite produced by human intestinal bacterial flora. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 May;81(5):1072-1079.
  2. Kuiper GG.; et al. Comparison of the ligand binding specificity and transcript tissue distribution of estrogen receptors alpha and beta. Endocrinology. 1997 Mar;138(3):863-70.
  3. Ishiwata, N.; et al. New equol supplement for relieving menopausal symptoms: randomized, placebo-controlled trial of Japanese women. Menopause.2009 Jan-Feb;16(1):141-8.
  4. Choi, EJ.; et al. Equol induced apoptosis via cell cycle arrest in human breast cancer MDA-MB-453 but not MCF-7 cells. Mol Med Rep. 2008 Mar-Apr;1(2):239-44.
  5. Aso, T.; et al. A natural S-equol supplement alleviates hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms in equol nonproducing postmenopausal Japanese women. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2012 Jan;21(1):92-100.
  6. Tousen, Y.; et al. Natural S-equol decreases bone resorption in postmenopausal, non-equol-producing Japanese women: a pilot randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Menopause. 2011 May;18(5):563-74.
  7. TCorbi, G.; et al. Equol and Resveratrol Improve Bone Turnover Biomarkers in Postmenopausal Women: A Clinical Trial. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jul 27;24(15):12063.
  8. Mayo, B.; et al. Equol: A Bacterial Metabolite from The Daidzein Isoflavone and Its Presumed Beneficial Health Effects. Nutrients. 2019 Sep 16;11(9):2231. doi: 10.3390/nu11092231. PMID: 31527435; PMCID: PMC6770660.
  9. Burdette JE.; et al. Black cohosh acts as a mixed competitive ligand and partial agonist of the serotonin receptor. J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Sep 10;51(19):5661-70.
  10. Seidlova-Wuttke, D.; et al. Evidence for selective estrogen receptor modulator activity in a black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) extract: comparison with estradiol-17beta. Eur J Endocrinol. 2003 Oct;149(4):351-62.
  11. Yang, CL.; et al. Identification of the bioactive constituent and its mechanisms of action in mediating the anti-inflammatory effects of black cohosh and related Cimicifuga species on human primary blood macrophages. J Med Chem. 2009 Nov 12;52(21):6707-15.
  12. Moustafa, PE.; et al. Fisetin mitigates letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome in rats: crosstalk of AMPK/PI3K/AKT-mediated-Nrf2 antioxidant defense mechanism and the inflammasome NLRP3/NF-κB P65/IL-1β signaling pathways. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2024 Oct;397(10):8077-8088.
  13. Chahal, SK.; et al. Fisetin ameliorates polycystic ovary syndrome in rats via a mechanistic modulation of AMP-activated protein kinase and SIRT1 molecular pathway. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2024 Dec;397(12):10017-10029.
  14. Mihanfar, A.; et al. Ameliorative effects of fisetin in letrozole-induced rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2021 Oct;213:105954.
  15. Du, Y.; et al. Effect of Urolithin A on the Improvement of Circadian Rhythm Dysregulation in Intestinal Barrier Induced by Inflammation. Nutrients. 2024 Jul 13;16(14):2263.
  16. Nandini, G.; et al. Urolithin A augments angiogenic pathways in skeletal muscle by bolstering NAD+ and SIRT1. Sci Rep. 2020 Nov 19;10(1):20184.
  17. Wang, W.; et al. Urolithin A Protects Ovarian Reserve Via Inhibiting PI3K/Akt Signaling and Preventing Chemotherapy-Induced Follicle Apoptosis. Biology (Basel). 2025 Jul 8;14(7):829.

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