title: E-MHK-0103 (Mineraxin™): A Novel Nutraceutical with Biological Properties in Menopausal Conditions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Menopause-derived estrogen deprivation and related endocrine factors are linked to some symptoms typical of middle-aged women, such as hot flashes, aches, joint pain, stiffness, depressed mood, bone degeneration, nutritional dysfunction, or difficulty to maintain body mass. Clinical approaches to these problems often involve hormone replacement therapy and other modalities of therapeutic intervention. However, the well-known side effects associated with other pharmacological alternatives have led physicians and patients to pursue new strategies to alleviate these symptoms. As a physiological state, the first recommended option is a natural and healthy therapy, alone or in combination with pharmacotherapy in severe cases. Among other natural alternatives, E-MHK-0103, a nutraceutical lipoprotein extracted from Mytilus galloprovincialis, was found to have beneficial properties.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed numerous high-impact references to show the controversies over the current treatments used to alleviate menopausal symptoms, and presented the results obtained with E-MHK-0103 as a good natural alternative.
  
  
  RESULTS
  E-MHK-0103 showed positive effects on hot flashes, mood swings, joint pain and bone stability, associated with its glucosamine-related anti-inflammatory effect and its high content of vitamins, minerals, iron and other substances, such as selenium and vitamin E. A significant increase in serum growth hormone, mediated by the hepatic secretion of insulin growth factor-1, and a slight decrease in bone alkaline phosphatase, calcium and β-crosslaps concentrations contribute to its beneficial impact on bone turnover. E-MHK-0103 also showed a powerful antioxidant effect and an increase in iron stores, of particular importance in women with low basal ferritin levels.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings of this review confirm the efficiency of natural therapies in menopause symptoms, and EMHK- 0103 as a healthy choice for inclusion into clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Biochemistry, EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, Santa Marta de Babío s/n, 15166-Bergondo, Corunna, Spain.
authors.forename: Lola
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Corzo
authors.forename: Susana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
authors.forename: Ramon
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Alejo
authors.forename: Lucia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fernandez-Novoa
authors.forename: Gjumrakch
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Aliev
authors.forename: Ramon
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cacabelos
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008593:Menopause; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D049878:Mytilus / Q000737:chemistry; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: C000628414:E-MHK-0103; D008074:Lipoproteins
keywords: Antioxidant capacity; bone stability; iron status; lipoprotein extract; menopause; nutraceutical; osteoporosis; perimenopausal
  women