Plantas medicinais empregadas no tratamento de distúrbios hormonais

Abstract

The use of medicinal plants has been widely investigated as a complementary strategy in the management of hormonal disorders, especially in the context of the increasing prevalence of endocrine diseases and the search for more accessible therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to conduct a literature review on the use of plant species in the treatment of hormonal disorders, addressing their main mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications. The methodology consisted of a descriptive literature review based on searches in the SciELO, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases, including articles published between 2010 and 2024 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Medicinal plant species with activity on different endocrine axes were analyzed, including Gymnema sylvestre, Withania somnifera, Vitex agnus-castus, Cimicifuga racemosa, and Eurycoma longifolia, associated with conditions such as diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, female reproductive axis dysfunctions, menopause, and hormonal changes related to male aging. The results indicate that these species exhibit modulatory potential on different hormonal systems, with hypoglycemic, adaptogenic, thyroid-regulating, and neuroendocrine-modulating effects. However, methodological heterogeneity among studies was observed, along with limitations related to extract standardization and the robustness of clinical evidence. It is concluded that these species have therapeutic potential as adjuvant interventions, although they do not replace conventional pharmacological therapies. The need for more rigorous clinical studies to establish their efficacy and safety is emphasized.