Narrative review on natural products regulating aging-related endocrine disorders in women: A new paradigm for precise intervention targeting multi-organ clocks

The process of female aging is characterized by a decline in ovarian function, accompanied by multi-system physiological changes that result in endocrine disorders. Natural products have shown to have diverse effects in enhancing endocrine parameters and relieving symptoms through various pathways, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hormone regulation, and neuroprotection. Natural products offer a significant advantage due to their favorable safety profile. This review highlights the progress in using natural products for treating age-related endocrine disorders in women. Active components from plants, animals, and microorganisms, such as Tanshinone IIA, Danshensu, Salvianolic acid B, Ligustrazine, and velvet antler polypeptides, can influence various signaling pathways such as Nrf2/HO-1, AMPK/SIRT1, PI3K/Akt, and nuclear factor-κB to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and estrogen-like effects. These mechanisms can help address issues such as ovarian dysfunction, insulin resistance, bone loss, and mood disorders. Natural products have the potential to be used as alternatives or supplements to traditional hormone therapies, but their clinical effectiveness requires standardized preparation, evidence-based trials, and personalized treatment approaches to address endocrine diseases in aging populations.