Unveiling the Wonders of Placenta
Dec 15, 2023 Prepared By Nutritionist Jade
The placenta is an organ that only develops with the occurrence of pregnancy. It attaches to the uterine wall and the umbilical cord, which connects the mother and the foetus. They play an important role in the transfer of gases, nutrients, and removal of waste products, vital for the life sustenance of the foetus during pregnancy.
The use of placenta-derived products in traditional medicine has historical roots in various cultures. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history of incorporating placenta-derived substances for their perceived health-promoting properties. In Japan, treatments using the human placenta began in the 1950s, with indications of improvement in hepatic function and menopausal disorder. In South Korea, the placenta has been used in skin care and for recovery from fatigue or allergies in many clinics.
Many health practitioners favour the use of ruminant (sheep and deer) placenta because it shares similar nutritional composition and pharmacological properties as the human placenta.
Potential benefits of Placenta Extract:
Skin Benefits: Research suggested that the growth factors present in placenta extracts trigger the fibroblast cells in the skin to produce collagen, providing elasticity to the skin. Placenta is also rich in hyaluronic acid, often recommended by many dermatologists for its capacity to improve texture and appearance of the skin. A 4-week study on middle-aged women taking animal placental extract observed a hydrating effect and maintained skin barrier function.
Immune System Support: Placenta promotes regulation of the immune system as it serves as a source of natural antioxidants. Placenta extract contains superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, which can neutralize free radicals and prevent cellular impairment.
Improved Energy Level: Placenta extract was shown to improve general health and well-being based on a survey on 189 females taking placenta. Placenta contains iron, which replenishes iron levels in the body, relieving fatigue and providing energy.
Hormonal Balance: Placenta is believed by some to help regulate hormonal balance in the body, particularly in women during menopause. It is thought to provide hormonal precursors and support endocrine function. A 12-week study conducted on 100 Korean women demonstrated that animal placenta extract can reduce menopausal symptoms in early menopausal women.
Liver Health Support: Recent research explores the potential protective role of placenta extract on the liver.
The use of placenta-derived products is rooted in tradition and supported by emerging research, which shows promising potential in various health aspects. If you are planning to try placenta extract, it is safest to buy from reputable brand. Holistic Way Sheep and Deer Placenta are extracted with leading technology and strict quality management. This ensures that all infectious bacteria and viruses are destroyed, and all the beneficial nutrients are preserved. Start taking care of your health to feel and look youthful from the inside out.
References
- Wu, Y. (2005). Study on the new method of extraction placental peptide and analysis of nutritive composition in sheep placenta. Food Sci, 26, 295-297.
- Pan, S. Y., Chan, M., Wong, M., Klokol, D., & Chernykh, V. (2017). Placental therapy: An insight to their biological and therapeutic properties. blood, 4(11), 12.
- Nagae, M., Nagata, M., Teramoto, M., Yamakawa, M., Matsuki, T., Ohnuki, K., & Shimizu, K. (2020). Effect of porcine placenta extract supplement on skin condition in healthy adult women: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Nutrients, 12(6), 1671.
- Selander J, Cantor A, Young SM, Benyshek DC (2013) Human maternal placentophagy: a survey of self-reported motivations and experiences associated with placenta consumption. Ecol Food Nutr 52: 93-115.
- Kong, M. H., Lee, E. J., Lee, S. Y., Cho, S. J., Hong, Y. S., & Park, S. B. (2008). Effect of human placental extract on menopausal symptoms, fatigue, and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in middle-aged Korean women. Menopause, 15(2), 296-303.
- Lee, J. Y., Lee, C., Yoon, S. H., & Choi, H. (2020). Effect of porcine placental extract on menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 59(5), 675-681.
- Shen, L. H., Fan, L., Zhang, Y., Zhu, Y. K., Zong, X. L., Peng, G. N., & Cao, S. Z. (2022). Protective Effect and Mechanism of Placenta Extract on Liver. Nutrients, 14(23), 5071.
