According to data from Himalaya, about 70% of unaddressed public health needs are women-centric.
This is due to various findings such as around one billion women are expected to experience menopause symptoms in 2025 and that women are twice as likely to experience depression compared to men.
Menopause in particular is considered to be a major concern as this phase is inextricably intertwined with the ageing process and also tends to cause discomfort for many women.
“About 80% of all women experience some sort of symptoms around menopause, and they can spend up to 40% of their lifetime in the post-menopausal stage,” Himalaya Wellness Global Research Centre Head Deepapriya Velumani told the floor at our recent Growth Asia Summit 2024.
“We know that about 33% of perimenopausal women will take vitamins or supplements to treat their health issues such as hot flashes, bone density drops, mental symptoms and body weight fluctuations, and also that botanicals are well-preferred as a menopausal solution.
“This sector has been in the spotlight lately due to a widespread social movement, and it is expected to become a US$25bn market by 2030 – but this commercial gold rush of products has not really filled the gaps of consumer needs.
“Many products currently are in the formats of teas or blends or wearables, but the efficacy and specificity of these have not been able to fix the problems for women facing menopause, hence we see that there is still a large opportunity here to bring in solutions, and particularly supplement solutions based on botanicals.”
Based on its in-depth research and development with Ayurvedic herbs and botanicals, Himalaya has developed various supplement products targeting menopausal symptoms.
“One of the most important Ayurvedic herbs in menopause is Arjuna, which is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant plant containing a bioactive compound that is needed for calcium absorption and bone tissue growth,” she said.
“Another important one to prevent is Indian Bdellium or Guggulu which helps in the remineralisation of bones and increases bone mineral density in addition to having analgesic properties to alleviate bone pain, which is experienced by 80% of menopausal women.
“We also use asparagus which has estrogenic properties to alleviate symptoms such as moon fluctuations, depression, insomnia, weight gain and anxiety; and licorice which soothes the genital mucous membranes to alleviate symptoms like itchiness and hot flashes.”
The firm has also identified various Ayurvedic herbs that help women earlier in life with menstrual issues, such as aloe vera to regulate hormones, Jatamamsi to reduce mood swings, and Lodhra to modulate menstruation.
“We also know that many women suffer from monthly cramps and discomfort, hence have developed the Q-DEE Cramps mouth dissolving tablets that dissolve in three minutes and start acting to provide relief in 11 minutes,” Velumani said.
“This product contains cinnamon, which inhibits prostaglandin production to reduce pain; and licorice leaf which is antispasmodic and can help reduce uterine muscle spasms.”
Pregnancy pains
Himalaya also believes that botanicals have an important role to play in providing symptom relief for pregnant and lactating women, as this group is particularly vulnerable to a whole host of issues that could compound one another.
“Some of the most common problems faced by pregnant mothers are morning sickness, acid reflux, back pain, pigmentation and stretch marks, which can make them take a hit to both their comfort and self-esteem,” she said.
“Morning sickness is experienced to various degrees by 50% to 80% of all pregnant women, and there are limitations when it comes to using oral medications especially in the first trimester to ensure the baby’s safety.
“One of the most common strategies to overcome this currently is by using aromatherapy, and we have also developed the Q-DEE Nausea mouth dissolving tablets to ease their nausea.
“This product contains ginger that normalises gastric movements and helps to reduce that feeling of sickness; as well as lemon which can help from a taste and freshness perspective.
“Ginger is also known to help alleviate acid reflux and heartburn which is very common during pregnancy and experienced by 30% to 50% of all pregnant women.”