Estrogenic extracts of Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus mongholicus, Anemarrhenae asphodeloides and Achyranthes bidentata are provided. Also provided are methods of using said extracts to achieve an estrogenic effect, especially in a human, e.g. a female human. In some embodiments, the methods include treatment of climacteric symptoms. In some embodiments, the methods include treatment or prevention of osteoporosis.