A Pilot Study to Examine a Combination Botanical for the Treatment of Menopausal Symptoms

Abstract

This pilot study demonstrates the potential benefit of a combination botanical for improving moderate menopausal symptoms in women. The efficacy and role of combination botanicals for long-term use to reduce menopausal symptoms requires further exploration.

Preventive effects of phytoestrogens against postmenopausal osteoporosis as compared to the available therapeutic choices: An overview

“…[60] Because of the reported carcinogenic potentials of hormones and the adverse effects of synthetic drugs, majority of the postmenopausal women were reluctant to be exposed to exogenous hormones and toxic drugs and are shifting to natural products (importantly, phytoestrogens) for relief. [4561] The advantages and disadvantages of HRT and synthetic drugs are presented in Table 3.…”

Vitex agnus-castus(Chaste-Tree/Berry) in the Treatment of Menopause-Related Complaints

“…As a result, it is often unclear from the literature which menopausal phases, and which specific complaints 1,[6][7][8][9] are being referred to. For example, some studies reviewed here [12][13][14]21 have adopted the recommended definition of natural menopause as having occurred after 12 consecutive months of amenorrhea for which there is no other obvious pathological or physiologic cause. 22 However, some others have taken 6 months of amenorrhea as denoting entry to the postmenopause, 11 or neglected to define it at all.…”

“…A pilot study of a combination botanical containing 15 herbs in 8 women suggested a potential benefit of a combination botanical for improving moderate menopausal symptoms in women. 14 In addition, the administration of a multicomponent preparation means that it is not possible to draw conclusions about the individual contribution of V. agnus-castus. The lack of a placebo group is a major limitation, as placebo effects with vasomotor symptoms in menopause studies are substantial, with 51% being the average for studies of HT according to a meta-analysis published in 2004, 116 and generally in the range of 30%-41% in RCTs of medicinal herbs.…”

“…1,7,10 The fruit is a common ingredient of phytotherapeutic formulations for menopause-related complaints in several Western countries (Table 1). [11][12][13][14] While evidence for Vitex as a sole agent in this context is lacking from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), emerging pharmacological evidence, relating to its dopaminergic activity, [15][16][17] affinity for opioid receptors, 18,19 and enhancement of melatonin secretion, 20 supports a role for V. agnus-castus in the alleviation of menopausal symptoms. This paper reviews the clinical and pharmacological evidence supporting this practice, and possible rationale for such an application.…”

Chinese Medicinal Herbs in Relieving Perimenopausal Depression: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

“…19,20 With more and more patients actively seeking alternative approaches, alternative and complementary therapies, including Chinese medicinal herbs, have manifested significant curative effects in alleviating perimenopausal depression and other perimenopausal symptoms. [21][22][23][24][25] However, little research has been exclusively conducted on the effect of Chinese medicinal herbs in relieving perimenopausal depression. This study was designed to assess the efficacy of GengNianLe (GNL, also called perimenopausal depression relieving formula), a defined formula of Chinese medicinal herbs, in relieving perimenopausal depression in Chinese women.…”