Positive Health Online

Abstract

HUNTLEY and ERNST, Department of Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, University of Exeter & Plymouth, England, alyson.huntley@pms.ac.uk, have conducted a systematic review (36 references) of herbal medicine products for the treatment of menopausal symptoms.

Background

Many women use herbal preparations for relief of menopausal symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of these by reviewing the existing randomized clinical trials.

Methodology

Literature searches of major databases were performed. Manufacturers of herbal products were also contacted. Trials were included if the outcome measures related to physical or psychological symptoms of menopause, excluding only trials where menopause was artificially induced.

Results

18 randomized clinical trials were identified. They investigated black cohosh (4 trials), red clover (4 trials), kava (3 trials), dong quai (1 trial), evening primrose oil (1 trial), ginseng (1 trial), and combination products (4 trials). Trial quality was generally good.

Conclusion

There is no incontrovertible evidence as yet for any herbal medical product in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. The evidence for black cohosh is promising albeit limited by the poor trial quality. Red clover may be of benefit for more severe symptoms. Kava is ruled out at present because of safety concerns.

References

Huntley AL, Ernst E. A systematic review of herbal medicinal products for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Menopause 10 (5): 465-476, Sep 2003.