Black cohosh, rhodiola reduce menopause symptoms: Study
The menopausal transition lasts about seven years and comes with a number of uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, varying hormone levels, weight gain and mood changes. Bones also become less dense, making women more vulnerable to fractures.
Despite half of the population experiencing menopause at some point in their life, only 20% of OB-GYNs receive training on menopause during residency, according to AARP.
New research may offer hope for those seeking non-hormonal menopausal support. Results from a recent study found that the combination of Black Cohosh EP40 and Rhodiola EPR-7, the two proprietary extracts contained in the finished product Menopause Relief PLUS manufactured by Europharma, offers relief of menopausal symptoms.
Rhodiola is an adaptogenic plant known for balancing stress responses as well as supporting brain, liver, and heart health. Black cohosh is an herb that Native Americans began using centuries ago for menopause support and to ease childbirth.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was recently published in the journal Pharmaceuticals.
The study
Researchers recruited 220 women (median age 52) suffering from menopausal symptoms. The women were split them into four groups:
Group A: Menopause Relief PLUS proprietary combination of Black Cohosh EP40 (standard dose) and Rhodiola EPR-7; Group B: standard dose of black cohosh, 13 mg per day; Group C: high dose of black cohosh, 1000 mg per day; Group D: placebo.
Each group received treatment for 12 weeks.
The researchers measured results by using the Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI), which measures symptoms like hot flashes, joint pain, and sexual complaints, the Menopause Relief Scale (MRS), which tracks psychological, urogenital, and general physical symptoms, and the Utian Quality of Life (UQOL) index, which measures emotional, social, and sexual symptoms.
Findings
The authors reported that Group A, who received the Menopause Relief Plus, experienced th most relief across all measures. They reported a 71% reduction in KMI symptoms, a 67% reduction in MRS symptoms, and a 25% improvement in quality of life (UQOL).
"Some women experience a great deal of disruption during menopause, well beyond hot flashes and night sweats. They can have real issues with sleeplessness, mood, fatigue, even changes in libido. The combination formula of these clinically proven botanicals can make a powerful difference in women's health and well-being," said Terry Lemerond, president and founder of EuroPharma, Inc., the manufacturer of the Terry Naturally brand of dietary supplements.
Menopause Relief PLUS is available at quality health food stores and integrative pharmacies nationwide. Europharma funded the research.
Market
With the stigma around menopause fading, more brands are now focused on women's health. The global women’s health market size is expected to reach $56.8 billion by 2027, according to a report by Grand View Research.
Source: Pharmaceuticals
2020 May; 13(5): 102.. doi: 10.3390/ph13050102
“Actaea racemosa L. Is More Effective in Combination with Rhodiola rosea L. for Relief of Menopausal Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study”
Authors: Lali Pkhaladze et al.
