Abstract
Herbal products are often used as an alternative to pharmacological therapy. Menopausal symptoms and gynecological disorders (such as premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea) are the indications where pharmacological therapy may have serious adverse events, hence many women prefer to use herbal products to help with these symptoms. Here, we reviewed plants and derived products, which are commonly used for the abovementioned indications, focusing on clinical data, safely profile and whether or not their use is justified. We noted that limited data are available on the use of some plants for alleviating the symptoms of menopause and gynecological disorders. While black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemose) and red clover (Trifolium pretense) were consistently shown to help reduce menopausal symptoms in clinical studies, currently available data do not fully support the use of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), hops (Humulus lupulus), valerian (Valeriana officinalis), and soybean (Glycine max and Glycine soja) for this indication. For premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) shows effectiveness, but more clinical studies are needed to confirm such effect upon the use of evening primrose (Oenothera biennis).
Highlights
Women often seek help for various gynecological disorders
We reviewed plants and derived products, which are commonly used in the Western world as dietary supplements or over-the-counter drugs for the abovementioned indications, focusing on clinical data, safely profile and whether or not their use is justified
Inflorescences of small, white flowers in the form of long clusters appear at the end of branched stems from May to August
Summary
Women often seek help for various gynecological disorders. Most commonly, these are premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea, and menopausal symptoms. A black cohosh extract contains many triterpene glycosides [16], but there is no direct evidence that these are the main active ingredients in relieving menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes [13]. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study from 1993 [39] focused on the relief of symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, using Moos’ menstrual distress questionnaire.
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