Effects of an Extract from Cimicifuga racemosa in Menopausal Women.

Park, Jin Wan; Hur, Eui Jong; Lee, Won Ki

Randomized Controlled Trial

Korean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 2002;45(1):117-121.
Published online January 1, 2002.

Effects of an Extract from Cimicifuga racemosa in Menopausal Women.

Jin Wan Park, Eui Jong Hur, Won Ki Lee

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Dan Kook University, Cheonan, Korea.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study is to assess the effects of treatment with an extract from Cimicifuga racemosa for 1 year in postmenopausal women with symptoms. METHODS: In a randomised, open-label, group-comparative study, the change on the Kupperman menopausal index, serum FSH and E2 level, bone densitometry (BMD), and mammographic density by an extract from Cimicifuga racemosa (GYNO-Qx ) (N=40) were compared with an conjugated equine estrogen combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate (CEE/MPA) (N=36) during 12 months in menopausal women. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in the change of Kupperman index, serum FSH and E2 level, and mammographic density between two groups after 12 months, except the effect of BMD that the CEE/MPA group (+6.6%) was significantly increased as compared to the extract from Cimicifuga racemosa (+1.1%) baseline. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that an extract of Cimicifuga racemosa is a safe, effective alternative to estrogen replacement therapy for patients in whom hormone replacement therapy is either refused or contraindicated.

Key Words: Menopause, Cimicifuga racemosa, hormone replacement therapy