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Hedaoo K, Badge AK, Tiwade YR, Bankar NJ, Mishra VH. Exploring the Efficacy and Safety of Black Cohosh ( Cimicifuga racemosa) in Menopausal Symptom Management. J Midlife Health 2024; 15:5-11. [PMID: 38764923 PMCID: PMC11100637 DOI: 10.4103/jmh.jmh_242_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a perennial plant used to treat menopause. This plant is known to have a serotonergic rather than estrogenic impact. It has been recommended to treat vasomotor symptoms associated with breast cancer patients. It also relieves symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes, commonly called vasorelaxation. The variability in the study's results, doses, and assessment methods requires more rigorous research to establish its efficacy and safety. Standardized trials are needed to provide more precise information on the benefits and limitations of menopause treatment, informing women seeking alternatives to hormone therapy. Black cohosh has shown the potential to reduce the frequency and intensity of vasomotor symptoms in breast cancer patients undergoing tamoxifen treatment. In addition to its effectiveness in alleviating night sweats and hot flashes, the vasorelaxation properties contribute to its overall positive impact on menopausal symptoms. Due to discrepancies, varying dosages, and assessment techniques, further comprehensive studies are essential to determine the optimal dosage, long-term safety, and overall efficacy. Only through standardized trials can women make informed decisions about black cohosh as a viable alternative to hormone therapy during menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritiksha Hedaoo
- Department of Clinical Research, School of Allied Health Sciences, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Sawangi, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ankit K. Badge
- Department of Microbiology, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Sawangi, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
| | - Yugeshwari R. Tiwade
- Department of Pathology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Sawangi, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nandkishor J. Bankar
- Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Sawangi, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vaishnavi H. Mishra
- Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Sawangi, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
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Effects of nutritional interventions on the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms of women in the menopausal transition and menopause: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Menopause 2023; 30:95-107. [PMID: 36576445 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Depression and anxiety may significantly affect women during the menopausal transition. In addition to traditional treatment strategies such as hormone therapy, antidepressants, and psychotherapy, nutritional interventions have been increasingly studied, but there is no consensus about their role in this patient population. OBJECTIVE This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of nutritional interventions on the severity of depressive (DS) and anxiety (AS) symptoms in women during the menopausal transition or menopausal years. EVIDENCE REVIEW Electronic search using databases PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase to identify articles indexed until January 31, 2021, focusing on randomized placebo-controlled trials documenting the effect of diet, food supplements, and nutraceuticals on DS and AS. FINDINGS Thirty-two studies were included (DS, n = 15; AS, n = 1; DS and AS combined, n = 16). We found two studies that demonstrated data combined with other interventions: one with lifestyle interventions (vitamin D plus lifestyle-based weight-loss program) and another with exercise (omega 3 plus exercise). The pooled effect size favored the intervention group over placebo for both DS and AS (DS: standardized mean difference, -0.35 [95% confidence interval, -0.68 to -0.03; P = 0.0351]; AS: standardized mean difference, -0.74 [95% CI, -1.37 to -0.11; P = 0.0229]). There was significant heterogeneity in the pooled results, which can be attributed to differences in assessment tools for depression and anxiety as well as the variety of nutritional interventions studied. The subgroup analysis showed a statistically significant effect of menopausal status (perimenopausal or menopausal) but not the type or duration of nutritional intervention. Older age was the only significant predictor of the effect size of nutritional interventions in the meta-regression. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Nutritional interventions are promising tools for the management of mood/anxiety symptoms in women during the menopausal transition and in postmenopausal years. Because of significant heterogeneity and risk of bias among studies, the actual effect of different approaches is still unclear.
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Comparison of Cinnamon and Vitex on Improving Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women: A Triple-blind Randomized Clinical Trial. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod 2022. [DOI: 10.5812/jjnpp-128406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Sexual dysfunction is one of the most common problems following menopause. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cinnamon and vitex on improving sexual function in postmenopausal women. Methods: This study was a randomized triple-blind clinical trial with a control group. Randomized sampling was used to allocate postmenopausal women into three cinnamon, vitex, and placebo groups of 35. A sexual function index was utilized before and two and three months after the intervention to assess sexual functioning. SPSS version 21 software was used for analysis. Results: The mean age was 54.45 ± 3.73 years. The overall sexual function score in the two cinnamon and vitex groups showed a statistically significant difference before and after treatment compared to the placebo group (P < 0.00). In the vitex group, sexual desire (P = 0.00) and arousal (P = 0.02) increased significantly compared to pre-intervention, and this significant increase was observed in the cinnamon group in lubricity (P = 0.00) and sexual satisfaction (P = 0.03). Conclusions: Cinnamon and vitex are effective medicinal herbs to alleviate sexual function.
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Dehghan M, Isari Z, Abbaszadeh MH, Ghonchehpour A. Menopause symptoms in women and its relation with using complementary and alternative medicines: A survey in southeast Iran. Front Public Health 2022; 10:947061. [PMID: 36072370 PMCID: PMC9443961 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.947061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Postmenopausal women are interested in using complementary and alternative medicine because of their menopausal symptoms and the side effects of chemical medications and hormone therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the use of complementary medicine (CAM) and menopausal symptoms among postmenopausal women. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 288 postmenopausal women who were referred to health centers in Kerman, southeastern Iran, from 2020 to 2021. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the CAM questionnaire, and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Results The mean score for the menopausal symptoms of the participants was 8.73 ± 6.11. Only 28.8% of the participants had no/little symptoms. About 65.3% of the participants used at least one type of CAM in the previous year. The most commonly used types of CAM were nutritional supplements, prayer, and medicinal herbs. A significant association was found between the use of medicinal herbs, dry cupping, relaxation and meditation, prayer, and menopausal symptoms. Women experiencing menopausal symptoms used more CAM methods than those without menopausal symptoms (Odds ratio = 2.25, 95% confidence interval = 1.33-3.80). Conclusion The study results indicated that the severity of menopausal symptoms and scores in somatic-vegetative and urogenital domains were higher in CAM users compared to non-CAM users. But there was no significant difference in the psychological domain between CAM and non-CAM users. Based on the results, it is suggested that more research be done in different communities with different healthcare systems to find out how complementary and alternative medicine affects menopausal symptoms in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahlagha Dehghan
- Department of Critical Care Nursing, Razi Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Isari
- Nursing Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Asma Ghonchehpour
- Nursing Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Kamal N, Mio Asni NS, Rozlan INA, Mohd Azmi MAH, Mazlan NW, Mediani A, Baharum SN, Latip J, Assaw S, Edrada-Ebel RA. Traditional Medicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, Biological Properties, and Health Applications of Vitex sp. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:plants11151944. [PMID: 35893648 PMCID: PMC9370779 DOI: 10.3390/plants11151944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The genus Vitex is also known as a chaste tree, in which it is a large shrub native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. A diverse range of species is distributed throughout Southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and Central Asia. The Vitex tree, including its leaves and fruits, has been used for herbal remedies in the form of pastes, decoctions, and dried fruits since ancient times. This article aimed to prepare a comprehensive review of traditional uses and secondary metabolites derived from Vitex sp., including the chemical compounds, biological activities, application of Vitex in human clinical trials, toxicology and safety, marketed products, and patents. The scientific findings were obtained using a number of search engines and databases, including Google Scholar, PMC, and ScienceDirect. Vitex species are well known in pharmacology to have medicinal values, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Previous studies reported that some species are proven to be effective in treating diseases, such as diabetes, and improving female health. A total of 161 compounds from different Vitex species are reported, covering the literature from 1982 to 2022. A chemical analysis report of various studies identified that Vitex exhibited a wide range of phytoconstituents, such as iridoid, diterpenoid, ecdysteroid, and flavonoid and phenolic compounds. Apart from that, the review will also discuss the application of Vitex in human clinical trials, toxicology and safety, marketed products, and patents of the genus. While the extracts of the genus have been made into many commercial products, including supplements and essential oils, most of them are made to be used by women to improve menstrual conditions and relieve premenstrual syndrome. Among the species, Vitex agnus-castus L. is the only one that has been reported to undergo clinical trials, mainly related to the use of the genus for the treatment of mastalgia, menstrual bleeding problems, amenorrhea, menorrhagia, luteal insufficiency, and premenstrual syndrome. Overall, the review addresses recent therapeutic breakthroughs and identifies research gaps that should be explored for prospective research work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurkhalida Kamal
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (N.S.M.A.); (I.N.A.R.); (A.M.); (S.N.B.)
| | - Nurul Syahidah Mio Asni
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (N.S.M.A.); (I.N.A.R.); (A.M.); (S.N.B.)
| | - Ivana Nur Allisya Rozlan
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (N.S.M.A.); (I.N.A.R.); (A.M.); (S.N.B.)
| | - Muhammad Aniq Hamzah Mohd Azmi
- Analytical and Environmental Chemistry Unit, Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus 21030, Malaysia;
| | - Noor Wini Mazlan
- Analytical and Environmental Chemistry Unit, Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus 21030, Malaysia;
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus 21030, Malaysia;
| | - Ahmed Mediani
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (N.S.M.A.); (I.N.A.R.); (A.M.); (S.N.B.)
| | - Syarul Nataqain Baharum
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (N.S.M.A.); (I.N.A.R.); (A.M.); (S.N.B.)
| | - Jalifah Latip
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43600, Malaysia;
| | - Suvik Assaw
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus 21030, Malaysia;
- Marine Biology Unit, Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus 21030, Malaysia
| | - Ru Angelie Edrada-Ebel
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde (SIPBS), The John Arbuthnott Building, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK;
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Najib FS, Poordast T, Mahmudi MS, Shiravani Z, Namazi N, Omrani GR. Does Vitex Agnus-Castus L. Have Deleterious Effect on Fertility and Pregnancy Outcome? An Experimental Study on Rats for Prediction of Its Safety. J Pharmacopuncture 2022; 25:106-113. [PMID: 35837144 PMCID: PMC9240410 DOI: 10.3831/kpi.2022.25.2.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Herbal medicine is a worldwide health topic. Vitex agnus–castus L. (VAC) is a popular plant used for gynecologic problems due to its hormonal effects. The aim of this study is to reveal VAC extract effect on fetus when this herb is used started from antenatal period or during pregnancy. Methods Performed from starting day of January 2019 till February 2019, 48 rats were assigned in randomly divided eight-member six groups control (C1), treated group with 365 mg/kg VAC from initiation of insemination (T1) and 30 days prior to pregnancy (T2), control that underwent caesarean section on 15th day of gestational age (C2) and treated group with 365 mg/kg VAC from initiation of insemination (T3) and 30 days prior to pregnancy (T4) that underwent caesarean section. Weight, sex and number of fetuses, abortion and still birth rate and estradiol level were evaluated using t-test by SPSS software. Results We showed increased weight among T1 group considering totally and sex-dependent which is significant (all p-value < 0.05). We also detected significantly decreased weight in T2 in total (p-value < 0.0001) and when considering female fetuses (0.043) but not males (0.17). Although the results showed slightly non-significant increased weight among fetuses of T3 (totally or based on the fetus sex) compared to the control group (C2), T4 group had statistically decreased weight compared to control group. Pregnancy rate and pregnancy outcome were affected by VAC usage. The time of VAC initiation also affected live birth and abortion rates. Conclusion VAC extract may affect pregnancy rate, live birth rate, abortion and stillbirth rates. Its effect on the weight and the sex showed dual pattern depends on the time of initiation and pregnancy trimester of evaluation. Prescribing this medicinal plant for patients being prone to pregnancy should be with caution. Further study is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fateme Sadat Najib
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Tahereh Poordast
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Monireh Sufi Mahmudi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Shiravani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Niloofar Namazi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Sibeko L, Johns T. Global survey of medicinal plants during lactation and postpartum recovery: Evolutionary perspectives and contemporary health implications. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 270:113812. [PMID: 33450288 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.113812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cross-cultural comparison of plants used during lactation and the postpartum period offers insight into a largely overlooked area of ethnopharmacological research. Potential roles of phytochemicals in emerging models of interaction among immunity, inflammation, microbiome and nervous system effects on perinatal development have relevance for the life-long health of individuals and of populations in both traditional and contemporary contexts. AIM OF THE STUDY Delineate and interpret patterns of traditional and contemporary global use of medicinal plants ingested by mothers during the postpartum period relative to phytochemical activity on immune development and gastrointestinal microbiome of breastfed infants, and on maternal health. MATERIALS AND METHODS Published reviews and surveys on galactagogues and postpartum recovery practices plus ethnobotanical studies from around the world were used to identify and rank plants, and ascertain regional use patterns. Scientific literature for 20 most-cited plants based on frequency of publication was assessed for antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antidepressant, analgesic, galactagogic and safety properties. RESULTS From compilation of 4418 use reports related to 1948 species, 105 plant taxa were recorded ≥7 times, with the most frequently cited species, Foeniculum vulgare, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Pimpinella anisum, Euphorbia hirta and Asparagus racemosus, 81, 64, 42, 40 and 38 times, respectively. Species and use vary globally, illustrated by the pattern of aromatic plants of culinary importance versus latex-producing plants utilized in North Africa/Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa with opposing predominance. For 18/20 of the plants a risk/benefit perspective supports assessment that positive immunomodulation and related potential exceed any safety concerns. Published evidence does not support a lactation-enhancing effect for nearly all the most-cited plants while antidepressant data for the majority of plants are predominately limited to animal studies. CONCLUSIONS Within a biocultural context traditional postpartum plant use serves adaptive functions for the mother-infant dyad and contributes phytochemicals absent in most contemporary diets and patterns of ingestion, with potential impacts on allergic, inflammatory and other conditions. Polyphenolics and other phytochemicals are widely immunologically active, present in breast milk and predominately non-toxic. Systematic analysis of phytochemicals in human milk, infant lumen and plasma, and immunomodulatory studies that differentiate maternal ingestion during lactation from pregnancy, are needed. Potential herb-drug interaction and other adverse effects should remain central to obstetric advising, but unless a plant is specifically shown as harmful, considering potential contributions to health of individuals and populations, blanket advisories against postpartum herbal use during lactation appear empirically unwarranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindiwe Sibeko
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
| | - Timothy Johns
- School of Human Nutrition, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada.
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The Effect of Jazar Supplement on Quality of Life and Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:8854182. [PMID: 33708258 PMCID: PMC7932778 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8854182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Menopause is one of the most critical stages of a woman's life and is accompanied by symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, sexual dysfunction, mucus atrophy, and vaginal dryness. Women tend to use complementary and alternative medicine such as herbs rather than hormone replacement therapy to alleviate these symptoms. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of Jazar supplement (herbal supplement comprising Vitex, fennel, and carrot seeds) on sexual function, quality of life, and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. Methods This study was a randomized clinical trial conducted on ninety postmenopausal women. Participants were randomized to intervention/control groups using block randomization. The intervention group received four Jazar capsules (500 mg each) daily, while the control group received a placebo for eight weeks. Data were gathered using a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) before the intervention and at weeks 4, 8, and 10. Vaginal pH and vaginal maturation index (VMI) were measured before and at the end of the study. Results Eighty-four women completed the trial, and six women withdrew. There were no remarkable differences between the two groups in terms of quality of life, sexual function, VMI, and vaginal pH at baseline. At the end of the study, participants in the intervention group had a significantly lower score in terms of quality of life (P < 0.001) and vaginal pH (P=0.001), and a higher FSFI (P < 0.001) and VMI (P=0.030) score compared to the control group. Conclusion Based on the findings of the present study on menopausal women, the Jazar supplement significantly improved quality of life and sexual function and prevented or delayed vaginal atrophy.
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Ebrahimi A, Tayebi N, Fatemeh A, Akbarzadeh M. Investigation of the role of herbal medicine, acupressure, and acupuncture in the menopausal symptoms: An evidence-based systematic review study. J Family Med Prim Care 2020; 9:2638-2649. [PMID: 32984100 PMCID: PMC7491766 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1094_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Menopause is an important physiological phenomenon in women's lives. Women's concern about taking the hormone treatment to ease menopausal symptoms is increasing. Over the past decade, the use of complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of menopausal problems instead of hormone therapy has increased. Objective This study aimed to investigate the role of herbal medicine, acupressure, and acupuncture in the menopausal symptoms. Methods Data source: related articles were searched from internal scientific databases and external databases of "Web of Scopus, Cochrane, PubMed, Science Direct, Ovid, and Google scholar." Study Eligibility Criteria The keywords such as menopause, menopausal symptoms, complementary menopausal medicine, acupuncture in menopause, herbal medicine in menopause, and acupuncture in menopause were searched in the studies from 1987 to 2019. Exclusion criteria were inadequate information in the study, lack of access to full-text articles, animal studies, and reports. At the end of the search, 145 articles out of a total of 400 articles were reviewed. Results In various studies, different herbs such as licorice, valerian, soy, sage, ginseng, etc., were used to improve menopausal symptoms. In addition, acupuncture and acupressure were used to reduce menopausal symptoms. Conclusion The efficacy and use of complementary and alternative medicine, along with other classical medicine care, can be a new model for improving menopausal symptoms in women. It is recommended that further clinical and review studies be conducted to develop complementary and alternative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abed Ebrahimi
- Department of Operating Room, Faculty of Para Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Naeimeh Tayebi
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran
| | - Ahmadinezhad Fatemeh
- Department of Midwifery, Firoozabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Firoozabad, Iran
| | - Marzieh Akbarzadeh
- Department of Midwifery, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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