Herbs Discounted in Menopause Study
Tuesday January 20, 2009
In a study published in the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB), herbal remedies, such as black cohosh, red clover, Dong quai, evening primrose oil, and ginseng, were discounted in their effectiveness for treating the symptoms of menopause, which is most often characterized by night sweats and hot flashes. About previous studies conducted on herbs, the Bulletin has this to say, "published studies [on the effectiveness of herbs] are often poorly designed, include too few participants, or don't last long enough to be of real value." Ultimately, the publication concludes, "But little good quality evidence on the effectiveness of herbal medicines, or how they might react with prescription medicines is available." Obviously, there have been several other studies that showcase the power and effectiveness of herbs for a diverse array of diseases and ailments. I highlight them weekly. How herbs affect menopause specifically is what this study is purporting to address. To discount the entire usefulness of herbs, though, exhibits a certain type of bias. Information is power, and with hope, there will be more studies to come that will render a more definitive view of the effect of herbs on menopause. I will keep you updated as the studies are released.
Comments
This was a report done by the DTB. Although their conclusion was “little good quality evidence on the effectiveness of herbal medicines [in menopause]” they did cite some evidence in the original report that was positive. Half of the studies they looked at about Black cohosh had positive results 5/10. The same result was seen for Dong quai with one of the two studies they looked at having a positive result. There were positive results for Chaste tree and Sage leaf. In these two cases it was only one study cited for each. I do not disagree with the DTB in that it is hard to review studies when dosages and methods are different for studies regarding one herb. The study also says “Several traditional herbal systems e.g. (Traditional Chinese Medicine) use mixtures, rather than single herbs, and there is little published research into use of such combinations as treatment for menopausal symptoms.” I think it would be more fair for them to say there is some evidence that herbal medicines help menopausal symptoms.