A review of effective herbal medicines in controlling menopausal symptoms

Abstract

Background

Acute menopausal syndrome especially hot flashes, is one of the most common gynecological problems during menopause. Due to the side effects of hormone therapy, herbal and complementary medicines are always of immense interest to people in the treatment and management of the symptoms and complications of menopause.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms and effects of medicinal plants employed in the treatment of menopausal symptoms.

Methods

This review article was carried out by examining clinical trial studies between the period of 1994 and 2016. The keywords, which include menopause, climacteric, hot flushes, flashes, herb and phytoestrogens were used to search for herbal medicines used in clinical trials for the treatment of menopausal symptoms using databases such as PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Google scholar, SID and Magiran.

Results

The results of the study showed that the medicinal plants, which include Sage herb (Salvia officinalis), Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), Valerina officinalis, Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Black cumin (Nigella sativa), Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis), Ginkgo biloba, Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Hypericum perforatum, Panax ginseng, Pimpinella anisum, Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Passiflora incarnata, Red clover (Trifolium pratense), and Glycine soja were effective in the treatment of acute menopausal syndrome with different mechanisms.

Conclusion

Medicinal plants can play an imperative role in the treatment of acute menopausal syndrome; however, further studies are required to buttress their efficacy in the treatment of acute menopausal syndrome.

1. Introduction

Biological mechanisms associated with menopause originate from changes that occur in the structure and function of the ovaries. The number of follicles in women before menopause is ten times higher than that in women after menopause. There are almost no follicles in the ovaries of postmenopausal women. This indicates that the number of stored follicles is a determinant factor in menopausal transition period (1). The onset of menopause is associated with a dramatic change in hormonal balance, a decrease in estrogen and increase in FSH and LH hormones, which ultimately reduces the level of progesterone and causes permanent amenorrhea (2). The average age of menopause is 50 years but in people of African origin, it occurs earlier. Nutrition and smoking also affect menopausal age (3). Acute menopausal syndrome includes vasomotor phenomena (hot flashes and night sweats) and psychosomatic symptoms, which are experienced differently in people with different psychological, social, and cultural characteristics (4). Hot flashes are the most common symptom, which are experienced by women during menopause (5). Hot flashes are periodic flushing and sudden sweating disorder with chills, palpitations, anxiety, feeling of pressure in the head and chest, nausea, choking and lack of concentration which usually lasts from between a few seconds to a minute, and rarely lasts up to an hour (5, 6). Hot flashes may vary from person to person and is determined by the following factors: alcohol intake, caffeinated products, eating of spicy foods, high ambient temperature, wearing of tight clothing, smoking or exposure to cigarette smoke (5). Urogenital tract atrophy induced by estrogen deficiency can also lead to symptoms such as itching, and dyspareunia, urethritis, dysuria, incontinence and frequency of urination (7). Hormone therapy is one of the most efficacious treatments for reducing vasomotor symptoms and treatment of other complications associated with menopause. However, it has been shown that hormone therapy can induce increased risk of breast cancer and coronary heart disease as well as pulmonary embolism (5, 8). Various studies have shown significant propensity of women for complementary therapies and medicinal plants. Several medicinal plants have been studied owing to their effects on vasomotor and psychosomatic symptoms in different studies indicating that phytoestrogens plants are particularly important and effective (6). So far, more than 300 plants with phytoestrogens components have been identified (9). Phytoestrogens are plant components, which are similar to estrogens in structure and function. Phytoestrogens include flavones, lignans, and coumestan (10, 11). Several studies have demonstrated that regular consumption of phytoestrogens in the diet of Asian women has led to a reduction in menopausal symptoms (12), breast cancer (13), endometrial cancer (14) and an increase in bone mass (15) compared to other regions. Phytoestrogens induce biological responses in plants, and mimic the functions of endogenous estrogens by binding to estrogen receptors (10, 11). The aim of this study is to investigate medicinal plants that have been identified to reduce the symptoms of acute menopausal syndrome.

2. Material and Methods

2.1. Research design and search strategy

A review study was conducted on Iranian and international articles published between 1994 and 2016 with emphasis on plants used in the treatment and management of the acute symptoms of menopause and their mechanisms of action. The keywords, which include menopause, climacteric, hot flushes, flashes, herb and phytoestrogens were used to search for herbal medicines used in clinical trials for the treatment of menopausal symptoms using databases such as PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Google scholar, SID and Magiran.

2.2. Inclusion and exclusion criteria

In this study, abstracts of articles that appeared to be related to the subject of investigation or which the herbal mechanism of action was clearly defined (in clinical or animal studies), were selected. The clinical trials which were selected, follow the CONSORT standard with direct relevance to medicinal plants, the physical and psychological symptoms of menopause. Cell culture studies were excluded from our study.

2.3. Quality assessment

Articles following the CONSORT standards were chosen. The risk of bias was assessed by the two reviewers independently.

3. Results and discussion

After menopause, the hormonal balance in the body varied when compared with the previous ages. Estradiol and progesterone production reduced leading to a gradual increase in gonadotropins, especially FSH. Adrenal androgens were the major sources of estrogen in the research participants which was secreted in the form of estrone (a weak estrogen) in fatty tissues. Estrogen is a drug of choice that is used in the treatment of hot flashes. Progesterone could be efficacious in women for whom estrogen is contraindicated. Based on the side effects of hormone therapy, medicinal plants have attracted much interest in recent decades. The presence of phytoestrogens and phyto progesterones in medicinal plants and sometimes, the anti-androgen effects of medicinal plants that decrease the conversion of testosterone to dehydrotestosterone and increase the conversion of testosterone and androstenedione to estrogen in peripheral tissues could reduce menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes (6). In addition, some herbal drugs that affect the nervous system by activating specific neurotransmitters have been effective in improving sleep and memory symptoms in menopausal women. Medicinal plants with different mechanisms of action are effective in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. The results of the review of literature is shown in Table 1 (16–36). Notable among these medicinal plants include the followings (3.1–3.16).

Table 1.

Notable medicinal plants used in controlling menopause syndrome

References	Type of study	Mechanisms	Effects	Common name/Scientific name
16, 38	Clinical Trial	Bind to GABA complex/benzodiazepine Receptors in the brain, anti-perspiration feature, phytoestrogens	Treatment of flashes, sweats reduction, positive effects on the nervous system including improved memory	Sage herb/Saliva Officinalis
17, 39	Clinical Trial, Animal Study	Lemon balm aroma affects the nervous system	Treatment of sleep disorders, nervousness, gastrointestinal problems in menopause	Lemon balm/Melissa Officinalis
18,19,40	Clinical Trial, Clinical Trial, Cell Study	Increase of GABA in the synaptic cleft	Treatment of hot flashes in menopause	Valerian/Valerian Officinalis
21		No permanent effect on estrogen receptors	Treatment of menopause symptoms such as night sweat, hot flash, insomnia, irritability, palpitations and headache	Cimicifugaracemose/Black Cohosh
22,23	Clinical Trial-A systematic review	Inhibit the excess activity of testosterone	Treatment of vasomotor symptoms in menopause	Fenugreek/Trigonella Foenum
24	Clinical Trial	Visceral body fat reduction	Treatment of metabolic syndrome in menopause	The Black Seeds/Nigella sativa
25, 42	Clinical Trial, Randomized Trial	Stimulate the expression of genes related to progesterone receptors as well as its ability to eliminate defects in the synthesis of progesterone in luteal phase	Treatment of hot flashes	Hayfork/Vitex Agnuscastus
26, 42	Clinical Trial, Clinical Trial	Retard excessive production of testosterone	Treatment of menopausal symptoms and vaginal atrophy	Fennel/FoeniculumVulgare
27	Clinical Trial	Antioxidant activities, contains prostaglandin E1	Treatment of vasomotor symptoms	Oenotherabiennis/Evening Prim Rose
28	Clinical Trial	Antioxidant and vasodilator activities	Treatment of attention disorders, memory impairment in postmenopausal women	Ginkgo/Ginkgo Biloba
29	Clinical Trial	Estrogenic effects	Treatment of hot flashes	Alfalfa/Medicago Sativa
30	a randomized pilot trial,	Benzodiazepine receptor activation	Treatment of hot flashes	Hypericum (Hvfaryqvn)/Hypericume Perforatum
31	a randomized pilot trial	Estrogenic effects	Treatment of sleep disorders, fatigue, menopausal symptoms	Ginseng/Panax Ginseng
32	Clinical Trial	Estrogenic effects	Treatment of hot flashes	Anise/Pinpinella Aanisune
33	Clinical Trial	Estrogenic effects	Treatment of hot flashes	Glycyrrhiza Glabra/Licoric
34, 44	Clinical Trial, Animal Study	Activation of GABAA receptor	Treatment of menopausal symptoms and hot flashes and neurological disorders	Passion fruit/Passiflora Incarnata
35	Clinical Trial	Inhibit angiogenesis and provide protection agonist oxidative damage, anti-oxidant, estrogenic effect	Ability to reduce menopausal symptoms and support the maintenance of bone density and protect the cardiovascular and immune system	Red clover/Trifolium Pretense
36	Clinical Trial	Estrogenic effects	Ability to reduce menopausal symptoms, support the maintenance of bone density, protects the immune system	Soya/Glycine soja

3.1. Salvia officinalis

This herb has a mechanism of action of binding to complex GABA/benzodiazepines receptors in the brain and participates in the treatment of hot flashes and sweats due to its estrogenic effects. In addition, due to its positive impact on the nervous system, it is effective in improving memory and sedation. Its effects in the treatment of excessive sweating have been approved by the Commission E. There are no reports on dangerous side effects induced by therapeutic doses of this plant. The excessive use of this plant causes a feeling of warmth, dizziness, tachycardia and epilepsy-like seizures. It increases the probability of cross-reactivity with diabetes and blood pressure drugs (37, 38).

3.2. Melissa officinalis

One of its derivatives is caffeic acid. This herb is used to treat nerve stimulation and sleep problems especially in menopause. There is no report on dangerous side effects induced by the intake of therapeutic doses of this herb (37, 39).

3.3. Valerian officinalis

Increase in GABA in the synaptic cleft due to inhibition of its reuptake, an increase in the secretion of neurotransmitter, and a considerable amount of glutamine in the plant extract are probably responsible for the sedative effects of the plant roots. In addition, this herb is used in the treatment of hot flashes in menopause. Harmful and dangerous side effects induced by the intake of therapeutic doses of this herb have not been reported (37, 40).

3.4. Black Cohosh

The herb has been used to treat hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms for many years without permanent effects on estrogen receptors (20, 21). Terpene glycosides are the active compounds found in the plant roots. The compounds in the rhizome of the plant bind to the estrogen receptor and selectively suppress the secretion of LH without any effect on FSH. No report on dangerous side effects induced by intake of therapeutic doses of this plant have been reported. Some side effects that result from the consumption of this herb include inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines, nausea and vomiting (37).

3.5. Trigonella foenum

This herb contains compounds of mucilage, proteins and steroidal saponins etc. Its lipid lowering effects due to the presence of saponin compounds in the plant, have been proven. Several studies have shown the effects of this plant in the treatment of menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes and metabolic syndrome. Harmful and dangerous side effects induced by the intake of therapeutic doses of this plant have not been reported. However, it has been demonstrated that repeated external use of this plant might cause inflammation (22, 23, 37).

3.6. Nigella sativa

It has been shown that this herb is efficacious in the treatment of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women; thus, regulating blood sugar and lipids (24).

3.7. Vitex agnus-castus

The mechanism of action of the plant is most likely on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Although some studies have shown the effect of the plant in increasing the secretion of LH and the amount of progesterone, however, some other studies have reported that this plant has no effect on the LH and FSH (42). On the other hand, its effects on prolactin depends on the amount of the plant used (43). Sometimes, the taking of this herb may lead to nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion and anxiety (37).

3.8. Foeniculum vulgare

This herb has anti-androgenic, anti-inflammatory effects because of the presence of palmitic acid and beta-sitosterol in the herb (37). Its therapeutic effects have been investigated in hot flashes and vaginal atrophy in post-menopausal women (26). There has been no report on the harmful side effects associated with intake of therapeutic doses of this plant (37).

3.9. Evening Primrose

Oenothera biennis oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which increases prostaglandin E2 that has anti-inflammatory effects (37). Its efficacy in reducing hot flashes associated with menopause has been confirmed by various studies (27). Oenothera biennis oil may cause mild gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating or lowering of seizure threshold in patients with seizure disorders or those taking antiepileptic drugs (37).

3.10. Ginkgo biloba

This plant has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Its application in the treatment of attention disorders, memory impairment in postmenopausal women has been reiterated by several studies (28). Its side effects include mild gastrointestinal disorders, allergic reactions, headache, muscle spasms, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, dizziness, increased bleeding after surgery, lowering of seizure threshold (37).

3.11. Medicago sativa (Alfalfa)

Its effect on hot flashes has been investigated and verified by different studies (29). However, the incidence of hypokalemia and digestive disorders induced by infection with Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria are possible following the consumption of products derived from alfalfa seeds (37).

3.12. Hypericum perforatum

Clinical trials showed the effect of the plant extract in the treatment of mild to moderate depression and anxiety and its efficacy on libido, vaginal dryness, urinary tract problems and mental complications caused by menopause (30). The side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, sensitivity to light, restlessness and fatigue (37).

3.13. Panax Ginseng

This plant exhibited anti-inflammatory properties. As a nutritious agent, it can be used orally in the treatment of fatigue, weakness and for improving concentration (37). This plant has been shown to be effective in the treatment of depression and mood disorders in post-menopausal women (31). The side effects include low blood sugar, insomnia, headaches, nervousness, gastrointestinal problems, and acne (37).

3.14. Pimpinella anisum

It contains caffeic acid derivatives. The effectiveness of this plant on hot flashes symptoms in menopause has been reported (32). There has been no report on harmful and dangerous side effects that are related to the intake of therapeutic doses of this plant (37).

3.15. Glycyrrhiza glabra

It contains terpenes, saponins, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, and steroids (33). It has been shown that this plant is effective in mitigating hot flashes symptoms in menopause (37). However, prolonged use of this herb leads to increase in blood pressure, heart problems, pseudo-hyperaldosteronism, hypercortisolism, hypertension, hypokalemia and hypernatremia (37).

3.16. Passiflora incarnata

It contains flavonoids and has phytoprogestrogenic (16, 37), anti-anxiety and anti-insomnia effects (37). Its efficacy on neurological symptoms and hot flashes associated with menopause has been reported in some studies (34). So far, no dangerous complications that are related to the consumption of therapeutic doses of this plant have been detected (37).

3.17. Trifolium pratense

It contains flavonoids and has phytoestrogenic effects (37). It has been demonstrated that oral intake of supplements containing isoflavones of this plant is efficacious in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes (35). However, the concomitant use of this plant with hormonal drugs should be avoided due to cross-reactivity. Some studies suggested that the plant has no effect on hot flashes associated with menopause while others suggested the notable effect of this plant in reducing the frequency and intensity of hot flashes. So far, no dangerous complications that are related to the consumption of therapeutic doses of this plant have been detected (37).

3.18. Glycine soja

Soy contains large amounts of protein and isoflavines like daidzein and genistein. The findings of clinical trials suggest that soy extract reduces the frequency of hot flashes in post-menopausal women (37). However, other studies reported that there was no significant difference between the soy and placebo groups. The possible side effects include stomach pain and digestive problems such as diarrhea, prolonged menstrual cycle and contact dermatitis (37).

4. Conclusions

The medicinal herbs examined in this study had effects on the physical and psychological symptoms of menopause at different levels and mechanisms of action. Nevertheless, further studies and clinical trials are required in order to use these medicinal herbs as an original or alternative treatment for acute menopausal syndrome in the near future. The main limitation of this systematic review was the possibility of the presence of publication bias. The quality of the clinical trials was not evaluated by using the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias Tool, rather the articles were reviewed by one reviewer and cross-checked by another researcher.