- Email: [email protected]
The use of black cohosh to treat symptoms of menopause
COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
The Use of Black Cohosh to Treat Symptoms of Menopause The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. In general, the quality of the evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of most CAM therapies is poor. To provide better care and foster an improved doctor–patient relationship, physicians should become informed about CAM, be able to provide educated advice to their patients, and help them integrate any CAM therapies shown to be safe and effective into their health care. SRM will strive to educate and inform, emphasizing the scientific evidence— or lack of it— when evaluating the safety and efficacy of CAM therapies. The appearance of articles on CAM in SRM should not necessarily be seen as an endorsement of the practice or therapy. CAM therapies should be subjected to the same scientific scrutiny as traditional medicines, while recognizing that existing standards for judging treatments can be vulnerable.
• Adapted from Blumenthal M (Sr. ed.) The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs, Austin, Tx: American Botanical Council, 2003. [www.herbalgram.org]
—The Editors lack cohosh (Actaea racemosa, L., syn. Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt.), an indigenous herb in the United States and Canada, has been used in Europe for more than 40 years. Black cohosh root has been approved by the German Commission E as a nonprescription drug to treat premenstrual discomfort, dysmenorrhea, and neurovegetative menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, heart palpitations, nervousness, irritability, vertigo, sleep disturbances, perspiration, and depression. The herb is regulated in the United States as a dietary supplement. It has become increasingly popular in recent years; in 2000, it ranked 14th among all herbal preparations in U.S. sales.
B
The most readily available form of black cohosh—and the one most examined in clinical studies—is GlaxoSmithKline’s Remifemin®. One tablet contains black cohosh extract corresponding to 20 mg of crude drug standardized to 1% 27deoxyacetine.
Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause, Vol. 2, No. 1, March 2004 © 2004 American Society for Reproductive Medicine Published by Elsevier Inc.
27
28 Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause, Vol. 2, No. 1, March 2004
Table 1: Clinical Studies on Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa L., syn. Cimicifuga racemosa) *Author/Year
Subject
Design
Jacobson et al., Menopausal symptoms: R, DB, PC n⫽69 2001 Hot flashes in (randomized based on women with history current tamoxifen use) of breast cancer
Liske and Wu¨stenberg, 1998
Menopause complaints
R, DB n ⫽ 152 (women ages 43–60 with climateric complaints)
*For complete references please visit: www.srmjournal.org.
Duration
Dosage
Preparation
Results/Conclusion
2 months One, 20 mg tablet, 2 ⫻ daily with meals
Remifemin®
6 months 40 mg/day (crude drug) vs. 127 mg/ day (crude drug)
Remifemin®
Although both treatment and placebo groups self-reported declines in number and intensity of hot flashes, black cohosh was not found to be statistically more harmful or beneficial than placebo in treating menopausal symptoms. Sweating was the only symptom that did show significantly greater improvement over placebo in the black cohosh group (p ⫽ 0.04). Subset analysis showing effects on patients taking tamoxifen was not reported. Decrease in the Kupperman-Menopause Index (KPI) (values -31 at the beginning) was observable after 2 weeks of Remifemin® therapy. Similar results in safety and efficacy were observed for both dosages. After 6 months, a positive response (KPI ⬍ 15) was seen in ⫺90% of patients. No detectable changes were seen in hormone levels of LH, FSH, SHBG, prolactin, or estradiol. Remifemin® did not influence vaginal cytological parameters (degree of proliferation). The authors concluded that Remifemin may act as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (“Phyto-SERM”) (no statistics presented).
Du¨ ker et al., 1991
FSH and LH levels during menopause
LehmannMenopause complaints Willenbrock and Riedel, 1988 Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause, Vol. 2, No. 1, March 2004
Petho¨ , 1987
Menopause complaints
PC n ⫽ 110 female patients with menopausalcomplaints who have received no hormonal therapy for at least 6 months (mean age ⫽ 52) R, Cm n ⫽ 60 randomized into 4 treatment groups (Estriol, conjugated estrogen, estrogen gestation, black cohosh) O n ⫽ 50 (female patients converting from hormonen injections to black cohosh over 6 months)
2 months 8mg/day extract vs. placebo
Remifemin® tablet vs. placebo
6 months 1 mg tablet/day Ovestin® or 1.25 mg tablet/day Presomen® or 1 tablet/day Trisequens® r 48– 140 mg/day Remifemin® 6 months 48–140 mg/day
Ovestin®, Estriol alone; Remifemin® extract was shown to produce a Presomen®, decline in modified KPI and improvement of conjugated estrogens; complaints associated with postoperative Trisequencs®, ovarian function deficiencies. No significant differences were noted among treatment combined estrogengroups. No differences in LH or FSH levels gestagen theapy; were observed. Remifemin® tablet Remifemin® tablet
Remifemin® showed an estrogen-like mode of action with selective LH suppression in menopausal women. No significant change in FSH was observed. Mean LH levels significantly reduced compared to placebo (p ⬍ 0.05).
Hormone replacement therapy (Gynodian, injection) may be switched to black cohosh extract with equivalent success. Of the patients, 82% reported black cohosh preparation good or very good; 56% of patients did not require additional hormone injections. No side effects were noted. Significant improvement in mean menopausal index after 2 months (p ⬍ 0.001). Continued
29
30 Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause, Vol. 2, No. 1, March 2004
Table 1: Clinical Studies on Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa L., syn. Cimicifuga racemosa) (continued) Author/Year
Subject
Design
Duration
Dosage
Preparation
Stoll, 1987
Menopause complaints
R, DB, PC, Cm n ⫽ 80 female patients (ages 46 to 56)
12 weeks
48–140 mg/day or Remifemin® tablet of 0.625 mg CE/day ⫹ conjugated estrogens 3 placebo tablets/ (CE) or placebo day on days 1–21, then 2 placebo tablets 2x/day on days 22–28 or 2 placebo tablets 2x/day
Results/Conclusion Patients treated with Remifemin® showed significant increase in proliferation status of vaginal epithelium compared to those patients treated with estrogens or placebo (p ⬍ 0.001) and significant improvements in somatic and psychological parameters (p ⬍ 0.001) (measured by KPI and HAMA scales). The number of hot flashes dropped from average of 4.9 daily to ⬍ 1 in black cohosh group; estrogen group, dropped from 5.2 to 3.2 average daily; and placebo dropped from 5.1 to 3.1 average daily occurrences. Improvements in vaginal lining were so significant, author suggests that black cohosh extract is suited as a remedy of first choice to treat menopausal symptoms, particularly if HRT is contraindicated or not desired by patient. Significant improvement of proliferation of vaginal epithelium with Remifemin®, compared to other groups (p ⬍ 0.001).
Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause, Vol. 2, No. 1, March 2004
Warnecke, 1985 Menopause complaints
O, C, Cm n ⫽ 60 female patients with menopausal complaints (average age 54 years)
12 weeks
48–140 mg/day or 0.6 mg/day or 2 mg/day
Remifemin® drops or Conjugated estrogens or diazepam
Vorberg, 1984
O n ⫽ 50 menopausal women (39 patients showed contraindications to HRT, and 11 refused hormone treatment)
12 weeks
48–140 mg/day
Remifemin® drops
Menopause complaints
Patients showed similar cytological responses (measured by proliferation and maturation of vaginal epithelial cells) to Remifemin® and estrogens. Patients receiving diazepam had no observable cytological changes. Comparable improvements in neurovegetative and psychological symptoms (measured by SelfAssessment Depression scale, Hamilton Anxiety scale (HAMA), and Clinical Global Impressions scale) were seen in all 3 treatment groups. - retrospective crosssectional, RS - retrospective, S - surveillance, SB, - single-blind, SC - single-center, U uncontrolled, UP - unpublished, VC - vehiclecontrolled. Improvements in psychological symptoms, KPI (p ⬍ 0.001). Profile of Mood States (POMS) (p ⬍ 0.001), and Clinical Global Assessment scale (CGI) (p ⬍ 0.001) were all significant to highly significant in treatment group. No serious side effects were observed. Only mild gastrointestinal disturbances, which did not require discontinuation of treatment, were observed. Continued
31
32 Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause, Vol. 2, No. 1, March 2004
Table 1: Clinical Studies on Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa L., syn. Cimicifuga racemosa) (continued) Author/Year
Subject
Design
Duration
Dosage
Preparation
Results/Conclusion
Daiber, 1983
Menopause complaints
O n ⫽ 36 menopausal women; hormone replacement therapy was refused or contraindicated for these subjects (ages 45–62 years)
12 weeks
48–140 mg/day
Remifemin® drops
Stolze, 1982
Menopause complaints
O, MC n ⫽ 704 female patients, 629 evaluated (mean age 51 years)
6 to 8 weeks
48–140 mg/day
Remifemin® drops
Highly significant decreases in KPI were observed, as was improvement in psychological symptoms including decreases in weariness and despondency, and increases in motivation and positive mood. A positive response in the CGI scale was also observed. No side effects or incompatibility reactions were observed during the 12 weeks of administration. Reduction of hot flashes (p ⬍ 0.001), nervousness (p ⬍ 0.001), depressive psychosis (p ⬍ 0.01). Significant improvements in neurovegetative complaints and psychological disturbances were experienced by 3 of 4 patients after 4 weeks of Remifemin® therapy. After 6 to 8 weeks, 40–50% of patients experienced complete relief from symptoms and another 30–40% of patients reported marked improvement in symptoms. The Remifemin® was well-tolerated, with no discontinuation of therapy. Only 7% of patients reported mild, transitory nonspecific complaints. In 72% of cases, physicians observed advantages of Remifemin® over previous hormonal treatment. In 54.3% of the cases, physicians stated advantages of Remifemin® compared to previous treatment with psychoactive drugs. No statistics provided.
KEY: C - controlled, CC - case-control, CH - cohort, CI - confidence interval, Cm - comparison, CO - crossover, CS - cross-sectional, DB - double-blind, E - epidemiological, LC - longitudinal cohort, MA - meta-analysis, MC - multi-center, n - number of patients, O - open, OB - observational, OL - open label, OR - odds ratio, P - prospective, PB - patient-blind, PC - placebo-controlled, PG - parallel group, PS - pilot study, R - randomized, RC - reference-controlled, RCS - retrospective cross-sectional, RS - retrospective, S - surveillance, SB, - single-blind, SC - single-center, U - uncontrolled, UP - unpublished, VC - vehicle-controlled.
Dosage The average recommended dose of the crude drug is 40 – 80 mg (or the oral dose equivalent) of black cohosh per day. The daily dose of dried rhizome and root is 40 mg to 200 mg; a decoction of 240 mL boiling water poured onto 40 mg to 200 mg of black cohosh (crude drug), simmered for 10 to 15 minutes; or 5 to 30 drops of a 1:1 (g/mL) fluid extract, 90% alcohol. Clinical studies performed before 1996 used doses of 48 –140 mg of black cohosh extract per day. A more recent clinical study compared two different dosages of Remifemin— 40 mg vs. 127 mg daily—for 6 months and found similar safety and efficacy profiles for both dosages (1). The current recommendation of 40 mg per day was based on the results of this trial (2). However, the dosage used in most clinical trials to date is 80 mg daily of black cohosh extract (see Table 1). Nine of the 10 studies cited in Table 1 found that black cohosh did relieve menopausal symptoms. Commission E has recommended that black cohosh be taken for only a 6-month period However, the Commission has stated that Fig. 1: Black cohosh. the reason for this limitation on black cohosh is the desire to ensure that women continue to have regular physical examinations at 6-month intervals, rather than concerns about the long-term safety of black cohosh. Although no studies have been done to date on the safety of long-term use of black cohosh, findings of short-term studies using high doses of the herb indicate that it may be considered safe for long-term use (2, 3).
Black cohosh root has been approved by the German Commission E as a nonprescription drug to treat premenstrual discomfort, dysmenorrhea, and neurovegetative menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, heart palpitations, nervousness, irritability, vertigo, sleep disturbances, perspiration, and depression. How Does Black Cohosh Work? The mechanism by which black cohosh acts is yet undetermined. Some early studies have found it to have estrogenic activity, whereas others have refuted this hypothesis. In one study, Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause, Vol. 2, No. 1, March 2004
33
three alcoholic fractions produced endocrine effects that inhibit the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH), but not that of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The authors of this study concluded that black cohosh was exhibiting an estrogen-like effect (4). However, a goodclinical-practices compliance study in postmenopausal women found no estrogen-like suppression of either LH or FSH. In addition, prolactin levels were not affected, no estrogenic changes in vaginal cytological parameters were observed, there was no increase in endometrial thickness, no changes in vaginal cell status, and no changes in the hormone values of LH, FSH, prolactin, and estradiol following treatment with black cohosh (1, 5). Another study found LH suppression with the use of black cohosh, but did not detect estrogen-like uterine effects or changes in vaginal cytology. The authors, therefore, concluded that in this case, LH suppression was associated with neurotransmitter interference rather than estrogenic activity (6).
Contraindications and Adverse Effects At present there are no known contraindications to the use of black cohosh (3, 7). Whether or not is can be assumed safe in women with breast cancer remains in question. When black cohosh was assumed to have estrogen-like effects, it was contraindicated for women with estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer; however, subsequent studies found that black cohosh is not estrogenic and this contraindication was not warranted. But a recent study in mice found that although the herb did not increase breast cancer, it did increase the incidence of metastasis in the mice with breast cancer that ingested black cohosh in their diets. Therefore, women with a history of breast cancer should seek the advice of their physician prior to taking black cohosh. Because of the herb’s possible estrogenic effect, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy. The only known adverse effect of black cohosh is occasional gastrointestinal discomfort. Vertigo, headache, nausea, vomiting, impaired vision, and impaired circulation have been reported with overdose. There are no known drug interactions with black cohosh; minimal side effects were noted when black cohosh was taken at the same time as estrogen replacement therapy.
References 1.
2.
3.
4.
34
Liske E, Wu¨ stenberg P. Therapy of climacteric complaints with Cimicifuga racemosa, a herbal medicine with clinically proven evidence. Menopause 1998;5:250. Liske E. Therapeutic efficacy and safety of Cimicifuga racemosa for gynecological disorders. Advances in Ther 1998;15:45-53. Pizzorno JE, Murray MT (eds): Textbook of Natural Medicine. Vol. 1. 2nd ed. New York, Churchill Livingston, 1999, 657-61. Du¨ ker E, Kopanski L, Jarry H, Wurrke W. Effects of extracts from Cimicifuga racemosa on gonadotropin release in menopausal women and ovariectomized rats. Planta Med 1991;57:420-4.
5.
6.
7.
Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause, Vol. 2, No. 1, March 2004
Liske E, Wu¨ stenberg P, Boblitz N. Human pharmacological investigations during treatment of climacteric complaints with Cimicifuga racemosa (Remifemin ®): No estrogen-like effects. ESCOP. The European Phytojournal 1998. Einer-Jensen N, Zhao J, Andersen K, Kristofferson K. Cimicifuga and Melbrosia lack oestrogenic effects in mice and rats. Maturitas 1996;25:149-53. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS, eds; Klein S, Rister RS, trans. The Complete German Commission E Monographs—Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communication, 1998.
The Use of Black Cohosh to Treat Symptoms of Menopause The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. In general, the quality of the evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of most CAM therapies is poor. To provide better care and foster an improved doctor–patient relationship, physicians should become informed about CAM, be able to provide educated advice to their patients, and help them integrate any CAM therapies shown to be safe and effective into their health care. SRM will strive to educate and inform, emphasizing the scientific evidence— or lack of it— when evaluating the safety and efficacy of CAM therapies. The appearance of articles on CAM in SRM should not necessarily be seen as an endorsement of the practice or therapy. CAM therapies should be subjected to the same scientific scrutiny as traditional medicines, while recognizing that existing standards for judging treatments can be vulnerable.
• Adapted from Blumenthal M (Sr. ed.) The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs, Austin, Tx: American Botanical Council, 2003. [www.herbalgram.org]
—The Editors lack cohosh (Actaea racemosa, L., syn. Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt.), an indigenous herb in the United States and Canada, has been used in Europe for more than 40 years. Black cohosh root has been approved by the German Commission E as a nonprescription drug to treat premenstrual discomfort, dysmenorrhea, and neurovegetative menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, heart palpitations, nervousness, irritability, vertigo, sleep disturbances, perspiration, and depression. The herb is regulated in the United States as a dietary supplement. It has become increasingly popular in recent years; in 2000, it ranked 14th among all herbal preparations in U.S. sales.
B
The most readily available form of black cohosh—and the one most examined in clinical studies—is GlaxoSmithKline’s Remifemin®. One tablet contains black cohosh extract corresponding to 20 mg of crude drug standardized to 1% 27deoxyacetine.
Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause, Vol. 2, No. 1, March 2004 © 2004 American Society for Reproductive Medicine Published by Elsevier Inc.
27
28 Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause, Vol. 2, No. 1, March 2004
Table 1: Clinical Studies on Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa L., syn. Cimicifuga racemosa) *Author/Year
Subject
Design
Jacobson et al., Menopausal symptoms: R, DB, PC n⫽69 2001 Hot flashes in (randomized based on women with history current tamoxifen use) of breast cancer
Liske and Wu¨stenberg, 1998
Menopause complaints
R, DB n ⫽ 152 (women ages 43–60 with climateric complaints)
*For complete references please visit: www.srmjournal.org.
Duration
Dosage
Preparation
Results/Conclusion
2 months One, 20 mg tablet, 2 ⫻ daily with meals
Remifemin®
6 months 40 mg/day (crude drug) vs. 127 mg/ day (crude drug)
Remifemin®
Although both treatment and placebo groups self-reported declines in number and intensity of hot flashes, black cohosh was not found to be statistically more harmful or beneficial than placebo in treating menopausal symptoms. Sweating was the only symptom that did show significantly greater improvement over placebo in the black cohosh group (p ⫽ 0.04). Subset analysis showing effects on patients taking tamoxifen was not reported. Decrease in the Kupperman-Menopause Index (KPI) (values -31 at the beginning) was observable after 2 weeks of Remifemin® therapy. Similar results in safety and efficacy were observed for both dosages. After 6 months, a positive response (KPI ⬍ 15) was seen in ⫺90% of patients. No detectable changes were seen in hormone levels of LH, FSH, SHBG, prolactin, or estradiol. Remifemin® did not influence vaginal cytological parameters (degree of proliferation). The authors concluded that Remifemin may act as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (“Phyto-SERM”) (no statistics presented).
Du¨ ker et al., 1991
FSH and LH levels during menopause
LehmannMenopause complaints Willenbrock and Riedel, 1988 Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause, Vol. 2, No. 1, March 2004
Petho¨ , 1987
Menopause complaints
PC n ⫽ 110 female patients with menopausalcomplaints who have received no hormonal therapy for at least 6 months (mean age ⫽ 52) R, Cm n ⫽ 60 randomized into 4 treatment groups (Estriol, conjugated estrogen, estrogen gestation, black cohosh) O n ⫽ 50 (female patients converting from hormonen injections to black cohosh over 6 months)
2 months 8mg/day extract vs. placebo
Remifemin® tablet vs. placebo
6 months 1 mg tablet/day Ovestin® or 1.25 mg tablet/day Presomen® or 1 tablet/day Trisequens® r 48– 140 mg/day Remifemin® 6 months 48–140 mg/day
Ovestin®, Estriol alone; Remifemin® extract was shown to produce a Presomen®, decline in modified KPI and improvement of conjugated estrogens; complaints associated with postoperative Trisequencs®, ovarian function deficiencies. No significant differences were noted among treatment combined estrogengroups. No differences in LH or FSH levels gestagen theapy; were observed. Remifemin® tablet Remifemin® tablet
Remifemin® showed an estrogen-like mode of action with selective LH suppression in menopausal women. No significant change in FSH was observed. Mean LH levels significantly reduced compared to placebo (p ⬍ 0.05).
Hormone replacement therapy (Gynodian, injection) may be switched to black cohosh extract with equivalent success. Of the patients, 82% reported black cohosh preparation good or very good; 56% of patients did not require additional hormone injections. No side effects were noted. Significant improvement in mean menopausal index after 2 months (p ⬍ 0.001). Continued
29
30 Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause, Vol. 2, No. 1, March 2004
Table 1: Clinical Studies on Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa L., syn. Cimicifuga racemosa) (continued) Author/Year
Subject
Design
Duration
Dosage
Preparation
Stoll, 1987
Menopause complaints
R, DB, PC, Cm n ⫽ 80 female patients (ages 46 to 56)
12 weeks
48–140 mg/day or Remifemin® tablet of 0.625 mg CE/day ⫹ conjugated estrogens 3 placebo tablets/ (CE) or placebo day on days 1–21, then 2 placebo tablets 2x/day on days 22–28 or 2 placebo tablets 2x/day
Results/Conclusion Patients treated with Remifemin® showed significant increase in proliferation status of vaginal epithelium compared to those patients treated with estrogens or placebo (p ⬍ 0.001) and significant improvements in somatic and psychological parameters (p ⬍ 0.001) (measured by KPI and HAMA scales). The number of hot flashes dropped from average of 4.9 daily to ⬍ 1 in black cohosh group; estrogen group, dropped from 5.2 to 3.2 average daily; and placebo dropped from 5.1 to 3.1 average daily occurrences. Improvements in vaginal lining were so significant, author suggests that black cohosh extract is suited as a remedy of first choice to treat menopausal symptoms, particularly if HRT is contraindicated or not desired by patient. Significant improvement of proliferation of vaginal epithelium with Remifemin®, compared to other groups (p ⬍ 0.001).
Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause, Vol. 2, No. 1, March 2004
Warnecke, 1985 Menopause complaints
O, C, Cm n ⫽ 60 female patients with menopausal complaints (average age 54 years)
12 weeks
48–140 mg/day or 0.6 mg/day or 2 mg/day
Remifemin® drops or Conjugated estrogens or diazepam
Vorberg, 1984
O n ⫽ 50 menopausal women (39 patients showed contraindications to HRT, and 11 refused hormone treatment)
12 weeks
48–140 mg/day
Remifemin® drops
Menopause complaints
Patients showed similar cytological responses (measured by proliferation and maturation of vaginal epithelial cells) to Remifemin® and estrogens. Patients receiving diazepam had no observable cytological changes. Comparable improvements in neurovegetative and psychological symptoms (measured by SelfAssessment Depression scale, Hamilton Anxiety scale (HAMA), and Clinical Global Impressions scale) were seen in all 3 treatment groups. - retrospective crosssectional, RS - retrospective, S - surveillance, SB, - single-blind, SC - single-center, U uncontrolled, UP - unpublished, VC - vehiclecontrolled. Improvements in psychological symptoms, KPI (p ⬍ 0.001). Profile of Mood States (POMS) (p ⬍ 0.001), and Clinical Global Assessment scale (CGI) (p ⬍ 0.001) were all significant to highly significant in treatment group. No serious side effects were observed. Only mild gastrointestinal disturbances, which did not require discontinuation of treatment, were observed. Continued
31
32 Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause, Vol. 2, No. 1, March 2004
Table 1: Clinical Studies on Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa L., syn. Cimicifuga racemosa) (continued) Author/Year
Subject
Design
Duration
Dosage
Preparation
Results/Conclusion
Daiber, 1983
Menopause complaints
O n ⫽ 36 menopausal women; hormone replacement therapy was refused or contraindicated for these subjects (ages 45–62 years)
12 weeks
48–140 mg/day
Remifemin® drops
Stolze, 1982
Menopause complaints
O, MC n ⫽ 704 female patients, 629 evaluated (mean age 51 years)
6 to 8 weeks
48–140 mg/day
Remifemin® drops
Highly significant decreases in KPI were observed, as was improvement in psychological symptoms including decreases in weariness and despondency, and increases in motivation and positive mood. A positive response in the CGI scale was also observed. No side effects or incompatibility reactions were observed during the 12 weeks of administration. Reduction of hot flashes (p ⬍ 0.001), nervousness (p ⬍ 0.001), depressive psychosis (p ⬍ 0.01). Significant improvements in neurovegetative complaints and psychological disturbances were experienced by 3 of 4 patients after 4 weeks of Remifemin® therapy. After 6 to 8 weeks, 40–50% of patients experienced complete relief from symptoms and another 30–40% of patients reported marked improvement in symptoms. The Remifemin® was well-tolerated, with no discontinuation of therapy. Only 7% of patients reported mild, transitory nonspecific complaints. In 72% of cases, physicians observed advantages of Remifemin® over previous hormonal treatment. In 54.3% of the cases, physicians stated advantages of Remifemin® compared to previous treatment with psychoactive drugs. No statistics provided.
KEY: C - controlled, CC - case-control, CH - cohort, CI - confidence interval, Cm - comparison, CO - crossover, CS - cross-sectional, DB - double-blind, E - epidemiological, LC - longitudinal cohort, MA - meta-analysis, MC - multi-center, n - number of patients, O - open, OB - observational, OL - open label, OR - odds ratio, P - prospective, PB - patient-blind, PC - placebo-controlled, PG - parallel group, PS - pilot study, R - randomized, RC - reference-controlled, RCS - retrospective cross-sectional, RS - retrospective, S - surveillance, SB, - single-blind, SC - single-center, U - uncontrolled, UP - unpublished, VC - vehicle-controlled.
Dosage The average recommended dose of the crude drug is 40 – 80 mg (or the oral dose equivalent) of black cohosh per day. The daily dose of dried rhizome and root is 40 mg to 200 mg; a decoction of 240 mL boiling water poured onto 40 mg to 200 mg of black cohosh (crude drug), simmered for 10 to 15 minutes; or 5 to 30 drops of a 1:1 (g/mL) fluid extract, 90% alcohol. Clinical studies performed before 1996 used doses of 48 –140 mg of black cohosh extract per day. A more recent clinical study compared two different dosages of Remifemin— 40 mg vs. 127 mg daily—for 6 months and found similar safety and efficacy profiles for both dosages (1). The current recommendation of 40 mg per day was based on the results of this trial (2). However, the dosage used in most clinical trials to date is 80 mg daily of black cohosh extract (see Table 1). Nine of the 10 studies cited in Table 1 found that black cohosh did relieve menopausal symptoms. Commission E has recommended that black cohosh be taken for only a 6-month period However, the Commission has stated that Fig. 1: Black cohosh. the reason for this limitation on black cohosh is the desire to ensure that women continue to have regular physical examinations at 6-month intervals, rather than concerns about the long-term safety of black cohosh. Although no studies have been done to date on the safety of long-term use of black cohosh, findings of short-term studies using high doses of the herb indicate that it may be considered safe for long-term use (2, 3).
Black cohosh root has been approved by the German Commission E as a nonprescription drug to treat premenstrual discomfort, dysmenorrhea, and neurovegetative menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, heart palpitations, nervousness, irritability, vertigo, sleep disturbances, perspiration, and depression. How Does Black Cohosh Work? The mechanism by which black cohosh acts is yet undetermined. Some early studies have found it to have estrogenic activity, whereas others have refuted this hypothesis. In one study, Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause, Vol. 2, No. 1, March 2004
33
three alcoholic fractions produced endocrine effects that inhibit the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH), but not that of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The authors of this study concluded that black cohosh was exhibiting an estrogen-like effect (4). However, a goodclinical-practices compliance study in postmenopausal women found no estrogen-like suppression of either LH or FSH. In addition, prolactin levels were not affected, no estrogenic changes in vaginal cytological parameters were observed, there was no increase in endometrial thickness, no changes in vaginal cell status, and no changes in the hormone values of LH, FSH, prolactin, and estradiol following treatment with black cohosh (1, 5). Another study found LH suppression with the use of black cohosh, but did not detect estrogen-like uterine effects or changes in vaginal cytology. The authors, therefore, concluded that in this case, LH suppression was associated with neurotransmitter interference rather than estrogenic activity (6).
Contraindications and Adverse Effects At present there are no known contraindications to the use of black cohosh (3, 7). Whether or not is can be assumed safe in women with breast cancer remains in question. When black cohosh was assumed to have estrogen-like effects, it was contraindicated for women with estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer; however, subsequent studies found that black cohosh is not estrogenic and this contraindication was not warranted. But a recent study in mice found that although the herb did not increase breast cancer, it did increase the incidence of metastasis in the mice with breast cancer that ingested black cohosh in their diets. Therefore, women with a history of breast cancer should seek the advice of their physician prior to taking black cohosh. Because of the herb’s possible estrogenic effect, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy. The only known adverse effect of black cohosh is occasional gastrointestinal discomfort. Vertigo, headache, nausea, vomiting, impaired vision, and impaired circulation have been reported with overdose. There are no known drug interactions with black cohosh; minimal side effects were noted when black cohosh was taken at the same time as estrogen replacement therapy.
References 1.
2.
3.
4.
34
Liske E, Wu¨ stenberg P. Therapy of climacteric complaints with Cimicifuga racemosa, a herbal medicine with clinically proven evidence. Menopause 1998;5:250. Liske E. Therapeutic efficacy and safety of Cimicifuga racemosa for gynecological disorders. Advances in Ther 1998;15:45-53. Pizzorno JE, Murray MT (eds): Textbook of Natural Medicine. Vol. 1. 2nd ed. New York, Churchill Livingston, 1999, 657-61. Du¨ ker E, Kopanski L, Jarry H, Wurrke W. Effects of extracts from Cimicifuga racemosa on gonadotropin release in menopausal women and ovariectomized rats. Planta Med 1991;57:420-4.
5.
6.
7.
Sexuality, Reproduction & Menopause, Vol. 2, No. 1, March 2004
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