Schisandra for Menopause: Does It Help Hot Flashes?
Quick Summary: A study found that Schisandra chinensis extract may help reduce menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Women taking the extract reported fewer symptoms compared to those taking a placebo.
What The Research Found
This research looked at whether a Schisandra chinensis extract could ease menopause symptoms. Women taking the extract for six weeks reported a significant reduction in their overall symptoms, especially hot flashes, sweating, and heart palpitations, compared to women who took a placebo (a sugar pill).
Study Details
- Who was studied: Women aged 40-70 experiencing menopause symptoms.
- How long: The study lasted for 12 weeks, with the treatment given for the first 6 weeks.
- What they took: Participants took either a Schisandra chinensis extract (BMO-30) or a placebo daily.
What This Means For You
If you're experiencing menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or heart palpitations, Schisandra chinensis might offer some relief. This study suggests it could be a helpful natural option. However, it's important to remember:
- Talk to your doctor: Before trying any new supplement, especially if you're on other medications.
- It's not a cure-all: This study showed some improvement, but it may not eliminate all symptoms.
- Consider it a complementary approach: Schisandra could be used alongside other treatments your doctor recommends.
Study Limitations
It's important to know that this study has some limitations:
- Small study size: Only a small number of women participated, so the results may not apply to everyone.
- Short duration: The study only looked at the effects for a short time.
- More research needed: We need more studies to confirm these findings and understand the long-term effects and best dosage.
Technical Analysis Details
Key Findings
The study demonstrated that a Schisandra chinensis extract (BMO-30) significantly reduced menopausal symptoms compared to placebo, as measured by the Kupperman Index (KI). The BMO-30 group showed improvements in hot flushes, sweating, and heart palpitations, with a p-value of 0.042 for total KI score reduction. No severe adverse effects were reported, suggesting safety in short-term use.
Study Design
This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted from January 2014 to January 2015. Participants were women aged 40–70 with menopausal symptoms confirmed via KI scores. A total of 41 patients were enrolled, and 36 completed the study (18 in each group). The intervention lasted 6 weeks, with follow-up assessments at 12 weeks. Primary outcomes focused on KI score changes; secondary outcomes included Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) scores for sexual and bladder symptoms.
Dosage & Administration
The study used a standardized Schisandra chinensis extract (BMO-30), though specific dosage details were not provided in the summary. Participants received the extract or placebo daily for 6 weeks, with efficacy evaluated at 12 weeks post-baseline.
Results & Efficacy
- Primary Outcome: Total KI scores decreased significantly in the BMO-30 group compared to placebo over 12 weeks (p = 0.042).
- Secondary Outcomes: MRS scores for sexual and bladder problems improved in the BMO-30 group, though statistical significance for these specific metrics was not explicitly reported.
- Safety: No severe adverse events were observed, indicating short-term tolerability.
Limitations
- Small Sample Size: Only 36 completers (18 per group) limit statistical power and generalizability.
- Short Duration: A 12-week follow-up period is insufficient to assess long-term efficacy or safety.
- Incomplete Demographics: Baseline characteristics (e.g., BMI, ethnicity, menopause stage) were not detailed.
- Self-Reported Measures: Reliance on subjective symptom scales (KI, MRS) introduces potential bias.
- Unspecified Dosage: Lack of dose information hinders reproducibility and clinical application.
Future research should explore dose-response relationships, longer-term effects, and biomarker validation.
Clinical Relevance
This trial suggests Schisandra chinensis extract (BMO-30) may offer mild relief for vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes, sweating) and heart palpitations in menopausal women. However, the small sample size and short duration mean results should be interpreted cautiously. Users seeking non-hormonal alternatives might consider it as a complementary option, but consultation with a healthcare provider is advised to weigh potential benefits against limited evidence. The study underscores the need for larger, mechanistic trials to confirm these preliminary findings.
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Original Study Reference
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Schisandra chinensis for menopausal symptoms.
Source: PubMed
Published: 2016
📄 Read Full Study (PMID: 27763802)
