En Español (Spanish Version)
by Bratman S
Natural and Alternative Treatment Study Report: Rhubarb for Menopausal Symptoms
The stalk of the intensely flavored rhubarb plant has been used in European cooking since the 17th century, and much earlier the stalk and root were used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine.
Although there are many species of rhubarb, the one most studied is
Rheum rhaponticum
. The root of
Rheum rhaponticum
contains lindleyin, a substance with estrogen-like properties. On this basis, extracts of rhubarb have been tried for control of menopausal symptoms.
In a 12-week, double-blind study of 109 menopausal women, use of a standardized
Rheum rhaponticum
extract significantly improved symptoms as compared to placebo. Improvements were measured through the use of a rating scale. Benefits included reduced hot flashes and anxiety. No significant side effects were seen.
This study was conducted in the Ukraine, and used a German standardized product. While it presents meaningful evidence, additional independent trials will be necessary to establish this rhubarb extract as a safe and effective treatment for menopause.
References
Kaszkin-Bettag M, Ventskovskiy BM, Kravchenko A, et al. The special extract ERr 731 of the roots of
Rheum rhaponticum
decreases anxiety and improves health state and general well-being in perimenopausal women.
Menopause
. 2007 Jan 8 [Epub ahead of print].