Effect of Black Cohosh on Early Symptoms of Menopause: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Menopausal symptoms become very annoying in some women due to its interference with their social and personal life. It entails a safe and effective interference. Therefore, we aimed to study the effects of Black Cohosh on early menopausal symptoms. Methodology: This randomized, double –blind, placebo –controlled clinical trial conducted on 84 eligible postmenopausal women referred to Tehran health care centers in 2011-2012. Subjects were randomly assigned to two experimental group a daily tablet of Black Cohosh (6.5 mg dry extract cohosh root), control groups (placebo tablet) once a day for 8 weeks. Green scale at baseline, 4, and 8 weeks after the intervention were used to record early menopause symptoms. Data analysis done using ANOVA with repeated measures and ANCOVA test by using the software SPSS (version 13), and values of p<0.05 was considered significant. Findings: Controlling the effect of Green scores and its subscales before the intervention, Green' score and its subscales (vasomotor, psychological, physical, and sexual symptoms) showed a significant difference between experimental and control groups in the 4th and 8th week. Through intergroup comparisons, here was a significant difference between the Green scores and mentioned Subscales in three periods. About sexual symptoms, there was a significant difference in the control group. Side effects were not reported in any of them. Conclusion: According to findings, Black Cohosh could be used as safe and effective alternative in relieving menopausal symptoms.