Recent Research: Dong Quai Health Benefits

According to NIH website, Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is a plant that has been used for a variety of conditions, with little evidence. It may be unsafe when too much is consumed. Dong quai is a member of the same plant family as parsley, celery, and carrots. It's popular in Chinese medicine for female health concerns. The root might affect estrogen and other hormones. People commonly use dong quai for menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, migraine, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Common side effects include burping, gas, and high blood pressure. (1)

RECENT RESEARCH

Xiaodong Zhi and colleagues consider that fibrosis-related diseases (FRD) include conditions like myocardial fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, hepatic fibrosis, renal fibrosis, and others. While, Angelica sinensis may have anti-fibrosis properties in recent investigations. They conducted a thorough literature review, and they concluded that Dong Quai's constituents demonstrated significant anti-fibrosis activity. (2)

Astragalus and Dong Quai have been known to help with heart scarring (myocardial fibrosis). A study discovered a new way these herbs might be working together. When these herbs are boiled together (decoction), tiny clusters of molecules (called supramolecules) form. Pan Liang and collleagues believe that the way these molecules interact (like a puzzle) is important for their effectiveness. Tests showed that these supramolecules were successful in improving heart function and reducing scarring in lab studies and animals.This suggests that these supramolecules might be the key to how the traditional Astragalus-Angelica decoction works. (3) In a seperate study, Xiaolong Song and colleagues conducted a study aimed at the effect of Dong Quai polysaccharide (ASP) extracted from the Lixinshui prescription on cardiac disease induced by hypertension in rats. They concluded that ASP could prevent hypertensive heart disease by inhibiting myocardial fibrosis, suppressing the myocardial apoptosis, and alleviating oxidative stress. (4)

Valentina Trimarco and colleagues designed a study to measure the beneficial effects of a combination of nutraceutics (NUT) containing soy isoflavones (80 mg), dry extract of Angelica sinensis (50 mg), dry extract of Morus alba leaf (200 mg) and magnesium (56.25 mg) in the relief of somatic, psychological, and urogenital symptoms in postmenopausal patients,  The study involved a total of 43 symptomatic postmenopausal women. After a 2-week run-in period, patients were randomized into two arms. One arm received probiotics plus placebo over 4 weeks, followed by a 4-week treatment with probiotics plus NUT. The second arm received probiotics plus NUT for 4 weeks, followed by a 4-week treatment with probiotics plus placebo.  After the NUT period, participants showed a significant reduction in MRS score in comparison to baseline and the placebo period. They concluded that the NUT combination was good for menopause symptoms in postmenopausal patients. (5)

REFERENCE

1. NIH website, May 04, 2024

2. Xiaodong Zhi et al, Therapeutic potential of Angelica sinensis in addressing organ fibrosis: A comprehensive review ,  Biomed Pharmacother  . 2024 Apr:173:116429. 

3. Pan Liang et al, Insights into the Mechanism of Supramolecular Self-Assembly in the Astragalus membranaceus- Angelica sinensis Codecoction ACS Appl Mater Interfaces  . 2023 Oct 18;15(41):47939-47954 

4. Xiaolong Song et al, Angelica sinensis Polysaccharide Alleviates Myocardial Fibrosis and Oxidative Stress in the Heart of Hypertensive Rats,  Comput Math Methods Med  . 2021 Sep 3:2021:6710006.  

5. Valentina Trimarco  et al, Effects of a new combination of nutraceuticals on postmenopausal symptoms and metabolic profile: a crossover, randomized, double-blind trial,  Int J Womens Health  . 2016 Oct 11:8:581-587.

Recent Research: Black Cohosh

Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa or Cimicifuga racemosa, snakeroot, black bugbane, rattleweed, macrotys, and rheumatism weed), a member of the buttercup family, is a perennial plant native to North America. Black cohosh is most likely used for menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes (also called hot flushes) and night sweats, vaginal dryness, heart palpitations, tinnitus, vertigo, sleep disturbances, nervousness, and irritability[1].

RECENT RESEARCH

There is a report that a 76-year-old postmenopausal woman who has been taking Black Cohosh for years has had syncopal attacks multiple times during the past years associated with bradycardia with the heart rate dropping to 30 beats/minute. Discontinuation of Black Cohosh resulted in a gradual resolution of bradycardia, suggesting a plausible association.(2)

Ryoichi Sadahiro and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials conducted to investigate the treatment effect on menopausal symptoms by Black Cohosh extract both alone or combined with other related active ingredients. They reviewed 22 articles of 2,310 menopausal women, and concluded that "black cohosh extracts were associated with significant improvements in overall menopausal symptoms." However, black cohosh did not improve anxiety significantly. (3)

REFERENCE

1. Black Cohosh, Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets, NIH website, May 04, 2024.

2. Ahmad W Haddad et al, Black Cohosh: An Uncommon Culprit of Bradycardia in Postmenopausal Women, Cureus. 2024 Mar 11;16(3):e55984. 

3. Ryoichi Sadahiro et al, Black cohosh extracts in women with menopausal symptoms: an updated pairwise meta-analysis, Menopause. 2023 Jul 1;30(7):766-773.

Five health supplements for menopause

 While there's no one-size-fits-all approach to managing menopause symptoms, certain supplements have shown promise in alleviating specific concerns. Here are 5 well-regarded options to consider, but remember to consult your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen:

1. Black Cohosh: This herb has been traditionally used for centuries to relieve hot flashes and night sweats, common vasomotor symptoms during menopause. Studies suggest it might be effective, but long-term use can have side effects, so consult your doctor for proper dosage and duration.
2. Magnesium: This mineral plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including sleep regulation and muscle relaxation. Magnesium deficiency is linked to worsened sleep and mood swings during menopause. Supplementing with magnesium, particularly glycinate or citrate forms, can improve sleep quality and ease muscle tension.
3. Vitamin D: Crucial for bone health, vitamin D levels often decline with age, increasing the risk of osteoporosis during menopause. Ensuring adequate vitamin D intake through sun exposure, diet, or supplements can help maintain bone strength and reduce fracture risk.
4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These heart-healthy fats possess anti-inflammatory properties that might benefit cardiovascular health and cognitive function, both of which can be impacted by menopause. Consuming fish rich in omega-3s or taking fish oil supplements can be helpful.
5. Probiotics: The gut microbiome plays a vital role in overall health, including immune function and mood regulation. Menopause can disrupt the gut microbiome, potentially contributing to certain symptoms. Probiotic supplements can help restore gut balance and potentially alleviate digestive issues, mood swings, and vaginal health concerns.

Remember, these supplements are intended to complement a healthy lifestyle, not replace it. Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management practices are crucial for managing menopause effectively. Consult your doctor before taking any health supplements.

REFERENCE

Matthew J Leach et al, Black cohosh (Cimicifuga spp.) for menopausal symptoms, Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Sep 12;2012(9):CD007244.

Marjan Mahdavi-Roshan et al, Copper, magnesium, zinc and calcium status in osteopenic and osteoporotic post-menopausal womenClin Cases Miner Bone Metab. 2015 Jan-Apr;12(1):18-21.

Sarantis Livadas et al, EMAS position statement: Vitamin D and menopausal health, Maturitas. 2023 Mar:169:2-9.doi: 10.1016

Ayesha Zafar Iqbal et al, Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Intake on Vasomotor Symptoms, Sleep Quality and Depression in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review, Nutrients. 2023 Sep 30;15(19):4231.

Sangeeta Huidrom et al, Post-menopausal Osteoporosis and Probiotics, Curr Drug Targets. 2021;22(7):816-822.