A.Vogel Menopause 30 tabs

Indications
To ease hot flushes.

Historical overview
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a shrub native of the Mediterranean basin. In ancient times, sage was traditionally considered a panacea (cure-all). As time went by some indications became more popular. In topical applications, sage is useful for inflammation of mucous membranes and tonsils. Orally, it helps to reduce excessive perspiration like that caused by severe malady (tuberculosis), it aids digestion and improves wound healing. For a long time, sages reputation as brain tonic was laughed at but, recently, its beneficial effect in Alzheimers disease was shown.(1)

Composition
Each tablet contains:
Dry extract derive from 3400mg Fresh organically grown sage (Salvia officinalis) herb tincture (1:17 ratio) 15mg
Inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, hydrogenated cottonseed oil.
The daily dose of Menopause corresponds to 2000 mg of fresh sage herb tincture.

Dosage
Take 1 tablet a day with water.

Actions and pharmacology
Sage leaf contains tannins, bitter principles (diterpenes), steroids, flavonoids and a volatile oil rich in terpenes (thujone, camphor, etc.). It is recognized for its carminative (relieving flatulence), antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, and anti-microbial properties. The antispasmodic and astringent effects may explain its usefulness against excessive perspiration and hot flushes.(2) In a recent in vitro study, sage has shown an affinity to benzodiazepine brain receptors which could explain its calming effect.(3) In another in vitro study, sage demonstrated antioxidant properties.(4)
The German E Commission recognizes the use of sage (Salvia Officinalis) for dyspeptic symptoms (poor digestion without apparent stomach lesion) and excessive perspiration.

Scientific studies
In a clinical study on a sage leaf extract, 30 women reported an effective relief of hot flushes. Hot flushes and night sweats disappeared completely for 20 women and the other symptoms were greatly improved. The researchers mention that sages action mechanism is not hormone-related since circulation hormone levels were not affected. They conclude to a central activity without side effects.(5) In a double blind placebo controlled clinical trial, sage has shown a significant effect on the quality of life of Alzheimers disease patients. It reduces agitation and improves cognitive (brain) function.(1) With these 2 properties (reduction of hot flushes and improvement of quality of life), sage is definitely interesting during menopause.
Bioforce has published the results of a clinical trial using the sage extract Menopause (Menosan in Europe). During 8 weeks, 39 women taking either the extract or a placebo kept a personal diary of their symptoms. 75% of those receiving Menopause evaluated their condition as better or much better compared with 47% in the placebo group. The mean number of hot flushes reduced by 56.3% with Menopause Feminine and increased by 4.8% in the placebo group.(6)

Precautions, contraindications and interactions
Contraindication: known allergy to sage or one of the components. People suffering from epilepsy should refrain from taking large amounts of sage.
Menopause is not recommended during pregnancy and nursing.
No interaction has been reported.

References
1- Akhondzadeh S, Noroozian M, Mohammadi M et al. Salvia officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer`s disease: a double blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Pharm Ther 2003 Feb;28(1):53-9.
2- Hoffmann D. The Herbalist CD-Rom. Hopkins Technology 1995. Minnesota USA
3- Kavvadias D, Monschein V, Sand P et al. Constituents of sage (Salvia officinalis) with in vitro affinity to human brain benzodiazepine receptor. Planta Med 2003 Feb;69(2):113-7.
4- Hohmann J, Zupko I, Redei D et al. Protective effects of the aerial parts of Salvia officinalis, Melissa Officinalis and Lavandula angustifolia and their constituents against enzyme-dependent and enzyme-independent lipid peroxidation. Planta Med 1999 Aug;65(6):576-8.
5- De Leo V, Lanzetta D, Cazzavacca R et al. [Treatment of neurovegetative menopausal symptoms with a phytotherapeutic agent] [Article in Italian] : Minerva Ginecol 1998 May;50(5):207-11.
6- Anonym. A Clinical Research Study to Investigate the Effects of the Herb Salvia officinalis (Sage) in the Treatment of Hot Flashes in Menopausal Women. Bioforce Research Report Aug 2001.

Information is taken from the A.Vogel website.

$25.98 CDN

    

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