[Pharmacologic and clinical studies using Cimicifuga racemosa in climacteric complaints].
Climacteric complaints are caused by a decrease in estrogen production and are characterized by neurovegetative and psychic complaints. Hot flushes represent the leading symptom, in addition excitability, irritability and sleep disturbances are reported. These complaints are usually treated with estrogens, but extracts of Cimicifuga racemosa are used for this indication, too. Clinical studies gave evidence for the efficacy of Cimicifuga extracts in patients with climacteric symptoms. In pharmacological experiments Cimicifuga extracts exhibited organ specific estrogenic effects and were characterised as selective estrogen-receptor-modulators. In addition pronounced effects on the central nervous system were shown. Taking these relevant therapeutic properties into account further experimental and clinical studies seem to be necessary and promising.
Winterhoff
H
H
Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie des Universitätsklinikums Münster, Deutschland. winterh@uni-muenster.de
Butterweck
V
V
Jarry
H
H
Wuttke
W
W
D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D031885:Cimicifuga; D002979:Climacteric / Q000187:drug effects*; D020847:Estrogen Receptor Modulators / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007529:Isoflavones; D008875:Middle Aged; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D028321:Plant Preparations; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D020847:Estrogen Receptor Modulators; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; D007529:Isoflavones; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D010936:Plant Extracts; D028321:Plant Preparations; C073419:Remifemin