Review of herbal medicines in gynecology

Dr. Cathi Dennehy from the Department of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of California San Francisco has reviewed the evidence.

I was surprised by her assessment of black cohosh for menopausal symptoms.

Here’s a summary of her findings.

Therapies that carry a higher level of support from randomized controlled trial evidence.

• Black cohosh for menopause.
• Vitamins B1 and E for dysmenorrhea.
• Calcium, vitamin B6, and chasteberry for premenstrual syndrome.
• Chasteberry for cyclic breast tenderness.

Dr. Dennehy concludes, “There were too few trials involving herbs and supplements in infertility to warrant a solid recommendation, but chasteberry, antioxidants, and Fertility Blend (chasteberry; green tea extracts; L-arginine; vitamins E, B6, and B12; folate; iron; magnesium; zinc; and selenium) have some preliminary support.”

2/13/07 19:48 JR