Aug 10
2
Rhubarb pie for menopausal symptom relief?
Have your pie and eat it too? Well, not exactly. You can have your rhubarb pie but a better choice might be the purified and standardized extract from the roots of the Siberian rhubarb.
This Siberian rhubarb is similar to the well-known garden rhubarb (R. rhabarbarum) commonly prepared as food or in your favorite strawberry rhubarb pie recipe. It belongs to the Polygonacea family and was introduced, from Central Asia, to Europe in the late 16th century where it is now cultivated. Researchers call it ERr 731 or Rheum rhaponticum L. But you’ll call it a wonder. This extract has been dispensed in Germany since 1993 with over 60 million doses taken so far.
ERr 731 has been demonstrated significantly more effective than placebo in reducing menopausal complaints in published clinical studies. Specifically, in a 12-week study, hot flushes were reduced significantly in 4 weeks. And after the full 12 weeks, 10 other symptoms were reduced including sleep disturbances, poor mood, irritability and anxiety, physical and emotional exhaustion, heart complaints (e.g., racing), joint and muscle complaints, urinary tract symptoms, and vaginal dryness and sexual problems. ERr 731 was also studied for 6 months and 48 weeks so we have longer term data available.
There were no differences in gynecological findings, including endometrial biopsies, bleeding, and laboratory safety parameters between the groups meaning there was no difference between placebo and ERr 731 with respect to adverse reactions. Due to the lack of safety studies in pregnant and lactating women, these women should not take ERr 731. Also for the same reason, anyone with known or suspected estrogen-dependent cancer(s) should not take it. Any of course, if you have a sensitivity to rhubarb or related compounds, this is not for you.
Adding ERr 731 may be a good choice for you. Talk with your pharmacist or prescriber and as always, any successful program for menopausal symptom relief also includes lifestyle changes such as staying active and eating right.
Yours in Health –
Nathan D. Pope, Pharm.D.
Live Oak Pharmacy
Nathan D. Pope is a Doctor of Pharmacy and Co-Owner of Austin’s Live Oak Pharmacy. For more information about Dr. Pope or Live Oak Pharmacy or to speak with one of our team, visit us today at LiveOakRx.com
