Basil Leaf Capsules to Ease Menopausal Symptoms: A Triple-Blind Clinical Study

Jenn Hoskins
17th July, 2024

Basil Leaf Capsules to Ease Menopausal Symptoms: A Triple-Blind Clinical Study

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Photographer: Sinaloa Silvestre

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences studied the effects of Ocimum basilicum leaf extract (OBLE) on menopausal symptoms
  • After one month, women taking OBLE had significantly reduced menopausal symptoms compared to those taking a placebo
  • The study suggests OBLE as a safe and cost-effective alternative to traditional chemical treatments for menopause
Menopause, characterized by hormonal fluctuations, leads to various physical and mental changes, causing significant discomfort for many women. Traditional treatments often involve chemical drugs, which can have substantial side effects. Recently, herbal treatments have gained attention for their minimal side effects. A study conducted by researchers at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences aimed to investigate the effects of Ocimum basilicum leaf extract (OBLE) on menopausal symptoms[1]. This placebo-controlled clinical trial involved 60 menopausal women who were administered either a 500 mg OBLE capsule or a placebo daily for one month. The severity of menopausal symptoms was evaluated using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) before, two weeks, and one month after the intervention. The results were analyzed using various statistical tests, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Initially, the menopausal symptom scores in both the OBLE and placebo groups were similar. However, after two weeks, the scores slightly differed, with the OBLE group showing a mean score of 9.5 compared to 11.2 in the placebo group. After one month, the difference became more pronounced, with the OBLE group scoring 6.9 and the placebo group 11.26, indicating a significant reduction in symptoms for those taking OBLE. The study's findings are promising, suggesting OBLE as a safe and cost-effective option for alleviating menopausal symptoms. This aligns with previous research on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for menopause. For instance, black cohosh has been found effective for relieving hot flashes in early menopause[2]. Similarly, the use of phytosterols, phytostanols, and regular fiber intake has shown benefits for postmenopausal women in managing cholesterol levels[2]. Moreover, the study's results support the growing trend of CAM usage among menopausal women, who seek control over their symptoms and prefer treatments with fewer side effects[3]. The desire for empowerment and the influence of general practitioners play significant roles in their decision to use CAM, as highlighted in previous studies[3]. Interestingly, the study also builds on earlier findings regarding the effects of herbal supplements on estrogen-dependent conditions. For example, Avlimil, a dietary supplement containing various herbal components, showed both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on the growth of estrogen receptor-positive human breast cancer cells, depending on the dosage[4]. This emphasizes the importance of dosage and target tissue specificity in herbal treatments. The Mashhad University study used a rigorous methodology to ensure reliable results. Participants were carefully selected, and the placebo-controlled design minimized bias. The use of the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) allowed for a comprehensive assessment of symptoms, including physical, psychological, and urogenital dimensions. In conclusion, the study suggests that OBLE capsules can significantly reduce menopausal symptoms, offering a promising alternative to traditional chemical treatments. As herbal treatments continue to gain popularity, further research is needed to explore their full potential and ensure their safety and efficacy. This study contributes valuable insights into the growing body of evidence supporting the use of herbal treatments for menopause.

HerbsMedicineHealth

References

Main Study

1) The effect of oral capsules containing Ocimum basilicum leaf extract on menopausal symptoms in women: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial.

Published 16th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-024-01965-7

Related Studies

2) Alternative and complementary therapies for the menopause.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2010.05.010

3) Women's perceptions and beliefs about the use of complementary and alternative medicines during menopause.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2007.06.001

4) A dietary supplement for female sexual dysfunction, Avlimil, stimulates the growth of estrogen-dependent breast tumors (MCF-7) implanted in ovariectomized athymic nude mice.

Journal: Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, Issue: Vol 46, Issue 1, Jan 2008


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