Effect of 12 Weeks Supplementation of Grape Seed Extract Complex on Improving Menopausal Symptoms of Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

摘要

The symptoms of menopause vary from person to person with differing periods and degrees, but facial flushing and night sweats cause frequent discomfort for most women. In this study, the effect of a mixture of several natural herbs/foods complex (grape seeds, valerians, and Honghwa seed extracts) was tested to improve the quality of life for women undergoing menopausal symptoms. A total of 52 menopausal women aged between 45 and 60 years old were supplemented with either placebo or the test mixture for 12 weeks. The results of the survey were evaluated by measuring the Kupperman Index (KI), Menopause specific Quality of Life score (MENQOL), and the changes of hot flushes. With a total score of 54 points in 11 categories, the KI was significantly decreased in the experimental group by 9 indicators, and the total score was also decreased from 28.79 to 17.83 (PO.001). For the hot flushes, the placebo group showed no statistically significant change. Yet in the experimental group the score significantly reduced from 7.67±2.62 to 3.50±2.96 (P0.OOl). In addition, the MENQOL significantly decreased only in the experimental group in all four areas; vasomotor area (P0.001), psychosocial area (PO.01), physical area (P<0.01), and sexual area (P0.05). In addition, the visual analogue score showed improvement on the hot flush symptoms for the frequency of onset (P<0.001) and the time of duration (P0.05) only in the experimental group. In summary the results suggest this mixture has good potential for use asa supplement that can help reduce menopausal symptoms.