CLINICALLY PROVEN;

• Alleviates Menopausal symptoms

• Increases Oestrogen 

• Decreases LH and FSH singalling hormones, whilst increaseing ovarian oestradiol production

• Reduces anxiety by promoting GABA activity and regulating the HPA axis

• Improves mood by promoting Serotonin production

• Adaptagenic properties, to improve stress tolerance

• Reduces Vasodilatory Response of Hot Flushes

ALLEVIATES MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS

A randomised controlled trial of the Rehmannia Six formula contained within Oestrogen Lifting Herbs has shown significant beneficial effects in peri-menopausal women. Twenty-two women with the climacteric syndrome, average age 50.6 years, were randomly allocated to receive either the herbal formula, at an equivalent daily dose to Oestrogen Lifting Herbs, or placebo for two months. In the treatment group, there were significant improvements in the clinical manifestations of menopause, including flushing, perspiration, palpitations, lower back pain and anxiety[67].

Supplementation with these herbs also significantly increased oestradiol levels and markedly reduced serum follicle- stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) levels (improving them towards premenopausal levels). The numbers of oestrogen receptors on peripheral blood leucocytes was also significantly increased toward that of normal women of child-bearing age. No significant changes occurred in any of these parameters in the placebo group.[67]

INCREASES OESTROGEN

A study (described below in Applications) found that Rehmannia Six formulation significantly increased serum levels of oestradiol and peripheral blood leucocyte oestrogen receptor number in women with menopausal symptoms. Although a specific scientific mechanism of action was not proposed, the authors suggest that Rehmannia Six nourishes the kidney yin deficiency in these women, which helps to improve ovarian oestrogen production and improve the response to oestrogen.[52]

DECREASES FSH & LH, WHILST INCREASING OESTRADOIL

In the same study above, it was also shown that Rehmannia Six significantly decreased serum follicle- stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH). Similar findings of improved hypothalamic- pituitary-ovarian (HPO) function were also reported in ageing female mice administered the Rehmannia Six combination. It improved ovarian function, increasing ovarian weight, serum oestradiol levels and oestrogen receptor-alpha expression in the ovary, and reduced LH levels in the pituitary.[53]

PROMOTES SEROTONIN AND GABA ACTIVITY

Zizyphus, and its constituents such as the alkaloid sanjoinine A, have demonstrated potent GABAergic actions in animal models, with concomitant reductions in anxiety and improvements in sleep. Sanjoinine A has been found to have anxiolytic effects in animal models by increasing GABA synthesis and increasing GABA receptors levels.[54],[55],[56] ,Spinosin, a glycoside flavonoid, is another of the bioactive constituents of zizyphus that has been shown in mice to potentiate the hypnotic effect, via promoting serotonergic action.[57]

Sarsasapogenin, a major component of Anemarrhena asphodeloides, has shown antidepressant activity in animal models.[58] To support these findings, an analysis was made of neurotransmitter levels in relevant parts of the brain, which showed hypothalamic and hippocampal levels of serotonin to be significantly increased from anemarrhena administration.[59]

Rehmannia glutinosa possesses an inhibitory action on the central nervous system, with researchers suggesting that rehmannia demonstrates a significant sedative effect.[60]

REGULATES THE HPA AXIS

In Western herbal medicine, Rehmannia is viewed as an adaptagen which protects the organism during times of stress. In TCM, rehmannia is considered a key herb for nourishing Yin and tonifying the kidneys, which suggests a similar use to the Western herbal application.[61] Rehmannia may be useful for the excess HPA activation and imbalanced cortisol/DHEA ratio seen in symptomatic menopausal women.

REDUCES VASODILATORY RESPONSE OF HOT FLUSHES

Research suggests that excessive nitric oxide (NO) released from the endothelium is involved in menopausal hot flushes.[62] Animal models of endothelial function have shown that saponins from Cornus officinalis reduce pathological vasodilation, via attenuating NO release.[63] 

Likewise, monoterpene glycosides from Paeonia suffruticosa; triterpenes from Poria cocos; and sesquiterpenes and triterpenes from the rhizome of Alisma orientale have also demonstrated an ability to inhibit NO production.[64],[65],[66] These results indicate that this combination of herbs may assist in reducing hot flushes in peri-menopausal women via a direct action on the endothelium.

Figure 5 summarises the actions of the ingredients in Oestrogen Lifting Herbs on attenuating menopausal symptoms in peri-menopausal women.