Herbal preparations for the menopause: beyond isoflavones and black cohosh

Abstract

A minireview of the evidence for herbal preparations used for menopausal symptoms beyond isoflavones and black cohosh. Randomized controlled trials find that Mediterranean pine bark, linseed and Maca reduce vasomotor symptoms, while animal and human studies suggest Dioscorea villosa (wild yam) and others may protect against osteoporosis and breast and gynecological cancers, though further evidence is required.