Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) and Menopause: evidence and sources

Objectives The purpose of this clinical trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a natural extract from Schisandra chinensis for relief of various menopausal symptoms. Methods A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted from January 1, 2014 until January 13, 2015. We recruited women between the ages of 40 and 70 years who complained of menopausal symptoms measured by the Kupperman Index (KI). Patients were randomly assigned to treatment with either an extract from Schisandra chinensis (BMO-30) or placebo. They received the treatment for 6 weeks and were followed for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the mean interval change in KI score from baseline to week 12. Secondary measures included laboratory studies and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) score for sexual and bladder problems. Results Forty-one patients were considered eligible for enrolment, and 36 completed the study. After screening and randomization, patients were categorized into the placebo group (n = 18) and the BMO-30 group (n = 18). Total KI scores were significantly lower in the BMO-30 group than in the placebo group when evaluated with respect to group and time (p = 0.042). Conclusions BMO-30 from Schisandra chinensis can be a safe and effective complementary medicine for menopausal symptoms, especially for hot flushes, sweating, and heart palpitations.