Eficacia de Cimicifuga racemosa para el tratamiento de la clínica vasomotora y psíquica en pacientes menopáusicas

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a standardized isopropanolic extract of Cimicifuga racemosa (CR) (Remifemin®) in the treatment of climacteric symptoms.

Material and method

We performed a multicenter observational prospective study in 483 postmenopausal women (natural menopause) between April and August 2004. In all patients, the presence and intensity (mild, moderate, severe) of hot flashes, sweating, irritability, nervousness, and depression were registered in a questionnaire administered at the beginning of treatment and 3 months later. The patients received 40 mg/day of CR for 12 weeks. Symptoms were evaluated before and after treatment. The statistical analysis was performed using the chi-squared test.

Results

Tolerance was excellent with no treatment withdrawals due to adverse effects. Efficacy was considered good by most of the clinicians. Of the 483 patients enrolled, 471 attended the second visit (the 12 women not attending the second visit were included in the group of women showing no improvement). Of the 483 women with hot flashes, 77% improved. The intensity of hot flashes was reduced in 85%, 76% and 64% of the patients with severe, moderate, and mild symptoms, respectively. The symptoms showing greatest improvement were hot flashes and sweating: sweating improved in 78% (severe 85%, moderate 81% mild 65%). Rates of improvement were over 70% for psychic symptoms: irritability (severe 77%, moderate 72%, mild 43%), depression (severe 78%, moderate 64%, mild 51%) and insomnia (severe 78%, moderate 69%, mild 49%).

Conclusions

CM (40 mg/day) is a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of climacteric symptoms in women who cannot or do not wish to receive hormone replacement therapy.