Menopil Plus Information Catalog

Information Catalog

offers an alternative to hormone treatment which is often prescribed by doctors across the globe. Although there is some data suggesting that HRT’s may have some adverse effects on certain patients, our approach is provide an alternative option for patients who do not want to take HRT’s or those that can’t because of their medical history. According to the latest research it is not necessarily the actual HRT that is provided that is cause of concern but more the frequency of incorrect dosages being prescribed and the prescription of HRT’s to women who have was clinically formulated to provide support for menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, night Our recommended dosage is to take 1 capsule during the morning and 1 capsule in the late afternoon with a meal or must be used continuously and not only when symptoms arise. Each carton contains 60 capsules should be felt after 3-4 weeks. It is recommended that one should actively monitor the symptoms of menopause and it should be noted that the frequency and severity of

Red Clover Extract

Red clover (also known as Trifolium Pratense) is a plant belonging to the legume family. Red clover contains isoflavones – estrogen-like compounds (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2022). Red Clover is a popular source for assisting women in menopause symptoms as it contains a variety of phytoestrogen’s, namely isoflavones, lignans and coumestans (US National Library of Medicine, 2014). Red Clover is particularly high in estrogenic isoflavones biochanin A, formononetin and to a lesser degree genistein and daidzein, although the two formers are precursors to genistein and daidzein (Desmawati & Sulastri, 2019). Phytoestrogens have been identified to have positive effects on menopausal disorders such as breast cancer, cardiovascular risk factors, osteoporosis and have been shown to exert non-hormonal antioxidant effects (US National Library of Medicine, 2014). Red clover extract has been seen to reduce severity of hot flushes, stabilise hormone levels and loss of bone mass, reduce vaginal dryness, and decreases anxiety levels and depression.

In a recent study conducted it was shown that Red Clover extract may reduce the severity of hot flashes and can stabilize hormone levels and the rate of loss of bone mass. The study was conducted by Danish Associate Professor, PhD, Per Bendix Jeppesen, who headed an as-yet-published study at the Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital. Within the 3-month treatment, there was a 32 % reduction in hot flushes and those hot flushes that did occur were less severe (Hildebrandt, 2013). Some women however did experience a higher reduction of hot flushes (60 percent) while others a lower reduction (20 percent) (Hildebrandt, 2013). Furthermore, the women who took the red clover within the study compared to the women who took the placebo, experienced a slowdown of bone loss (Hildebrandt, 2013).

In another study where 30 women who experienced more than five flushes a day were given a placebo for 4 weeks and then were randomized to either a placebo or isoflavones (such as red clover extract) for 12 weeks; there was a 44% decrease in hot flushes within the group that used the isoflavones (Van de Weijer & Barentsen, 2002).

Red clover has also been seen to reduce the effects of vaginal dryness. According to a systematic review conducted, many studies suggested a significant reduction in hot flushes as well as vaginal dryness when patients used red clover extracts (Franco, et al., 2016). Furthermore, a finding from a study of 29 women who took a red-clover supplement for eight weeks (half the women took the red clover supplement and half took an identical looking placebo) concluded that those who took red clover has less vaginal dryness (Denoon, 2003). Estrogen has the same effect, but it may increases postmenopausal cancer risk by thickening the inner layer of the uterus whilst the red clover supplement did not have this effect within this study (Denoon, 2003). Another review done by Ghazanfarpour et al.; has also confirmed that Red cloved decreases vaginal dryness and hot flushes (Ghazanfarpour, Sadeghi, Roudsari, Khorsand, & Khadivzadeh, 2016).

Red Clover is also effective in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms among menopausal women. Within a study of 109 women aged 40 and over who were randomly assigned to receive either 2 capsules of red clover isoflavones or a placebo for 90 days, the HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and SDS (Zung’s Self Rate Depression Scale) were measured (Lipovac, et al., 2010). The study found that the HADS and SDS levels decreased significantly in the group who took the Red Clover isoflavones (76.9 % reduction in total HADS score and 80,6 % reduction in total SDS score) (Lipovac, et al., 2010).

Black Cohosh extract

Black Cohosh Extract (also known as Actaea Racemosa) has been researched and shown to reduce severity and frequency of hot flushes. Black cohosh contains potent phytochemicals (phytoestrogens) and has an estrogenic effect (Ruhlen, Sun, & Sauter, 2008). Like estrogen, Black Cohost extract alleviates hot flashes, reduces depression and may protect against bone loss (Ruhlen, Sun, & Sauter, 2008). Furthermore, black cohosh contains potent phytochemicals that influence the endocrine system and is widely used in the United States, Australia, and Germany -the German government has approved it as a prescription alternative to hormone therapy (Healthwise Staff, 2016) (Ross, 2012).

In a study conducted in 2018, 80 women were randomly divided into 2 groups of 40- one group received a supplementation of evening primrose oil and the other group a supplementation of Black cohosh extract (Mehrpooya, et al., 2018). According to the results of this study, both black cohosh and primrose oil can be used as an effective alternative treatment in relieving of severity of hot flashes and improvement of quality of life in menopausal period, but it appears that black cohosh is more effective than primrose oil because it was able to reduce the number of hot flashes too (Mehrpooya, et al., 2018).

Angelica Root Extract

The Angelica Root (also known as Dong quai) has many benefits for menopausal symptoms, menstrual disorders, anemia, hypertension, bronchitis, asthma, rheumatism and cardiovascular diseases (Circosta, De pasquale, Palumbo, Samperi, & F, 2006). Furthermore, Dong quai is known as the ‘female ginseng’ in China due to its broad range of benefits with regards to menopause and female health (Kang, Ansbacher, & Hammoud, 2002).

Angelica Root increases libido and estrogen levels within menopausal women. During menopause, the loss of natural ovarian function often leads to the development of endocrine disorders, which ultimately lead to serious health consequences in women. During the menopausal transition, the synthesis of ovarian hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone progressively decrease, while the secretion of gonadotropic hormones, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) increase; consequently, menopausal symptoms prevail. For thousands of years, Angelica Root (or dong quai) has mainly been turned to by women, as it has a unique ability to regulate estrogen levels within the body. Whether you’re too high or too low in the estrogen department, dong quai extracts and supplements can get your system back on track (Circosta, De pasquale, Palumbo, Samperi, & F, 2006).

Some studies have suggested that Angelica root (Dong Quai) may increase libido levels. The results from a narrative review of studies and different medicinal plants suggested that Angelica Sinensis (Dong Quai) can be recommended for arousal studies (Mazaro-Costa, Andersen, Hachul, & Tufik, 2010)

Angelica Root has also shown to increase bone density in menopausal women. (Kang, Ansbacher, & Hammoud, 2002). A decrease in bone density has become an increasing concern within the menopausal community- a primary cause for the loss of bine density is due to the decrease in endogenous estrogens at menopause (Kang, Ansbacher, & Hammoud, 2002). Angelica Root has been known for its effects of purifying blood and increasing circulation and is sometimes recommended for bone and tendon injuries (Yang, Populo, Zhang, Yang, & Kodama, 2002). In a study where direct cellular-level effect of Angelica root on bone cells were investigated, they focus on angelica root’s ability to stimulate the proliferation and protein production of human osteoprecursor cells (Yang, Populo, Zhang, Yang, & Kodama, 2002). The results indicated that Angelica sinensis had an effect in accelerating the proliferation of bone cells (Yang, Populo, Zhang, Yang, & Kodama, 2002).

Avocado and Soy Unsaponifiable (ASU)

ASU is made up of vegetable extracts made from fruit and seeds of avocado and soybean oil and is mainly prepared in ratio of 1:2 (Avocado to Soy) (Salehi, et al., 2020). The proprietary blend consists of physterols from avocado and soy unsaponifiables, including beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol (Christiansen, Bhatti, Goudarzi, & Emami, 2015). The main isoflavones in soy are genistein and daidzein (Poschner, et al., 2017).

ASU has been seen to have a potent phytoestrogenic factor and have positive effects in reducing menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and improve mood and quality of life in postmenopausal women (Salehi, et al., 2020). Phytoestrogens are plant derived compounds found in food and seeds (most particularly soy) and acts as a weaker form of estrogen in the body (patisaul & Jefferson, 2010). Once in your body, soy isoflavones bind to the same receptors as estrogen. When isoflavones bind to these receptors, they mimic the effects of estrogen. When they bind to other receptors, they block estrogen’s effects. When isoflavones mimic estrogen, they might help reduce hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause (Desmawati & Sulastri, 2019).

In a randomized study of 66 women who were of menopausal age, had complaints of hot flushes and whose last menstruation occurred at least 6 months prior to the study were randomly grouper into 2 groups to test the effectiveness of ASU on hot flushes (Panahi, Beiraghdar, Kashani, Javan, & Dadjo, 2011). One group were given Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) which consisted of conjugated estrogen tablets plus 2.5mg continuous oral daily Medroxyprogesterone Acetate tablets and the other group were given a dose of ASU- the results showed that hot flushes decreased equally in both groups and therefore ASU can be used as an alternative therapy for hot flushes due to the side effects HRT might have (Panahi, Beiraghdar, Kashani, Javan, & Dadjo, 2011).

ASU does not only assist menopausal women with hot flushes and quality of life, but it also has potent anti-inflammatory properties and has been studied as a natural treatment for osteoarthritic pain (Salehi, et al., 2020).

Prostavor® is a complementary medicine developed to promote general prostate health and assists in the treatment of symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate.

Studies have shown that the ingredients contained in Prostavor® can assist with a difficulty to pass urine, prevent frequent urination, boost the immune system, and may assist in controlling prostate enlargement.

Who should take Prostavor?

All men above the age of 40 but in particular those who has symptoms related to an enlarged prostate such as :

• Pain or discomfort during urination

• Frequent urination

• Dripping after urinating

• Straining to pass urine

• Low sex drive and energy levels

• A sensation of the bladder not being empty after urination

INGREDIENTS:

(Each tablet contains)

Calcium Carbonate (equivalent to 250 mg elemental Calcium) 600 mg

Magnesium Glycinate (equivalent to 35 mg elemental Magnesium) 175 mg

Vitamin D3 500 iu

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 25 mg

Vitamin K2 as Mena Q7 4.5 mg

Zinc Gluconate (equivalent to 1 mg elemental Zinc) 8.4 mg

Manganese AAC 10% (equivalent to 1 mg elemental Manganese) 10 mg

Osteovex™ was developed to assist in the treatment of osteoporosis and acts as a prophylactic for early onset osteoporosis by combining a blend of well documented ingredients which have shown to: • Promote bone density • Maintain healthy bone function and density • Reduce lower grade inflammation • Reduce the risk of hairline fractures caused by minor injuries

References

Christiansen, B., Bhatti, S., Goudarzi, R., & Emami, S. (2015). Management of Osteoarthritis with Avocado/ Soybean Unsaponifiables. Cartlidge, 6(1), 30-44. doi:10.1177/1947603514554992

Circosta, C., De pasquale, R., Palumbo, D., Samperi, S., & F, O. (2006). Estrogenic Activity of Standardized Extract of Angelica Sinensis. Phytotherapy Research, 20, 665-669. doi:10.1002/ptr.1928

Denoon, D. (2003, July 9). Red Clover Extract Helps Vaginal Dryness. Retrieved from Web MD: https://www.webmd. com/menopause/news/20030709/red-clover-extract-helpsvaginal-dryness#:~:text=The%20finding%20comes%20 from%20a,treatments%20for%20another%20eight%20 weeks.

Desmawati, D., & Sulastri, D. (2019). Phytoestrogens and Their Health Effect. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 7(3), 495-499. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2019.086

Franco, O., Chowdhury, R., Troup, J., Voortman, T., Kunutsor, S., Kavousi, M., . . . Muka, T. (2016). Use of Plant-Based Therapies and Menopausal Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA, 315(23), 2554-2563. doi:10.1001/ jama.2016.8012

Ghazanfarpour, M., Sadeghi, R., Roudsari, L., Khorsand, I., & Khadivzadeh, T. (2016). Red clover for treatment of hot flashes and menopausal symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Obstetrics and gynaecology, 36(3), 301-311. doi:10.3109/01443615.2015.1049249

Healthwise Staff. (2016, October 13). Black Cohosh for Menopause Symptoms. Retrieved from CNY Family Care: https://www.cnyfamilycare.org/patientportal/ MyPractice.aspx?UAID=%7B577CCAC6-170D-43E1-9FF47CBA3649E7CF%7D&ID=HW5tn9522

Hildebrandt, S. (2013, April 25). Red clover eases menopausal discomfort. Retrieved from Science Nordic: https:// sciencenordic.com/biotechnology-denmark-diseases/redclover-eases-menopausal-discomfort/1385361

Kang, H., Ansbacher, R., & Hammoud, M. (2002). Use of alternative and complementary medicine in menopause. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 79, 195207. doi:10.1016/S0020-7292(02)00297-7

Quality and Product Development

DB Pharmaceuticals is a registered, Grade A certified pharmacy under the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) – with

We are fully compliant with the current South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and the Medicines and Related Substances Control Amendment Act, No. 19 of 1976 requirements for Category D – Complementary Medicines.

DB Pharmaceuticals welcomes SAHPRA’s approach to regulate the manufacture and sale of Complementary Medicines and Health Supplements which we believe will result in a safer, more efficient experience for patients who seek quality natural

The manufacturing facility is licensed with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) which is only granted after a positive GMP inspection by the regulator.

The manufacturing plant is further accredited by the South African Pharmacy Council as a pharmacy owner, grading certificate Grade A, and recording of a pharmacy.

Certification of the manufacturing plant also includes a Department of Health Manufacturing Pharmacy certificate and a Certificate of Acceptability for Food Premises and is registered with the South African National Department of Health.

All our products old and new have been developed by our two in-house responsible pharmacists who have 37 years of

Once products and formulations have been researched and developed the formulation is sent to our team of specialist formulary pharmacists at the manufacturing site who review and test formulations against recent research to ensure safety,

36 Sovereign Drive, Route 21 Corporate Park, Irene, Centurion Gauteng, South Africa 0062 info@menopil.co.za www.menopil.co.za Helpline: 012 111 8313