Super Fem :: Women’s Health/ PMS & Menopause

Vitamin B-1 is also known as Thiamine, and is required to process carbohydrates, fat and protein. It works best taken with Vitamin B-2 and B-3. Thiamine aids digestion, optimizes cognitive functioning, and may help increase energy. It is also an antioxidant and protects the body from the degenerative effects of aging.

Vitamin B-2 or Riboflavin aids the body in the production of red cells and is needed to process amino acids and fats. In addition, it facilitates the use of oxygen in the tissues of the eyes, skin, nails and hair.

Niacin or Vitamin B-3 works with B-1 and B-2 to release energy from carbohydrates. It is critical for proper blood circulation and healthy skin. In addition, Niacin may lower cholesterol and help improve memory.

Pantothenic Acid or Vitamin B-5 is required to make the neurotransmitter acetycholine. It is a vital body chemical necessary for many metabolic functions. It is often used in the treatment of anxiety and depression, to enhance stamina, and prevent certain types of anemia. B-5 works best when taken along with B-1, B-2, and B-3.

Vitamin B-6 or Pyridoxine is essential for the processing of amino acids, which are the building blocks of all proteins and some hormones. It is used to treat water retention and is a mild diuretic often reducing the symptoms of PMS.

Folic Acid also known as folate is a requisite for DNA synthesis. It is also keeps homocysteine levels in the blood from rising. Since high homocysteine levels are related to heart disease, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease, a proper amount of Folic Acid is imperative. Many people suffer from Folic Acid deficiency. One study concluded that 10% of all coronary artery disease is attributable to hyperhomocyteinemia. Increased Folic Acid intake might reduce the number of cases of cardiovascular diseases in the United States alone by over 50,000 cases per year. (Ubbink JB, Becker PJ, Vermaak WJ. Will an increased dietary folate intake reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease? Nutr Rev, 54(7); 213-6, Jul 1996).

Iodine helps metabolize excess fat and is critical for mental development. Iodine deficiency is the greatest single cause of preventable brain damage and mental retardation in the world. (Delange F, Lecomte P. Iodine supplementation: benefits outweigh risks. Drug Saf, Feb. 2000, 22:2). Iodine also supports a healthy thyroid gland and prevents goiters. In addition, iodine deficiency has been linked to breast cancer. A recent animal experiment found that iodine from seaweed suppressed the proliferation of mammary tumors. (Funahashi H, et al. Wakame seaweed suppresses the proliferation of 7,12-dmethylbenz (a)-anthracene-induced mammary tumors in rats. Jpn J Cancer Res, 90:9,922-7, Sep 1999).

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger. It protects the integrity of the cellular membranes in the body, and may help reduce vaginal dryness. Vitamin E also enables estrogen, whether your own or from hormone replacement therapy, to last longer, thus reducing hot flashes. (Sandra Cabot, M.D., Smart Medicine for Menopause, Hormone Replacement Therapy and its Natural Alternatives, Avery Publishing Group, Garden City New York,102-103, 1995).

Magnesium, in this formula, is chelated for enhanced absorption. Magnesium activates enzymes required for numerous physiological functions including, cardiac functions, metabolism of amino acids and fats, neuromuscular contractions, regulation of acid-alkaline balance in the body, the utilization of calcium, sodium, B-complex Vitamins, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. (Altura B, et al. Magnesium dietary intake modulates blood lipid levels and atherogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci, Vol. 87: 1840-1844 Mar 1990).

Genistein, the principle isoflavonoid in soybeans, is reported to reduce the risk of breast cancer. (Shao Zm, Wu J, Shen ZZ, Barsky SH. Address given at theDepartment of Surgery, Cancer Hospital/Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical University. Cancer Res, 58(21): 4851-7 nov1, 1998). In addition the mild estrogen activity of Genistein may ease menopause symptoms for some women, without causing estrogen related problems. A study conducted in 1995 utilized 58 menopausal women who reported frequent hot flashes. Soy supplementation decreased hot flashes by 40%. (Murkies AL, Lombard C, Strauss BJ, et al. Dietary flour supplementation decreases post-menopausal hot flashes: Effect of soy and wheat. Maturitas, 21(3): 189-95, 1995).

Borage Seed Oil (Borago officinalis) is recognized as nature's richest source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA has been demonstrated to promote healthy bones and joints, reduce high blood pressure, enhance the immune system, and reduce or eliminate the symptoms of certain types of eczema. (Levanthal LJ et al. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with gammalinolenic acid. Ann Intern Med, 119:867-73, 1993, and Borreck S, Hildebrandt A, Forster J. Borage seed oil and atopic dermatitis. Klinische Pediatrie,203:100-104, 1993, and Engler MM, Engler MB. Dietary borage oil alters plasma, hepatic and vascular tissue fatty acid composition in spontaneously hyperactive rats. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids, 59(1): 11-5 Jul 1998).

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) is a traditional Chinese remedy for regulating menstrual cycles, reducing cramping, and hot flashes. Although Dong Quai does not have phytoestrogenic properties, it does have anti-spasmotic properties especially on smooth muscles. (Qi-bing M., Jing-yi T, Bo C. Advance in the phamacological studies of radix Angelica sinensis. Chin Med , 104; 776-81,1991).

Chaste Berry (Agnus-castus) has medicinally active components that act upon the pituitary gland, specifically on the production of luteinizing hormone. This acts to increase progesterone and helps regulate a woman's menstrual cycle. A 1997 double blind placebo study found that Chaste Berry offered significant relief for women suffering from symptoms of PMS, especially on breast tenderness, cramping, and headaches. (Lauritzen CH, Reuter HD, Repges R. et al. Treatment of premenstrual tension syndrome with Vitex agnus-castus. Phytomed, 4(3): 183-89, 1997).

Wild Yam (Dioscorea) is a storehouse of phytochemicals. Wild Yam contains steroidal saponins that are pharmaceutically converted into cortisone, estrogen, and progesterone-like compounds. Women who require progesterone should consult a health professional and not rely solely on wild yam or other herbs. Although the pharmaceutical conversion cannot be duplicated by the body, wild yam offers many other benefits. Wild yam is considered to be a strong antispasmodic and has potential anti-inflammatory properties. An extract of wild yam has been shown to exhibit antioxidant properties, and has been shown to lower blood triglycerides and to raise HDL, the "good" cholesterol. (Araghiniknam M, Chung S, Nelson-White T, et al. Antioxidant activity of dioscorea and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in older humans. Lif Sci, 11:147-57, 1996).

Black Cohosh (Cimicufuga racemosa) is used to promote health during menopause. A review of eight human studies on the effectiveness of Black Cohosh concluded that it is a safe and effective alternative to estrogen replacement therapy for women. (Lieberman s. A review of the effectiveness of Cimicifuga racemosa for the symptoms of menopause. J Womens Health, 7(5): 525-9, Jun 1998).

Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is most often used for urinary tract infections. A double blind study followed 57 women for one year. Half were given a placebo and the other half received Uva-ursi. None of the women taking Uva-ursi developed a bladder infection, while five of the untreated women did. (Larson B, et al. Prophylactic effect of UVA-E in women with recurrent cystitis: A preliminary report. Curr Ther Res 53:441-443, 1993).

Red Raspberry (Rubus Idaeus) has been used in folk medicine as a female tonic for relieving excessive menstrual flow (menorrhagia), to relive nausea, prevent nausea, prevent spotting, to tone the uterus in preparation for childbirth, and to reduce the pain of childbirth. It has also been used to relieve diarrhea, flu and vomiting. The PDR for Herbal Medicines (First Edition,1104-1105, 1998) indicates its use for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, the cardiovascular system and the mouth and throat. In addition the German Commission E monograph recommends the use of Red Raspberry in modern herbal medicine. (Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Golberg A, et al, eds. The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 366,1998.)

Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata) is often used as a sedative and antispasmodic. Also found in our Sleep Support formula. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that it played a role in the treatment of "adjustment disorder with anxious mood". (Bourin M, Bougerol T., Guitton B, Broutin E. A combination of plant extracts in the treatment of outpatients with adjustment disorder with anxious mood: controlled study versus placebo. Fundam Clin Pharmacol, 11(2): 127-32, 1997).

Alfalfa (Medico sativa) along with Salvia officinalis (Sage) was found to be an effective agent in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Hot flashes, insomnia, nocturnal sweating, dizziness, headaches, and palpitations are related to estrogen deprivation. A 1998 study utilizing 30 menopausal women concluded that Medicago sativa and Salvia officinalis supplementation enabled 20 women to be completely relieved of hot flashes and night sweating, four women reported good improvement, and six others showed a reduction in symptoms. No adverse side effects were noted in the study. (De Leo V, Lanzetta D. Cazzavacca R, Morgante G. Treatment of neurovegetative menopausal symptoms with a phytotherapeutic agent. Minerva Ginecol, 50(5): 207-11 May 1998).

Citrus Bioflavonoids are natural substances found in citrus fruits. Bioflavonoids help protect capillaries, prevent bruising and intensify the effect of Vitamin C. In addition to Vitamin C, Citrus Bioflavonoid provide folic acid, potassium, pectin, and many phytochemicals. (Craig WJ. Phytochemicals: guardians of our health. J Am Diet Assoc, 97 (10 Suppl2): S199-204 Oct 1997).

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) contains high levels of isoflavone compounds such as Genistein, which have estrogenic properties. Researchers at the Baker Medical Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia concluded that the heightened cardiovascular risk associated with menopause can be reduced by increasing dietary isofalvones. (Nestel PJ, Pomeroy S, Kay S, Komesaroff P, Behrsing J, Cameron JD, West L.Isoflavones from red clover improve systemic arterial compliance but not plasma lipids in menopausal women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 84 (3) 895-8 Mar 1999

Motherwort (Leonurus Cardiaca) is most often recommended for problems associated with menopause, PMS, mood swings, hot flashes, heart problems, and blood clots. Various parts of Motherwort have been used traditional in Chinese medicine for several thousand years. During the time of the Roman Empire the plant was named Lion's Tail because of the shape of its shaggy leaves. Two recent studies indicate its favorable clinical impact on blood flow, and support of a healthy uterus. (Chang WC, Wong YC, Kong YC, Chun YT, Chang YT, and Chan WF. Clinical observation on the uterotonic effect of I-mu Ts'ao. Am J Chin Med, 11(1-4): 77-83, 1983 , and Zou QZ, Bi RG, Li JM, Feng JB, Yu AM, Chan HP, Zhen MX. Effect of motherwort on blood hyperviscosity, Am J Chin Med 17(1-2): 65-75, 1989).

Sage (Salvia officinalis) contains plant estrogens and has been shown to be beneficial for women during menopause. Sage has an anti-perspiration and drying effect and is helpful for women suffering from night sweating due to menopause. (Weiss RF Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, UK: Beakonsfield Publishers Ltd., 229-30, 1988).