The Effect ofLabisia pumilavar.alataon Postmenopausal Women: A Pilot Study

Abstract

This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study comparing the effects of a water extract ofLabisia pumilavar.alataat 280 mg/day with placebo, given for 6 months in postmenopausal Malay women. There were 29 patients treated withLabisia pumilaand 34 patients in the placebo group. Menopausal symptoms were assessed at baseline and at 6 months. The blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, and hormonal profile (follicle stimulating hormone/luteinizing hormone/estradiol) were measured during visits every two months. ANCOVA model analysis showed significantly lower triglycerides levels in LP subjects at 6 months after treatment as compared to placebo (1.4 versus 1.9 mmol/L; adj. mean difference 0.5, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.89 after adjusted for the baseline values, age, BMI, and duration of menopause placebo). Other parameters in both groups did not differ significantly. In conclusion, daily intake ofLabisia pumilaat 280 mg/day for six months was found to provide benefit in reducing the triglyceride (TG) values.