ZHI-BAI-DI-HUANG-WAN, A CLASSIC CHINESE MEDICINAL FORMULA IN RELIEVING MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS: A MULTI-CENTRE AND CONTROLLED TRIAL FROM UK AND CHINA

Background: To explore the effects of Zhi-Bai-Di-Huang-Wan (ZBDHW), a classic formula of Chinese medicinal herbs in relieving menopausal symptoms in British and Chinese women. Methods and Materials: Between May 2011 and May 2013, 224 Chinese and British women were divided into a ZBDHW group with 115 cases and a control group with 109 cases. The clinical menopausal symptoms were assessed by the modified Kupperman Index Scale. The serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E-2) were respectively detected before and after the treatment. Results: After 12 weeks of treatment, both groups' Kupperman index scores markedly decreased (P<0.05) and no significant difference existed between them (P>0.05). The serum levels of FSH did not change significantly after the treatment (P>0.05) and no significant difference existed between them (P>0.05). The serum levels of E-2 significantly increased in both of the two groups (P<0.05) and it increased more in the comparison group (P<0.05). No side-effect of the treatment was reported in both of the two groups during the period of the treatment. Conclusion: The classic Chinese medicinal formula, ZBDHW, showed promise in relieving menopausal symptoms.