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EstroLogic : The Herbal Formula to Support a Healthy Change of Life Formula (back)

Contains :

Cimicifuga racemosa (Black Cohosh root) extract, standardised to 2.5% triterpene glycosides
Soybean Isoflavones (seed), standardised to 40% isoflavones
Dioscorea villosa (Wild Yam root) extract, standardised to 6% total saponins
Salvia officinalis (Sage leaf)
Vitex agnus castes (Chastetree berry) extract
Verbena officinalis (Vervain leaf)
Astragalus membranaceus (root)
Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort leaf)

Hot Flashes, Moodiness and More!

Perimenopause is a time when a woman's body begins a transition marked by fluctuating hormonal levels and sometimes, corresponding side effects such as hot flashes, moodiness, lack of concentration, depression, irregular or heavy periods, breast soreness and vaginal dryness.

It is often seen as a state of simple estrogen deficiency and therefore treated with 'phyto-estrogen' containing herbs such as Black Cohosh, Sage, Alfalfa and Red Clover. Although these herbs are helpful to many women in easing their menopausal symptoms I find a 'whole body' approach is needed to aid a wider range of women.

In the above formula Black Cohosh, Sage and Soy Isoflavones are used as 'phyto-estrogen' containing herbs.

Vitex is utilised for it's hormonal balancing effects.

Wild Yam and Astragalus are added to support the immune and cardio-vascular system, and adrenal glands.

Vervain is used to support digestive function and also to act as a calming nervine and Motherwort is used to support cardiac function as it is helpful in preventing heart palpations many women experience during menopause.

Botanical modes of action:

Cimicifuga racemosa : Black Cohosh Family : Ranuculaceae

Black Cohosh, a native plant to North America and Canada was called Black Snakeroot or Squawroot by Native Americans due to its appearance and its use for female reproductive complaints. The plant is a perennial which grows up to five feet tall and prefers shady woods with rich, deep soil to open areas.

It's large, dark green leaves are divided into many small leaflets with toothed edges. The white or cream coloured flowers are distinctive, arranged in tightly bunched feathery spikes extending 15 to 18 inches above the rest of the plant. The root of the plant, used for it's medicinal qualities, is black (hence it's name)and resinous with a earthy, strong odour(1,2,3,4).

Active constituents contained within it include triterpene glycosides (cimicifugoside, actein, racemoside), isoflavones (formononetin), aromatic acids (isoferulic and salicylic acids),resin, tannins, fatty acids, starch and sugars(5,6,7).

Traditional use of this plant first by Native Americans and then by the Eclectic physicians of the late 1800's and early 1900's focused its anti-inflammatory and sedative qualities in treating female reproductive complaints such as painful menstrual cramping, delayed periods, mastitis, ovarian pain, menopausal symptoms, and false or true labour pains. It was also utilised for nerve and muscle pain in conditions such as neuralgia, rheumatism, arthritis, headaches as well as high blood pressure and tinnitus (ringing in the ear)(8,9,10).

In traditional Chinese and Japanese Medicine other species of Cimicifuga (heraclifolia, dahurica, foetida) are used for gynaecological complaints and uterine inflammation or prolapse(11,12). Although herbalists often used Black Cohosh to treat a number of menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and depression) with excellent results the mechanism behind the success of the treatment was not known until more recent research was conducted.

In 1960 Dr. Brucker, a German physician, published a 4 year study involving 517 women which used Black Cohosh to reduce adverse symptoms of menopause. He recorded a number of beneficial benefits without any side effects(13). Since that time a number of clinical studies have proven the effectiveness of the 'phytoestrogens' contained in Black Cohosh. The triterpenoid glycosides have an estrogen-like effect in the body relieving menopausal mood swings, depression, anxiety, fatigue and hot flashes (14,15,16,17,18).

Black Cohosh is considered to be very safe if ingested at recommended dosage with no contraindications or interactions with other drugs known. Side effects include occasional stomach discomfort in a small number of people (19,20).

It should not be taken while nursing or in the early stages of pregnancy but is often used traditionally in labour induce stronger, more efficient uterine contractions (21,22,23).

Soybeans/ Soy Isoflavones : Glycine max[L] Fam: Fabaceae

Soybeans were first introduced into the U.S. by Ben Franklin who became acquainted with them in England.

In this country the beans were used primarily as a livestock food until quite recently when research uncovered their great health benefits.

Nowadays it seems everybody's eating tofu and drinking soy milk and if we listen to current research we'll be all the healthier for their addition.

Epidemiological studies in Asia have shown a much lower rate of heart disease, breast, colo-rectal and prostate cancer in the general population as well as fewer menopausal symptoms in Asian women.

It has been postulated that this is because of their traditional diet which includes high intake of soy based foods such as tofu, edamame, soy milk, tempeh, miso and soy sauce(1,2,3). Soybeans are the richest food source of a type of 'phytoestrogen' called isoflavones (genistein, daidzein and glycitin). These isoflavones bind to estrogen receptors sites acting like a mild form of estrogen thus bringing a number of benefits to the body. A multitude of clinical tests have documented soy isoflavones to be effective in producing a number of effects both in vitro and in vivo.

In Australian and Italian studies soy isoflavones were shown to reduce severe hot flashes and night sweats markedly in post menopausal women within a 6 to 12 week period(4,5).

In Asia women are less prone to bone loss and fractures than Western women even though they consume less dietary calcium. Studies on the role of soy in decreasing bone loss that causes osteoporosis have been conducted and results showed women consuming soy protein with isoflavones for 6 months had a greater bone-mineral density(6).

Reducing menopausal symptoms and bone loss are only two of the many benefits tests on soy have uncovered. Clinical studies have also shown it to reduce cardiovascular risks by reducing athero-sclerosis, lipid and cholesterol levels (7,8,9,10) as well as a possible reduction the risk of breast, colo-rectal and prostate cancer (11,12,13,14).

Tofu burger with a soy shake, anyone?

If you are unaccustomed to the taste and texture of soy foods you are not alone but taking supplements that contain the soy isoflavones is a good way to reap the benefits easily.

Dioscorea villosa : Wild Yam Family : Dioscoreaceae

The Wild Yam plant is native to North and Central America but has become cosmopolitan and can now be found in many semitropical and temperate areas throughout the world. It grows up to 20 feet as a perennial climbing vine with shiny, dark green, heart shaped leaves and small green- yellow flowers. The medicinal part of the plant is the yellowish dried rhizome and root or tuber which contains steroidal saponins (mainly dioscin), isoquinuclidine alkaloids (dioscorin), phytosterols (beta-sitosterol), tannins and starch(1,2,3).

The plant's recent 'claim to fame' began in 1936 when Japanese scientists discovered that the steroid saponins (predominantly dioscin) contained in the root of a Japanese yam (Dioscorea tokoro) could be converted into diosgenin, a precursor of progesterone and corticosteroids such as cortisone.

Up till 1970 Wild Yam was the prime source of base material for production of the contraceptive pill and other steroid compounds(4,5,6). Herbal medicine today utilises Wild yam root for a number of conditions. It has been traditionally used to bring down inflammation in the body relieving spasmodic pain in the digestive tract, female reproductive tract and muscles.

It is considered a specific treatment for gall bladder inflammation which plagues many older women (7,8,9,10). In the body the steroidal saponin dioscin is converted into highly anti-inflammatory diosgenin by hydrochloric acid in the stomach(11). Although our bodies do not have the precursors to change diosgenin into progesterone as some manufacturers of Wild Yam creams and products claim current research has shown Wild Yam to have significant antioxidant activity protecting the heart, reducing triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and serum lipid levels in the bloodstream and increasing HDL cholesterol levels(12).

Proper cardiovascular function and normalised levels of cholesterol and lipids are an extremely important component of menopausal health and one reason why many women choose hormone replacement therapy.

Using Wild Yam is side-effect free option. In addition to the above benefits, Chinese herbal medicine considers Dioscorea to be a 'Yin tonic' , used to support the body's energy production as well as adrenal and thyroid function. It is recommended for symptoms of tiredness, hypothyroidism, excessive sweating, frequent urination and weak digestion (13,14,15,16).

Supporting the adrenal glands is extremely important at the beginnings of menopause as the adrenal glands take over from the ovaries in the production of and rostenedione which is converted in the fat, liver and kidneys to oestrone, the dominant estrogen in post-menopausal women. Oestrone is about twelve times weaker than the ovarian estrogen, estradiol but if the adrenal glands are functioning well there tends to be far less hormonal variations and thus less menopausal symptoms(17).

Wild yam's tonic action on the adrenal glands makes it well used in this formula. No side effects or adverse reactions have been recorded with proper therapeutic dosing of Wild Yam(18). Large doses are not recommended in pregnancy although small doses are traditionally used for morning sickness and nausea(19,20,21).

Salvia officinalis : Sage Family : Labiatae

Sage has a long history of many uses as shown by its name Salvia taken from the Latin word salvare meaning 'to cure'. It has been traditionally associated with longevity and improved memory, probably due to it's powerful antioxidant qualities. (1,2) The sage plant grows as a bush up to 60 cms high with an erect woody stem and oblong greenish-gray or purple leaves 1 to 3 inches in length. The flowers are pale violet, pink or white depending on the species and form whorled clusters on the stem. Although the leaves are most often used, all aerial parts (above ground parts)contain medicinal qualities and are highly aromatic if crushed (3,4).

Active constituents include volatile oils (thujone,1,8-cineole, camphor, borneol and others), diterpenes (picrosalvin, carnosolic acid), triterpenes, flavonoids and phenolic acids (5,6). Sage has been used by herbalists for hundreds of years due to it's myriad of healing qualities. It contains oestrogenic substances and is an anti-hidrotic (stops sweating) so has been traditionally used to during menopause to help the body deal with hormonal changes as well as hot flashes and excess perspiration, a common and often distressing symptom of menopause (7,8,9,10). It is also considered a tonic herb in both Western and Chinese herbal medicine acting to encourage better digestion and calm the nerves(11,12,13).

Often used as a gargle or tea for sore throats, tonsillitis or bronchitis clinical tests have proven it's strong anti-microbial qualities at inhibiting Staphylococcus bacteria(14,15). More recent research has concentrated on it's strong antioxidant qualities which are known to reduce the effects of free radial damage and aging in the body(16,17). Maybe this is why they said in medieval times "Why should a man die while Sage grows in his garden?"(18) According to The Commission E monographs Sage is not known to interact with any other herbs or drugs. It is safe in normal therapeutic doses but should be avoided by pregnant women or nursing mothers(19,20).

Vitex agnus castes : Chastetree Family : Verbenaceae

Native to the Mediterranean area, the Vitex agnus castes plant was well known to the ancient Greeks and Romans and was used for a number of different conditions. Hippocrates (circa 450 B.C.) recommended it for digestive upset, splenic enlarge-ment and uterine inflammation. Dioscorides (circa 50 A.D.) included it in his famous Materia Medica citing uses for female reproductive problems (1,2).

It is also known as Chastetree berry or Monk's Pepper as it was thought to reduce libido in males and so was chewed and used as a cooking seasoning by monks to quell sexual desire! (3) Scientific research has confirmed that Vitex has a hormone balancing action in the body although it has not been proven to suppress libidos. Vitex agnus castes grows as a deciduous shrub or small tree and is indigenous not only in the Mediterranean but also western Asia.

It has a distinctive five sectioned leaf and aromatic lilac flowers which grow in spikes. The small black dried fruits or berries are the part of the plant used medicinally (4,5). Their active ingredients include : iridoid glycosides (agnuside, aucubin and eurostoside), pseudoindicans, flavonoids (casticin, orientin, and isovitexin) and volatile oils (a-pinene, sabinene, limonene, and 1,8-cineole) (6,7).

Clinical tests over the past 40 years have shown that Vitex berries exert a hormonal action on the hypothalamus and pituitary axis normalising follicle stimulating hormone (F.S.H.) and luteinizing hormone (L.H.) which in turn balance estrogen (17B- estradiol) and progesterone levels in the body. It's primary action favours the production of progesterone by increasing L.H. production and thus stimulating the corpus luteum where progesterone is made.

It has also been shown to bring down elevated prolactin levels (8,9,10,11). These effects have proved
Vitex as effective treatment for stabilising fluctuating female hormonal levels that cause such common conditions as premenstrual syndrome (P.M.S.), cyclical breast swelling, amenorrhoea, acne, fibro cystic conditions and symptoms of perimenopause such as irregular or heavy bleeding. It also seems to help in the management of hot flashes, dizziness, loss of libido, vaginal dryness and depression that can accompany the beginnings of menopause (12,13,14).

It is of the most commonly prescribed herbs in Europe for the treatment of perimenopausal symptoms (15).

Vitex is not a herb that works quickly, it may take several cycles to see it's full effect but if taken over a period of six to nine months it's results will be long lasting . It is also an extremely safe and non toxic herb when taken in normal therapeutic doses (16,17). In clinical studies only 1% of women complained of any side effects. These included slight headaches and occasional skin rashes (18,19).

Although The PDR For Herbal Medicine cautions its use for nursing mothers it has been long used in Europe to increase lactation when insufficient breast milk is being produced .

It should not be used by pregnant women or children. There are no known interactions with other drugs or herbs(20,21,22)

Verbena officinalis : Vervain Family : Verbenaceae

Vervain is another herb with much historical use. In Egypt it was dedicated to Isis, the goddess of fertility and thus use in love potions. The Romans called it hiera botane meaning holy plant and used it as a purifying and strewing plant. The Druids considered it a sacred plant reserved for ceremonies and religious rites and the famous Physicians of Myddfai of 13th century Wales recommended it for all diseases, particularly those of the liver, lung and kidneys(1,2,3,).

What a history !!

Although Vervain was probably indigenous to the Mediterranean area it now grows wild throughout much of the world, including the U.S.A. The perennial plant stands 30-60 cm. high with erect wiry stems and oblong, deeply toothed leaves. It's flowers are unobtrusive, pale lilac blossoms only measuring 4mm and standing on long spikes. The aerial (above ground) parts of the plant are considered medicinal(4,5).

Chemical constituents in the herb include: iridoide monoterpenes (verbenalin, hastatoside), flavonoids, volatile oils, tannins and mucilage (6,7,8).

Traditionally herbalists have used vervain as nervous system tonic calming frayed nerves, easing tension, headaches and insomnia and lifting depression. Valnet recommends it not only as a nerve tonic but for neuralgia and migraine(9). Homoeopathically it's indicated for mental stress and inability to relax(10). It's bitter principles enhance digestion and stimulate the liver, improving hormonal liver clearance(11,12,13,14).

Both the PDR and German Commission E cite its use for menopausal complaints as well as nervous disorders, fatigue, digestive and gall bladder complaints and as a gargle for sore throats (15,16). No precautions or adverse effects are noted in either of the above books if taken at normal therapeutic doses but herbalists recommend it be avoided in pregnancy. In large doses it can also act as an emetic(17,18,19).

Astragalus membranaceus : Milk Vetch, Huang Qi Fam : Leguminosae

Astragalus, a well known tonic herb used for thousands of years in China is finally getting recognition in the West. A native to northern and eastern China and Mongolia the plant, which is a member of the pea family grows well in the well drained soils of temperate climate zones worldwide. The upright perennial grows up to 2 feet high with leaves divided into 12-18 leaflets in a feather like arrangement much like its close relative Licorice. The root is used medicinally and is usually sliced longways resembling 'a herbal tongue depressor'(1,2,3).

The key constituents of Astragalus include polysaccharides (F3), triterpenoid saponins ( Astragalosides I-VIII), flavonoids, choline, betaine, kumatakenin, sterols, linoleic and linolenic acids (4,5).

In Chinese Medicine Astragalus is said to strengthen 'primary energy' with its sweet, warm taste, helping the body to adapt to any stresses. It promotes adrenal cortex function and supports the immune system acting as a tonic to the whole body. It is also considered a blood tonic, organ toner and a regulator of fluids and has thus been traditionally used for menopausal sweating (particularly at night), hot flashes, anaemia and prolapsed organs, especially the uterus(6,7,8,9).

In my practice I treat the menopausal symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats more that any other complaints and find Astragalus unsurpassed in treating them. Clients that take it comment on a general feeling of well being. Recent studies have found it to have a cardiotonic effect on the heart, bring down blood pressure and protecting against lipid peroxidation as well as improving memory(10,11,12,13).

Other research on Astragalus has focused on its immune-enhancing and antioxidant activity.

In studies at the National Cancer Institute and five other leading Cancer Research Institutes tests have shown Astragalus to boost the depressed immune systems of cancer patients and healthy subjects as well(14,15). On a more mundane level is has been shown to protect against viruses such as the common cold (16). There are no known side effects or contraindications for this extremely mild but deep acting tonic herb. Herbalists warn against taking it during acute infections because of its inherent 'warming nature' though(17).

Leonurus cardiaca : Motherwort Family : Labiatae

Both the common (Motherwort) and Latin (cardiaca) names of this plant show its traditional usage for female reproductive conditions, the last stages of pregnancy and labour and also as a cardiotonic heart remedy. Herbalist Nicholas Culpepper stated in 1652 " there is no better herb to drive away melancholy vapours from the heart, to strengthen it and make the mind cheerful"(1,2). Indigenous to central Asia it is now naturalised in most of Europe and North America growing wild by the roadside and in open forested areas.

The plant is a perennial growing to a height of 120 cm. Leaves are three lobed and deeply toothed giving them a shaggy appearance hence the plant's name Leonurus meaning, in Greek, lion's tail. Flowers are tiny, pink to reddish double lipped blossoms arranged in clusters(3,4,5).

Chemical constituents in the aerial part of the plant which is used therapeutically include : alkaloids ( L-stachydrine, leonurine), diterpenoids (leocardin, C-15 blend), bitter glycosides, triterpenes (ursolic acid), leonuride; an iridoid glucoside, flavonoids, caffeic acid and tannins (6,7,8). Herbalists have long used this herb as a cardiac tonic for heart complaints associated with anxiety or nervous tension such as palpitations and arrhythmia's.

It's action is as a mild sedative and antispasmoic promoting relaxation without causing drowsiness. It is particularly useful at menopause to prevent tachycardia or to inhibit cardiac palpitations and stabilise blood vessel sensitivity to fluctuating estrogen levels as well as protecting against coronary heart disease . It's soothing nervine properties also allay anxiety and insomnia, often a common problem during this transition period.

Most modern herbal texts such as the PDR for Herbal Medicine, The British Herbal Compendium and German Commission E Monographs cite Motherwort's uses for nervous heart complaints and cardiac insufficiency(9,10,11,12) .

Other traditional uses include painful, spasmodic or delayed menstrual periods and as a partus preparator in the last week of pregnancy and during labour to facilitate proper contractions (13,14).

Current research has focused on Motherwort's cardiac supportive qualities. Chinese research has found it to reduce excitability of myocardial cells as well providing a protective effect in cerebral ischaemia and coronary heart disease. It was also found to be bring down blood pressure in test animals (15,16,17). Motherwort has no know side effects, contraindications or interactions with other drugs or herbs if used at proper dosages. It should not be used during heavy menstrual bleeding or during pregnancy (until the last week or when labour begins) due to it's uterine stimulant effects(18,19,20).

BLACK COHOSH

1)Tilford, G. 1998. From Earth to Herbalist. Mountain Press Publishing Co., Missoula, Montana., pp56-59

2) Chevallier, A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Herbs. 1996. Dorling Kindersley Ltd., London, U.K., p.78

3) Foster S., Duke, J. 1990. Eastern/ Central Medicinal Plants. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, N.Y. pp.56-57.

4) Hobbs, C. 1998. Black Cohosh A Women's Herb Comes of Age. Herbs for Health. Mar./Apr. pp.38-41.
5) Physicians Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines (PDR for Herbal Medicines).1998. Medical Economics Co., Montvale, N.J. pp.746-47

6) British Herbal Compendium. Bradley P. (ed.) British Herbal Medicine Association. pp.34-35

7) Hunter A. 1998. Cimicfuga Racemosa. Paper from National Herbalist Association of Australia International Conference, Collaroy, N.S.W. Australia.

8) Hobbs C. ibid.

9) McIntyre, A., The Complete Womens Herbal. 1995. Henry Holt & Co. Inc., New York, N.Y.p.27

10) Hoffmann, D.1992-95. The Herbalist : CD- ROM., Black Cohosh, Hopkins Technology, Hopkins,MN.

11) Hunter A. ibid.

12) British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. 1983. British Herbal Medicine Association,

13) Brucker, A., M.D. 1960. Essay on the Phytotherapy of Hormonal Disorders in Women. Med Welt. 44:2331-2333.

14) Beuscher, N. 1995. Cimicifuga racemosa L.- Black Cohosh. zeitschrift fur Phytotherapie. 16:301-310.

15) Daiber, W. 1983. Menopausal Symptoms: Success without Hormones. Arztliche Praxis. 35:1,946-1,947.

16) Liske, E. 1998. Therapeutic Efficacy and Safety of Cimicifuga racemosa for Gynecologic Disorders. Advances in Therapy. 15:45-52.

17) Peth, A. 1987. Menopause Symptoms: Is it Possible to Switch from Hormone Treatment to a Botanical Gynecologicum? Arztliche Praxis 47:1551-1553.

18) Stoll, W. 1987. Phytotherapy Influences Atrophic Vaginal Epithelium. Therapeuticon. 1:23-31.

19)The Complete Commission E Monographs. (ed); Blumenthal, M., et al. 1998. Cimicifuga racemosa (Black Cohosh). American Botanical Council/ Integrative Medicine Communications. p.90.

20) Botanical Safety Handbook. 1997. (ed. ) Mcguffin, M. et.al. Black Cohosh. CRC Press. p.

21) Lieberman, S. 1998. A Review of the Effectiveness of Cimicifuga racemosa (Black Cohosh) for the Symptoms of Menopause. J. Women's Heal. Vol.7(5): 525-529.

22) Hoffmann, D. ibid. 23) McIntyre, A. ibid.

SOY BEANS/ SOY ISOFLAVONES

1) Weill, A. 1997. The Joy of Soy. Self Healing Newsletter. July. pp.1,6

2) Messina, M. & Messina, V. 1994. The Simple Soybean and Your Health. Avery Publishing Group N.Y., N.Y. pp1-14

3) Knight, D.C., Eden, J.A. 1996. A Reveiw of the Clinical Effects of Phytoestrogens. Obstet. Gynecol., 87(5 Pt.2):897-904, 1994, May.

4) Albertazzi, P., Pansini, F., Bonaccorsi, G., Zanotti, L., Forini, E., DeAloysio,D. 1998. The Effect of Dietary Soy Supplementation on Hot Flashes. Obstet. Gynecol., 91(1):6-11

5) Murkies,A.L., Lombard, C, Strauss,B.J.G., Wilcox, G., Burger, H.G., Morton, M.S. 1995. Dietary Flour Supplementation Decreases Post-menopausal Hot Flashes: Effects of Soy and Wheat. Maturitas, 21:189-195.

6) Weill, A. ibid.;citing study from Uni. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1996.

7) Potter, S.M. 1996. Soy Protein and Serum Lipids. Curr Opin. Lipidol., 7(4):260-4, 1996, Aug.

8) Tikkanen, M.J., Wahala, K., Ojala, S., VIhma, V., Adlercreutz H. 1998. Effect of Soybean Phytoestrogen Intake on Low Density Lipoprotein Oxidation Resisitance. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 9.5:Mar:3106-3119.

9) Wagner, J.D., Cefalu, W.T., Anthony, M.S., Litwak, K.N., Zhang, L., Clarkson, T.B. 1997. Dietary Soy Protein And Estrogen Replacement Therapy Improve Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Decrease Aortic Cholesteryl Ester Content in Ovariectomized Cynomolgus Monkeys. Metabolism, 46(6):698- 705. 1997, Jun.

10) Potter, S.M. 1998. Soy Protein and Cardiovascular Disease: The Impact Of Bioactive Components of Soy. Nutr. Rev. ,56(8):231-5, 1998, Aug.

11) Persky, V. VanHorn, L. 1995. Epidemiology of Soy and cancer: Perspectives and Directions. J. Nutr., 125(3 Suppl.):709S-712S,1995, Mar.

12) Stoll,B.A. 1997. Eating to Beat Breast Cancer: Potenial Role for Soy Supplements. Ann. Oncol., 8(3), 223-5, 1997, Mar.

13) Stephens, F.O. 1997. Breast cancer: Aetiological Factors and Associations (A Possible Protective Role of Phytoestrogens) Aust. N.Z. J. Surg., 67 (11):755-60, 1997, Nov.

14) Weill, A., ibid.,citing study at Uni. of Alabama on prostate Ca. 1997

WILD YAM

1) Leung, A. & Foster, S. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2nd edition. John Wiley and Sons, New York. p.457-459.

2) Physicians Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines (PDR for Herbal Medicines).1998. Medical Economics Co., Montvale, N.J.,pp.809-10

3) Pengelly,A., The Constituents of Medicinal Plants.1996. Sunflower Herbals, Muswellbrook, N.S.W. Australia, pp.50-52

4) Huxtable,R., Regional Sources of Saponins, and their Role in the Development of Oral Contraceptive Steroids, Proceedings of the Western Pharmacology Society, ol.39,1996,pp.1-6.

5) Chevallier, A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Herbs. 1996, Dorling Kindersley Ltd., London, U.K., p.89

6) Weiss,R.F., Herbal Medicine.1988. Beaconsfield Publishers, Beaconsfield, England. pp.330-31

7) Ody,P.,The Complete Medicinal Herbal. 1993, Dorling Kinderley Ltd.,London ,U.K. p.52

8) McIntyre,A., The Complete Womens Herbal. 1995. Henry Holt & Co. Inc., New York, N.Y.p.29

9) Hoffmann,D. The Herbalist : CD- ROM.,Wild Yam, Hopkins Technology, Hopkins,MN.

10) British Herbal Pharmacopoeia,1983, British Herbal Association. pp.78-79

11) Hoffmann,D., Phytochemistry. 1998, self published, pp.117-18

12) Araghiniknam,M., Chung,S., Nelson-White,T., Eskelson,C., Watson,R., Antioxidant Activity of Dioscorea and Dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA) in Older Humans. Life Sciences, Vol.59. No.11, pp.PL 147-157,1996.

13) Ody,P., ibid.p.52.

14) Chevallier, A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Herbs. 1996, Dorling Kindersley Ltd., London, U.K. p. 200

15) Gaeddert,A., Health Concerns Clinical Handbook,1997. Professional Health Concerns, Oakland,CA. Adrenosen. p.43

16) Reid,D., Chinese Herbal Medicine.1995. Shambhala Publications, Boston, Mass., p.145

17)Trickey, R., Women, Hormones and The Menstrual Cycle. 1998. Allen and Unwin, St.Leonards, Australia. pp.135-37

18) PDR, ibid. pp.809-10

19) McIntyre,a.,ibid

20) Ody,P. ibid.p.52 21) Mills,S. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism, Thorsons Publishing, N.Y., N.Y. .(1985).

SAGE

1) Chevallier, A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Herbs. 1996, Dorling Kindersley Ltd., London, U.K. p.149

2) Ody,P.,The Complete Medicinal Herbal. 1993, Dorling Kinderley Ltd.,Lndon ,U.K. p.95

3) Tilford G. 1998. From Earth to Herbalist. Mountain Press Publishing Co., Missoula, Montana., pp181-82
4) PDR for Herbal Medicine,p.1113-15

5) Hoffmann,D. The Herbalist : CD-ROM, Sage 6) PDR, ibid. pp.113-15

7) McIntyre,A., The Complete Womens Herbal. 1995. Henry Holt & Co. In., New York, N.Y. p.197

8) Chevallier,A.,ibid,p.130

9) Ody,P.,ibid,p.95

10) PDR, ibid.

11) Hoffmann,D. The Herbalist : CD-ROM, Sage

12) British Herbal Pharmacopoeia,1983, British Herbal Association,pp.185-86

13) Blumenthal,M.(ed.), Commission E Monograph, March 13,1990, American Botanical Council/ I.M.C. , Sage leaf, p.198

14) Pavlenko,L.V.; Mashkovski,N.N.; Smirnov,V.V.,Effect of Salvin on the Incorporation of Labeled Precursors into Macromolecular Compounds of Staphylococcus aureus 209P, Antibiot Khimioter, 34(8):582-5 1989 Aug.

15) PDR, ibid.

16) Bolshakova,IV.; Lozovskaia,EL.; Sapezhinski i II, Biofizika, 43(2):186-8 1998 Mar.-Apr.

17) Perry,E.; Pickering,A.; Wang,W.W.; Houghton, P.; Perry, N., Medicinal Plants and Alzheimer's Disease: Integrating Ethnubotanical and Contemporary Scientific Evidence, Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Vol.4,(4), 1998, pp.419-428

18) Ody,P., ibid.

19) Commission E, ibid.

20) PDR, ibid.

VITEX

1) Hobbs,C. Vitex, The Women's Herb. Botanica Press, Santa Cruz, CA. 1990. pp.2-6

2) Brown, Donald J. Vitex agnus castes Clinical Monograph. Quarterly Review of Natural Medicine. Summer 1994, pp.111-112

3) Chevallier, A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Herbs. 1996, Dorling Kindersley Ltd., London, U.K. p.149

4) Blackmores Professional Newsletter, Spring, 1998, DYP-99562, Sydney, Australia

5) PDR for Herbal Medicine, p.1223.

6) Gomaa, C.S., Flavonoids and iridoids from Vitex agnus castus. Planta Medica 33: 277, 1978.

7) Kustrak,D., Kuftinec J., Blazevic N. Planta Medica 1992;58 (Suppl. 1):A681

8) Agni cast frutus (chaste tree fruits). Commission E Monograph, December 2, 1992. p.108

9) Hala:ska M.; Rau:s K.:B:ele:s P.;Martan A.; Paithner KG.: Treatment of cyclical mastodynia using an extract of Vitex agnus castus; Ceska Gynekol, 63(5):388-92 1998 Oct. (Czech Republic)

10)Milewicz,A., Gejdel, E., Sworen,H., Sienkiewicz,K., Jedrzejak,J.,Teucher,Th.,Schmitz,H. : Vitex agnus castus Extract in the Treatment of Luteal Phase Defects due to Latent Hyperprolactinaemia. Arzneimittelforschung, 43(7):752-6,Jul.

11) Hobbs,C. ibid. pp.8-9

12) Weiss,R. Herbal Medicine. 1988,Beaconfields Publishers Ltd., Beaconsfield, England, pp.317-18 13) McIntyre,A., The Complete Womens Herbal. 1995. Henry Holt & Co. Inc., New York, N.Y. p.22

14) Hoffmann,D. The Herbalist : CD-ROM, Vitex/Chastetree

15) Hobbs,C. ibid.pp.12-14

16) Hobbs,C. ibid.pp17-18 17)Chevallier,A. ibid. p.149

18) The Complete Commission E Monographs. Editor; Blumenthal,M. 1998. American Botanical Council/ Integrative Medicine Communications. p.108

19) Hobbs,C. ibid pp.18-19

20) Brown,D. ibid. p.120 21) Commission E. ibid. p. 108

22) PDR. ibid.

VERVAIN

1) McIntyre,A., The Complete Womens Herbal. 1995. Henry Holt & Co. Inc., New York, N.Y.p.61

2) Ody,P.,The Complete Medicinal Herbal. 1993, Dorling Kinderley Ltd.,London ,U.K. p.112

3) A Medieval Herbal. 1994. Chronicle Books, San Francisco, CA. p.60

4) Hunter,A. Verbena officinalis, Vervain. Aust. J Herbalism, Vol. 7(4) 1995 pp.105-107

5) PDR., 1211-12 6) PDR, ibid

7) Hoffmann,D. The Herbalis : CD-ROM, Vervain

8) Bissett,N.G. (ed) Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaeceuticals. Medpharm Scientific Publishers (CRC Press) Boca Raton, FL., 1994, pp.520-522

9) Valnet,J., Phytotherapie. Malone 1983, p.383

10) Boericke,W., Materia Medica with Repertory, 1927. Boericke and Tafel,Inc. Santa Rosa, CA. p. 539
11) McIntyre,A.,ibid.,p.61

12) British Herbal Pharmacopoeia,1983, British Herbal Association. pp. 227-28

13)Chevallier, A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Herbs. 1996, Dorling Kindersley Ltd., London, U.K. p. 147

14) Moore,M., Medicinal Plants of the Desert and Canyon West. New Mexico: University of New Mexico Press,1989.p. 126-28 15) PDR., ibid. p.p. 1211-12

16) Commission E Monograph,March 13,1990, p.380
17) Chevallier, A., ibid., p. 147

18) Ody,P. ibid. p.112 19) Hunter,A. ibid

ASTRAGALUS

1) McCaleb,R., Astragalus, Immunity Enhancer, Better Nutrition for Today's Living, October, 1990.pp22-23

2) Chevallier, A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Herbs. 1996, Dorling Kindersley Ltd., London, U.K. p. 65

3) Tierra,L., The Herbs of Life.1992. The Crossing Press, Freedom,CA. p. 85

4) Hoffmann,D. The Herbalist, C.D. ROM, Astragalus

5) Bone,K., Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs.1996. Phytotherapy Press, Warwick, Qld., Australia. pp.13-15

6) Teeguarden R. Chinese Tonic Herbs.1998. Japanese Publications, Inc./ Oxford University Press. New York, N.Y., pp.95-101

7)Trickey, R., Women, Hormones and the Menstrual Cycle.1988,Allen & Unwin,St. Leonards, Australia.p.143

8) McIntyre, A. The Complete Woman's Herbal. Henry Holt and Company, Inc. New York.p.229

9) Chevallier,A. ibid

10) Zhu,B.,et al : Shanghai J. Trad Chin Med. 1,47 (1987) in Abst Chin Med 2,60 (1988)

11) McCaleb,R. ibid.

12) Hong,C.Y., Lo,Y.C., Tan,F.C., Wei,Y.H., Chen,C.F. 1994. Astragalus Membranaeous and Polygonum multiforum protect rat mitochondria against lipid peroxidation. Am. J. Chin. Med.,22(1):63-70

13) Hong,G.X., Qin,W.C., Huang,L.S. 1994. Memory-improving effect of aqueous extract of Astragalus membranaceus. Chung Kuo Chung Yao Tsa Chih, 19(11):687-8, Nov.

14) Teegarden,R. ibid.

15) Mavligit, G.M.,et al, Journal of Immunology. 123:2185-2188,1979.

16) Bone,K. ibid p.18

17) H. Chang,P.But, Pharmacology and Applications of Chinese Materia Medica, Chinese University of Hong Kong, World Scientific, Singapore,1987.

MOTHERWORT

1) McIntyre,A., The Complete Womens Herbal. 1995. Henry Holt & Co. Inc., New York, N.Y.p.97

2) Culpeper, N. 1990. Culpeper's Complete Herbal and English Physician (Enlarged). Meyer Books Pub. Glenwood, Ill.(reprint of 1814 version) pp.162-63

3) Chevallier, A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Herbs. 1996, Dorling Kindersley Ltd., London, U.K. p.225

4) PDR for Herbal Medicine, pp.932-33

5) Ody,P.,The Complete Medicinal Herbal. 1993, Dorling Kinderley Ltd.,London ,U.K. p.74

6) PDR. ibid.

7) Bradley,P. (ed.) British Herbal Compendium, Vol.1, British Herbal Medicine Association.

8) Hoffmann,D., The Herbalist : CD- ROM. , Motherwort, Hopkins Technology, Hopkins,MN.

9) Chevallier,A. ibid

10) PDR, ibid

11) Bradley,P.(ed.), BHC, ibid

12) The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Editor; Blumenthal,M. 1998. American Botanical Council, Austin, TX./ Integrative Medicine Communications, Boston, MA. p.172

13) McIntyre,A. ibid.

14) Hoffmann,D.,ibid

15) Xia,Y. X. 1983. The inhibitory effect of Motherwort extract on pulsating myocardial cells in vitro. J. Tradit. Chin. Med. 3(3):185-8, Sep.

16) Kuang P.G., Zhou X.F., Zhang F.Y., Lang S.Y. Motherwort and Cerebral Ischemia. J. Trad. Chin. Med. 1988,8,37-40

17) Benigni R., Capra C., Cattorini P.E. 1964, Vol.2,810-816[T1].

18) PDR. ibid 19) Commission E, ibid 20)Ody P. ibid