Author: Peter H. M. van de Weijera et al
Publication: Maturitas. 2002 Jul 25;42(3):187-93.
Isoflavones supplements made from red clover are often used to treat menopausal symptoms. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a commercial red clover supplement (Promensil produced by Novogen Ltd) for the treatment of menopause symptoms. Novogen is an expanding international biotechnology company based in Australia. Novagen produces over the counter products for men’s and women’s health. Promensil is derived from red clover and contains a standardised amount of 40 mg of the four principle isoflavones: biochanin A, formononetin, genistein and daidzein.
The isoflavones supplement was tested against a placebo in a randomized, double blind trial on 30 women in menopause. Women were chosen who had more than 5 hot flushes daily and with more than 12 months amenorrhoea. During the first four weeks, all women received the same placebo. Then the women were divided at random in two groups. One group continued to receive the placebo whereas the other group received Promensil containing 80 mg isoflavones. After 12 weeks the effects of Promensil were measured. The researches found that during the first 4 weeks of placebo the frequency of hot flushes decreased by 16 percent During the 12 weeks with the two groups, the menopause symptoms significantly reduced by almost 44 percent within the group who took isoflavones supplements and remained unchanged in the placebo group.
The researchers concluded that the Promensil isoflavones supplements (80 mg isoflavones daily) significantly reduced menopause symptoms.