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 (E2) 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 E2 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.Key words: Chinese medicinal herb; Zhi-Bai-Di-Huang-Wan (ZBDHW); menopausal symptom