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SKU: PP17206

AM/PM Menopause Formula from PhytoPharmica is a natural, nutritional alternative to support the challenges of menopausal symptoms.*

AM and PM Formula:

Black Cohosh and Menopause
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) has traditionally been used for relief of menopausal complaints, especially hot flashes. Although the exact mechanism of its action has not been fully elucidated, the strongest evidence for the use of black cohosh comes from the results of clinical trials. A series of open clinical studies in more than 800 subjects demonstrated good efficacy of black cohosh extract in relieving hot flashes.* Several double blind, placebo-controlled studies also demonstrate that black cohosh extract is beneficial in relieving menopausal symptoms.*

The German Commission E monograph for black cohosh does not recommend its use for longer than 6 months, because of the lack of long-term safety data. However, to date, no evidence of toxicity or serious side effects has ever been reported in women.*

The primary constituents in Cimicifuga racemosa extract are glycosides, specifically triterpene glycosides that include cimicifugoside, actein, and 27-deoxyactein. The Cimicifuga racemosa extracts used in AM/PM Menopause Formula are standardized to these triterpene glycosides measured as 27-deoxyactein.*

Early research hypothesized that black cohosh exerted estrogen-like effects. Recent laboratory research shows that black cohosh binds to the estrogen receptor; however, it does not affect the luteinizing hormone level and does not exhibit estrogen-like effects. Thus, there is currently no consensus as to the biological effect of this binding. In small, as-yet unpublished human studies, there is indication that Cimicifuga racemosa does not alter estrogen levels and does not change the thickness of the lining of the uterus.*

The question of how black cohosh works at the cellular level is currently being addressed in several ongoing research projects. To date, there is no definitive published data available to clearly describe the process; however, forty years of clinical studies on a standardized black cohosh extract show efficacy in the relief of hot flashes, profuse sweating, insomnia, and depressive moods.*

Clinical Trials on Black Cohosh
A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study compared women who took standardized black cohosh extract with women taking conjugated estrogen or a placebo. At the end of the study, the women taking the standardized black cohosh extract showed improvement relative to the placebo as measured by the Kupperman Menopausal Index, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, and the maturation index of vaginal epithelium. No clear improvement of menopausal complaints was observed in the control group. This study demonstrated clinical and statistical improvement of symptoms by the women taking the standardized black cohosh extract.*

AM Formula:

Ginseng
Ginseng has an ancient reputation as a tonic. In folk medicine, ginseng has been ascribed “masculine” properties; however, ginseng has been used by both men and women for a variety of applications. The Complete German Commission E Monograph has approved ginseng to combat fatigue and weakness, as a restorative for declining stamina and impaired concentration, and as an aid to convalescence. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 384 symptomatic postmenopausal women showed a tendency towards slightly better overall symptom relief, and a significant improvement in mood and well-being after supplementation of ginseng extract for 16 weeks.*

A recent study of postmenopausal women with menopausal syndromes reported that when Korean red ginseng was used for 30 days, Cornell Medical Index (CMI) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) score was decreased with significant improvement in fatigue, poor sleep quality, and depression. Therefore, Panax ginseng appears to be useful for relieving menopausal complaints.*

Green Tea
Green tea is a dried product of the fresh shoot of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) from which numerous biological activities have been reported. One component is caffeine. Caffeine has been extensively studied as an ergogenic (energy producing) aid. It has shown consistent ergogenic effects for the support of overall health, stamina, and the reduction of fatigue.*

The green tea leaf extract in this product is standardized to contain 14% caffeine. Therefore, the green tea leaf extract delivers 35 mg of caffeine. One cup (7 ounces) of drip coffee provides 115-175 mg caffeine. The North American Menopause Society recommends moderation, not necessarily elimination, of caffeine intake (which could be 1-2 cups of coffee per day) for women experiencing hot flashes. The amount of caffeine in this product is less than 1/3 to 1/5 a cup of coffee.*

Many researchers in the field of women's health suggest moderation in the intake of spicy foods, hot drinks, caffeine and alcohol as effective ways to alleviate hot flashes. Given the small amount of caffeine (35 mg) in this product, and the fact that green tea is in the AM formula, it seems reasonable that the positive ergogenic effects and healthy benefits of green tea supplementation outweigh the potential negative effects of caffeine.*

Additionally, a 1998 study indicates that green tea supports women's breast health in a variety of ways.* Green tea is a rich source of flavonoids and polyphenols, namely, catechins and flavonols. The catechins, also known as tea polyphenols, which occur in significant quantities in green tea, are catechin, epicatechin, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). A study has indicated that EGCG supports healthy breast cell development.*

PM formula:

The ingredients in the PM tablet of AM/PM Menopause Formula  are included to promote relaxation and sleep. Poor sleep quality can lead to medical, psychological, and social disturbances. Conventional medical treatment for sleep problems includes psychological and pharmacological approaches.*

However, use of frequently prescribed sleep or sedative medications can lead to dependency and cause unwanted side effects or problematic withdrawal symptoms. The following herbs, commonly used for their relaxing or sedative properties, do not demonstrate side effects such as tolerance, habituation, and addiction.*

Valerian
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has been reported to have sleep inducing and calming effects in in-vivo studies and clinical trials. A placebo-controlled, crossover trial of 128 volunteers reported 400 mg of valerian extract at bedtime led to improved sleep quality, decreased sleep latency, and reduced the number of night awakenings. Two other clinical studies using 400-900 mg valerian before bedtime also demonstrated improved sleep quality. In a double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled trial, subjective sleep latency and wake time after sleep-onset were reduced by more than half after a 900 mg dose, with a smaller effect after 450 mg. One electroencephalographical (EEG) study reported 135 mg of aqueous, dried extract of valerian, taken three times daily, improved delta sleep and decreased stage 1 sleep.*

Hops
Hops flowers have long been successfully used for their soothing and calming effect. Although it has a long history of use for gastrointestinal support, recent interest has focused on the ability of hops to support restful sleep. Key constituents of hops include a volatile oil, valerianic acid, phytoestrogenic substances, tannins, and flavonoids. Hops have been demonstrated to induce sleep.*

L-Theanine
L-theanine is considered a unique amino acid that is found in tea plants and thought to contribute to the “exotic” taste of green tea. Research has shown that in addition to its flavor properties, L-theanine also has a relaxing effect. L-theanine does not contain caffeine and actually acts antagonistically on the side effects of caffeine. It is believed that after being absorbed in the large intestine, it stimulates the generation of alpha waves in the brain. Alpha waves are associated with a calm and relaxed state. L-Theanine reduces stress, promotes relaxation without drowsiness, eases nervousness due to common every day overwork and fatigue, and reduces nervous irritability.*