EndocrinologyStudy Reveals Promising Natural Alternative To HRT For Menopausal Symptoms
New research, has revealed that an extract which concentrates specific nutrients from Klamath blue green algae, could provide an effective natural remedy for women looking for an effective alternative to HRT to control mood swings and improve overall wellbeing.
The data, published in Gynecological Endocrinology, demonstrated that oxidative stress, which influences both psychological and physical symptoms of the menopause, could be reduced by significantly increasing the body"s naturally produced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defences.
The study, led by Dr Stefano Scoglio in association with the University of Modena, Italy, investigated the effects of a two-month treatment with the novel extract, called Klamin, on the overall well-being of 21 menopausal women not treated with hormonal therapy.
While menopausal symptoms are most frequently attributed to oestrogen loss, in fact, effects such as hot flushes, accelerated hardening of the arteries and immune dysfunctions are strongly linked to high levels of oxidative stress, resulting from increased production of free radicals and a deficiency of antioxidant defences.
Conventional hormone balancing HRT is known to have side effects that may increase the risk of heart disease, blood clots and weight gain, whereas the algae extract was demonstrated to have no influence on hormonal levels. Instead, it works on neurotransmitters to positively impact typical symptoms. It even provides cardiovascular protective benefits, which is important because the risk of heart disease greatly increases in the first year after the onset of menopause.
Klamin is an extract from a certified organic green food naturally rich in powerful algal antioxidant molecules (AFA-phycocyanins), important natural brain function modulator phenylethylamine (PEA) as well as natural selective molecules known as MAO-B inhibitors, which prevent enzymes from destroying the beneficial PEA. Further nutrients in the extract, such as B vitamins, chlorophyll and beta-carotene, also increase the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects.
AFA phycocyanins positively impact psychological stress by protecting an area of the brain directly involved in stress management. A significant decrease in lipid peroxidation - a process implicated in damage to nerve cell membranes and signalling molecules as well as poor temperature regulation - corresponded with an increase in the free-radical fighting, antioxidant status of participants.
PEA is a naturally occurring "feel good" molecule which influences brain function but it becomes deficient during the menopause. It is linked to the production of dopamine and serotonin in the body, so that it positively controls mood and mental energy, so the increase in its levels might explain the improved moods of the participants.
Participants were also evaluated on the severity of numerous physical and psychological menopausal symptoms using Green Scale scores. While neurological symptoms were the primary focus of this initial study, statistically significant improvement scores in physical symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats showed promise for further research.
Dr Scoglio commented, "As oestrogen levels fall, there is a parallel fall in neurotransmission and in dopamine. This impacts the normal functioning of the hypothalamus, the body"s temperature regulator, promoting hot flushes and night sweats. Klamin"s high support of dopamine activity, could be effective not only on temperature regulation, but also, due to the parallel link between dopamine and testosterone, on reduced sexual desire."
Dr Scoglio added, "Coping with the physical side effects of the menopause is difficult enough for most women, but the accompanying mood swings, anxiety, forgetfulness and poor concentration make this natural life stage feel more like a disease than a welcome release from the monthly period.
"The more stress and inflammation in the body, the more you use up your own pool of antioxidants. Our study shows promising benefits for women who are unwilling to have conventional hormonal therapy or prevented from having it because of side effects or contraindications, such as a family history of breast cancer."
Klamin is now available, priced ÷£19.95 for 30 tablets, from exclusive UK distributor The Really Healthy Company, natural health practitioners and stores. The recommended dosage is one 600mg tablet taken twice daily on an empty stomach.
Notes
The study - Effect of a two-months treatment with Klamin, a Klamath algae extract, on the general well-being, antioxidant profile and oxidative status of postmenopausal women - was published in Gynecological Endocrinology, Volume 25, Issue 4 April 2009 , pages 235 - 240
Authors: Stefano Scoglio a; Serena Benedetti b; Claudia Canino b; Susanna Santagni c; Erika Rattighieri c; Elisa Chierchia c; Franco Canestrari b; Alessandro D. Genazzani c
Affiliations: a Nutritherapy Research Centre, Urbino, Italy
b Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
c Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Modena, Modena, Italy
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