| special precautions
The German Commission E report recommends that the duration of use should not exceed 6 months, based on lack of toxicology studies available at the time of their review.
Certain estrogens -- notably estradiol, are associated with an increased risk of breast, ovarian, or endometrial cancers. In contrast, estriol, another estrogen, is associated with some degree of protection against these cancers, because estriol is much weaker in action and has lower affinity for estrogen receptors. Estrogen-dependent tumors are not stimulated by estriol, as it acts as a weak partial antagonist to estradiol. The action of Remifemin® is interpreted as "estriol-like" by the manufacturers, and German Commission E does not include any contraindications for use in patients with estrogen-dependent tumors. However, such individuals should consult their physicians prior to use (Schaper & Brümmer,1997).
OVERDOSAGE
Overdosing may produce nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness, and may reduce pulse and induce perspiration (Duke, 1985). "Occasional gastric problems" are the only noted adverse effects (Schaper & Brümmer 1997). Willard (1991) describes a "mild non-violent emetic property" which can cause nausea as well as giddiness and headache in large doses. Shengma (mainly C. foetida, C. dahurica) can cause vomiting "due to gastric irritation" (Chang & But 1986).
Structure/function claims cited here are examples of statements that are allowed under current DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act) guidelines, and are examples of structure/function statements that have appeared on the labels of products that are currently on the market.
- Nutritional support for women experiencing menopause.
- Provides nutritional support for a smooth transition through menopause.
- Gentle and beneficial way to promote hormonal balance.
- Promotes healthy hormonal balance.
- May help to ease the physical and emotional changes associated with menopause.
- Natural menopausal support.
Board of Trustees, University of Illinois. Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Program for Collaborative Research in the Pharmaceutical Sciences. NAPRALERT database. (1997).
Bradley, P.R. (ed.) (1992). British Herbal Compendium, Vol. 1:34-36. British Herbal Medicine Association.
Brinker F., Macrotys. (1996) The Eclectic Medical Journals, Vol. II: Feb-Mar.: 2-4.
Brunton, J. (1892) The use of Actaea racemosa in dysmenorrhea and ovarian irritation. Practitioner 48:265-268
Chang H-M. & But P. P-H. Pharmacology and Applications of Chinese Materia Medica Vol. 1. 1986. World Scientific.
|