The Effect of Pomegranate on Postmenopausal Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial.
- Author:
Ki Hoon AHN
1
;
Sun Mee KIM
;
Kyong Wook YI
;
Hyun Tae PARK
;
Jung Ho SHIN
;
Young Tae KIM
;
Jun Young HUR
;
Sun Haeng KIM
;
Kyu Wan LEE
;
Tak KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University Medical Center, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. tkim@kumc.or.kr
- Publication Type:Randomized Controlled Trial ; Original Article
- Keywords:
Pomegranate;
Postmenopausal syndrome;
Randomized controlled trial
- MeSH:
Alanine Transaminase;
Blood Glucose;
Body Weight;
Cholesterol;
Creatinine;
Depressive Disorder;
Erythrocyte Count;
Estradiol;
Estrogens;
Fasting;
Female;
Hemoglobins;
Humans;
Korea;
Punicaceae;
Triglycerides
- From:The Journal of Korean Society of Menopause
2010;16(2):99-106
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the safety and effect of pomegranate extract on postmenopausal syndrome. METHODS: One hundred twelve women participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in a tertiary university hospital in Korea. Women were treated with pomegranate extract or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary end point was menopausal symptoms, which were evaluated based on the Kupperman Index. The secondary end point was the serum estradiol (E2, pg/ml) level. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Menopausal symptoms as the Kupperman Index were significantly improved in the pomegranate group compared to placebo during the 12 weeks of intervention (P < 0.0001). Melancholia did not differ between the two groups. There was also no difference in serum E2 levels. There were no differences between the two groups in age, body weight, height, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, serum white and red blood cell counts, and fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin, aspartic transaminase, alanine transaminase, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high- and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, creatinine, and E2 levels. The side effects of pomegranate extract were negligible. CONCLUSION: Pomegranate extract is safe and effective in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Further studies on whether or not the beneficial effect of pomegranate extract is due to the estrogen component are needed.
