Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, typically marked by hormonal shifts and a significant reduction in estrogen levels. This hormonal change often leads to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common treatment, many women seek natural alternatives.
One such alternative that has gained attention is rhubarb root—specifically, the extract from rhapontic rhubarb root. But what does the research actually say about the use of rhubarb root for menopause relief?
Let’s dive into the science, break down how it works, and explore its effectiveness.
What is Rhubarb Root?
Rhubarb root comes from several species of the Rheum plant, including Rheum palmatum and Rheum officinale, which have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Rhubarb has potent medicinal properties, including acting as a laxative, reducing inflammation, and even fighting infections1. However, when it comes to menopause, it’s the rhapontic rhubarb root extract that has been studied for its potential to alleviate symptoms.
How Does Rhubarb Root Help with Menopause?
The key to rhubarb root’s effectiveness lies in its ability to mimic estrogen. As estrogen levels drop during menopause, many of the uncomfortable symptoms arise from this hormonal imbalance. Rhubarb root contains phytoestrogens, plant compounds that can bind to estrogen receptors in the body, particularly the ER-β receptor, without activating the more problematic ER-α receptor2.
This selective binding helps to mimic some of estrogen’s effects, reducing symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings without the risks associated with synthetic hormone replacement3.
The Research: What Do the Studies Show?
Several clinical studies have examined the effects of rhapontic rhubarb root extract on menopause symptoms. In one 12-week double-blind study involving 109 women, researchers found a significant reduction in menopausal symptoms for those taking rhubarb extract compared to a placebo group. The women reported fewer hot flashes, less night sweating, and improved mood stability45.
In fact, in various studies, women experienced6:
- Up to 83% reduction in hot flashes
- 66% reduction in irritability and mood swings
- Overall improvement in sleep quality and emotional well-being
These results were maintained over longer trials, with some studies lasting up to two years. Importantly, these trials were conducted with standardized rhubarb root extracts, which had been processed to remove toxic components typically found in raw rhubarb.
Why Rhubarb Root May Be a Safer Alternative
One of the reasons women are turning to rhubarb root for menopause relief is the concern over hormone replacement therapy (HRT). While HRT can be effective, it has been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Rhubarb root extract, on the other hand, does not seem to carry the same risks, as it selectively binds to estrogen receptors without overstimulating them7.
That said, it’s important to remember that rhubarb root extract is not without potential side effects. In high doses, rhubarb has laxative properties, which can lead to dehydration and digestive issues. Care should be taken to follow recommended dosages, and anyone with conditions such as estrogen-dependent tumors or gastrointestinal disorders should avoid it8.
- Indian Rhubarb Root: What It Is, Benefits, and More
- Rhapontic Rhubarb Root Extract: What Is It, Uses, and Side Effects
- Rhubarb Root: What It Is, Benefits, and Side Effects
- Da Huang (大黄): What It Is, Benefits, and Risks
How to Use Rhapontic Rhubarb Root for Menopause
Rhapontic rhubarb root extract is typically available in tablet form. The recommended dose for menopause relief is usually one tablet per day, either with food or on its own. However, it’s always best to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Additional Uses of Rhubarb Root
While its primary use in the context of menopause is to alleviate symptoms, rhubarb root has other medicinal benefits. For example, its anti-inflammatory properties make it a popular remedy for digestive issues and inflammation in the mouth or gums9. Some women also use rhubarb root tea to address constipation, although it should be used cautiously due to its strong laxative effects10.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
While rhubarb root extract is generally considered safe when taken as directed, it does have some potential side effects. These include1112:
- Digestive issues: Since rhubarb is a natural laxative, overuse can result in diarrhea, dehydration, or abdominal cramps.
- Interactions with other medications: Rhubarb root should not be used alongside medications that cause dehydration or affect electrolyte balance.
- Hormone-sensitive conditions: Women with a history of estrogen-dependent cancers should avoid rhubarb root extract, as it could potentially stimulate tumor growth.
Moreover, rhubarb root is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under 12, or individuals with gastrointestinal blockages or conditions like appendicitis.
Final Thoughts: Is Rhubarb Root Right for You?
Rhubarb root, particularly rhapontic rhubarb root extract, offers a promising natural alternative for women seeking relief from menopause symptoms. Studies suggest that it can reduce hot flashes, improve mood, and help with sleep disturbances, all while avoiding the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy.
However, like any supplement, it’s important to use rhubarb root responsibly. Always consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have concerns about hormone-sensitive conditions or are on other medications.
In short: rhubarb root may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, but for many women, it has shown significant potential to ease the difficult transition through menopause.
Remember, natural doesn’t always mean risk-free. But when used correctly, rhubarb root might just bring the relief you’re looking for—without the need for synthetic hormones.
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- 李亦蕾.食用大黄根特殊提取物ERr731~及其苷元、结 构相关化合物对人U2OS骨肉瘤细胞中雌激素受体 亚型的特异性激活作用[J].现代药物与临床,2008,(5): ↩︎
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- Vollmer G, Papke A, Zierau O. Treatment of menopausal symptoms by an extract from the roots of rhapontic rhubarb: the role of estrogen receptors[J]. Chinese Medicine, 2010, 5: 1-4. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1749-8546-5-7 ↩︎
- Kaszkin-Bettag M, Beck S, Richardson A, et al. Efficacy of the special extract ERr 731 from rhapontic rhubarb for menopausal complaints: a 6-month open observational study[J]. Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine, 2008, 14(6): 32. http://www.alternative-therapies.com/resources/web_pdfs/recent/1108_kaszkin-bettag.pdf ↩︎
- https://cn-healthemporium.glopalstore.com/products/menopause-731-30-tabs ↩︎
- https://www.drmed.cn/natural/menopausal-symptoms/2 ↩︎
- 魏连波, 刘玲玉. 大黄的毒副作用及在肾病中的合理应用 [J/CD] . 中华肾病研究电子杂志,2018,07 (01): 13-16. DOI: 10.3877/cma.j.issn.2095-3216.2018.01.004 ↩︎
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11101-019-09652-w ↩︎
- https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003052814-20/rhubarb-gan-bajracharya-richa-gupta ↩︎
- https://m.baidu.com/bh/m/detail/sv_11644743236392418689 ↩︎
- https://news.sina.cn/sa/2003-09-22/detail-ikkntiak8155062.d.html ↩︎
