Evidence supporting the use of: Labisia pumila
For the health condition: Menopause
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Labisia pumila, also known as Kacip Fatimah, is a traditional Malaysian herb historically used by women for reproductive health, including management of menopausal symptoms. Several preclinical and clinical studies have explored its effects on menopause, primarily focusing on its phytoestrogenic and antioxidant properties.
Scientific evidence for Labisia pumila’s efficacy in supporting menopause is limited but growing. In vitro and animal studies suggest that extracts of the herb may exert estrogenic effects by modulating estrogen receptor activity and enhancing antioxidant defenses. Some small human clinical trials have reported improvements in menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood, and vaginal dryness when compared to placebo. These effects are thought to be due to the herb’s ability to mildly mimic estrogen and reduce oxidative stress, both of which are relevant to menopause.
However, most available studies are of limited size and duration, and methodological quality varies. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses note the need for larger, rigorous randomized controlled trials before strong conclusions can be drawn. Current use is supported by both tradition and preliminary scientific findings, but scientific validation is not yet robust.
In summary, while there is some scientific evidence suggesting potential benefit of Labisia pumila for menopausal symptoms, the overall quality and quantity of evidence is modest, warranting a cautious interpretation of its efficacy.
Other ingredients used for Menopause
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)alfalfa
aloe vera
ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
black cohosh
black currant
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
calcium
chaste tree
cordyceps
damiana
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dog rose
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
fish oil
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
hibiscus
HMR lignan
hops
knotweed
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
maca
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
nettle
okra
omega-3 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
pollen
pomegranate
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
wild yam
red clover
atractylodes
smilax
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
lingzhi
root tuber
dioscorea
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
anemarrhena asphodeloides
barrenwort
goji berry
amaranth
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
8-Prenylnaringenin
akebia
Antler
Achyranthes
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Anemarrhena
Atractylone
Black Seed
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black root
Chinese Silkvine
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Danshen
Daidzein
Durian
Dong Quai
Euryale seed
Elk antler
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Fo-Ti
Ficus religiosa
Glycetein
Isoflavones
Lotus
Prickly Pear Cactus
Rose
Rhubarb
Soy Protein
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Labisia pumila
AmenorrheaAnemia
Breasts (enhance size)
Breasts (swelling and tenderness)
Dysmenorrhea
Estrogen (low)
Infertility
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type C
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Sex Drive (low)
Vaginal Dryness