A standardized Ferula supplement (Menotrack) to prevent symptoms in post-menopause: a 3-month supplement registry.

Abstract

Background: The aim of the present registry study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new natural product (Menotrack, Alchem, India) in otherwise healthy post-menopausal women with significant symptoms. The products obtained from Ferula have been used for a long time. Ferula is a genus of about 220 species of flowering plants in the family Apiaceae, native to the Mediterranean region east to central Asia, mostly growing in arid climates. Many plants of this genus, especially F. communis, are referred to as "giant fennel," although they are not fennels. The resin of Ferula species has been used for medicinal purposes. The resin, as a sticky latex, was extracted from the lower stalk or root, with the root resin being the finest-grade.

Methods: The supplementation with a new Ferula extract (Menotrack, Alchem) in post-menopausal (PM) women was based on a daily dosage of 1 capsule (20 mg): the prevention registry was aimed to evaluate whether a rapid improvement of signs/symptoms associated to menopause is possible with the administration of Menotrack.

Results: The two management groups resulted comparable. No side effects were observed. At 90 days, safety and tolerability were optimal. No side effects had been recorded. Routine blood tests were within normal values at inclusion and end-study. All main menopausal symptoms were improved more with the supplement (P<0.05). Oxidative stress was high at inclusion in all subjects. At 90 days the decrease in oxidative stress was significantly better in the supplemented subjects (P<0.05). A significantly more important decrease in fat mass (P<0.05) was also observed in women using Menotrack even in a relatively short period of time.

Conclusions: In conclusion, this preliminary, pilot registry on Menotrack in post-menopausal women indicated that this natural product may contribute safely to improve the quality of life of women who go through the MT, a difficult transitional period of their life and in the post-menopausal women with persisting, residual symptoms. A more prolonged study may better indicate the quality of this product and more potential positive effects on long-term problems, including osteoporosis.