Flax Lignans Promoted as Safer Alternative to Black Cohosh

25/08/06 Women looking for an alternative to black cohosh can turn to the scientifically supported leading ingredient, flax lignans, according to Acatris. Lignans have a balancing effect on hormones because they are phytoestrogens, a plant compound similar to estrogen. Flax lignans, such as Acatris’ LinumLife EXTRA, can provide women with a safe and effective treatment for menopausal symptom relief, the company says.

Recently the UK herbal sector attained an agreement with the medicines regulator on labeling black cohosh products with liver injury warnings. Black cohosh, an herb with a history of use for menopause symptoms, has shown to potentially cause abnormal liver function, hepatitis or liver failure.

A four month crossover study by Lemay et al found that 40 grams of crushed flaxseed per day was as effective as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in alleviating mild menopausal symptoms in 25 menopausal women. In addition, a double blind crossover study found that postmenopausal women who supplemented with flaxseed experienced a 41 percent reduction in hot flashes.

“HRT has been found to increase the risk for several life-threatening diseases. Women looking for natural alternatives to HRT and black cohosh supplementation can look to flax lignan ingredients to help ease symptoms of menopause and promote bone, heart and breast health,” said Jocelyn Mathern, RD and technical advisor of Acatris.

Lignans come from a variety of sources such as flax seed, whole grain cereals, vegetables, fruits and berries.  Each type of lignan has a different structure and different health properties. Flax seed is known as one of the richest, providing up to 800 times more lignans than any other tested plant source. The main flax seed lignan is SDG.

“LinumLife EXTRA is actively being studied for encouraging breast health, promoting cardiovascular health, fighting acne, supporting prostate health in men, reducing hair loss in men and women, as well as providing menopause relief for women,” said Mathern.

Women, around the age of 50, begin to experience many changes often marked by their last menstrual period. Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes and night sweats as the body adjusts to falling estrogen levels. Menopause is also a time when a woman’s risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and breast cancer increases.

Earlier this week, Health Canada advised consumers about a possible link between health products containing the herbal medicine black cohosh and liver damage.

Black cohosh, also known as Actaea racemosa or Cimicifuga racemosa, is a herbal remedy that is often used to relieve menopausal and premenstrual symptoms. Common names for black cohosh include black snakeroot, black bugbane and rheumatism weed. Black cohosh is available either as a single ingredient product or in products that contain other herbs.

There have been a number of international case reports of liver damage suspected to be associated with the use of black cohosh, including three case reports in Canada and one published case of death in the United States. Most of these cases involved other medical problems and the use of other medications that may have contributed to the liver damage. The quality of the black cohosh products involved in these cases is not known.

While case reports of liver damage are rare and the link between black cohosh and liver toxicity is unclear, Health Canada is taking a precautionary approach and is currently reviewing the safety and effectiveness of black cohosh.