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The Benefits of VitaWoman

Join Vitamark Diamond Affiliate and hostess of the Health Show call, Meme Groseth(MG),and Vitamark Vice President, Tom Mitcham(TM) as they discuss the benefits of Sunjing for pain relief and the ingredients in VitaWoman as they apply to premenstrual, menstrual, peri-menopausal, menopausal and post-menopausal symptoms likeweight gain and variouspain issues.*

?? MG: Are you there Tommy?

?? TM: I sure am Meme, and I can't wait to give that free product. Tonight's free product is our AMAZING Sunjing, certainly a product that I hope everyone on this call is familiar with. Sunjing offers extraordinary pain relief and fantastic respiratory support (it's like having a vaporizer at your fingertips).*The incredible external analgesic benefit of active ingredient, camphor, provides hrs of relief from minor backaches, arhritis, strains, bruises, sprains and muscle strain and stiffness associated exercise or general acticity.*And the easy "roll-on" applicator makes application easy. Sunjing is greaseless, won't stain your clothing and has a clean, fresh, minty scent.

?? MG: I am really excited about this free product--as should everyone on this call be--especially if you are on the 100BP Autoship because the Sunjing is theSeptember free Autoship product. This amazing product has many benefits, like Tommy said: from pain relief for arthritis, headaches, backaches and other muscle complications to enhancing sport's performance as the testimonials in the Shopping Section, Sunjing site attests to.* Sunjing's deep penetrating and aromatic (oils that bring respiratory relief through inhalation) likeI said,the deep penetrating and aromaticoils; likecamphor, peppermint oil,rosemary oil, eucalyotus oil, lemon oil and orange oilstart to soothesore muscles immediately, without aspirin oralcohol.* And its so easy to use, just roll it on using the convenient applicator. What could be easier, just roll the pain a way!*

?? TM: Now to give that free product!Make sure you don't forget to call out your name before answering, RS isn't with us tonight so be sure we get your name. This week's questions come from thecurrent Vitamark e-Newsletter. We're going to have 10 questions this time so that we can honor all those recipients from convention who deserve all ofthe accolades we can give them! So, get ready to take that Sunjing home! Now for the first question:

Q1: Who were the top 2Presidentials?
? Ans: Linda & Michael Dlouhy and Kimberr & Doug Jarvis?
Winner:
?? Q2: Who were the top two Ambassadors?
? Ans: Liz & Keith Schreiter and Fran& Ron Flanders?
Winner:
?? Q3: Who were the top 5 Diamonds?
? Ans: #1Becky & John Harrod; #2 Judith & Kevin May; #3 Don Standard; #4 Nancy & Jerry Olthoff; and #5 Cheryl & Richard Dennis
? Winner:
Q4: Who were the top EU Diamonds?
? Ans: Caroline &Phil Snelman?
Winner:
Q5:Who were the top 5 Builder's Circle winners?
Ans: #1 Linda & Michael Dlouhy, #2Rich Networkers, #3Rob Kenyon, #4 Sarah Thompson, #5 Nancy & Jerry Olthoff.
Winner:
Q6: Who are the winners of the 2008 Leadership trip?
Ans: Liz & Keith Schreiter, Linda & Michael Dlouhy, Art & Ann Jonak, Kevin & Judith May, Mike & Tiffany Potillo, Jerry & Nancy Olthoff, John & Becky Harrod, Doug & Kimberr Jarvis, Wydell & Loretta Madison, Phil & Caroline Snelmen,Richard & Cheryl Dennis, Ron &Fran Flanders and Don Standard.
Winner:
Q7: Who were the 2 Health Show hostesses recognized?
Ans:Meme Groseth & RS Mallory. RS isn't with us tonight!
Winner:
Q8: What were the 5 new brochures announced at convention?
Ans: Discover Vitamark, Limu Plus, CRAVE, Appetizer Diet, and Vita One.
Winner:
Q9: What outstanding Support Tool was introduced at convention?
Ans: The CRAVEEnergy Drink 10-Pack Box.
Winner:
Q10: What was the latest additionto the Vitamark product line at convention and what does it consistof?
Ans: The Limu Plus Minis and it consists of 8 4oz minis in a beautiful box!
Winner:

MG: Congratulations to all our winners. Don't forget to call the home office to claim your free Sunjing.

?? MG: Tom will be sharing some information with us tonight about some of the health benefits ofthe ingredients in VitaWoman.We will not be making any claims that Vitamark products cure, treat or prevent any diseases. We are simply educating you to the amazing impact that theingredients inVitaWomanhave on your health.*??

TM: Meme, you know me, I always like to start off by seeing if some of you have testimonials to share.Some of you may have shared your testimonial previously, don't hesitate to do it again, there are always new people on the call who have not heard it. We'll start with 2 testimonials and save the rest for the end of the call, don't be shy! Remember you get free product when you share. Now who'll be first?

?? TESTIMONIALS??MG: Thanks for sharing. Now for that information on the ingredients in VitaWoman:

TM: Do you want to know:The Secret to Managing Menopause, Naturally! Are you suffering from Hot Flashes, Mood Swings, and Loss of Sex Drive?*

Are the symptoms of menopause controlling your life? Every day approximately 4,000 women reach menopause - a natural time in a woman?s life when she finds herself free of PMS, menstruation and birth control issues. You would think this time of life would be heralded with excitement. But for most women,symptoms that coincide with menopause aren't a welcome after all! However, VitaWoman can help you win the battle against menopause, naturally!??

MG: You may ask yourself, "What are the most common symptoms of menopause?"

Weight Gain*
Hot Flashes*
Night Sweats*
Mood Swings*
Vaginal Dryness*
Urinary Changes*
Loss of Sex Drive*

MG: All women eventually enter menopause as they age. The term menopause describes any of the changes a woman experiences just before or after she stops menstruating, marking the end of her reproductive period. Women are born with a finite number of eggs, which are stored in the ovaries. Ovaries produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which regulate menstruation and ovulation. Menopause occurs when the ovaries no longer produce an egg every month and menstruation stops. It s like"Graduating" to the next phase in your life. But many do not feel the reward.

TM: Many women seek effective, natural hormone replacement therapy to diminish the signs and symptoms they experience during menopause; while promoting physical and emotional health. Fortunately,Vitawoman provides proven, natural relief for the symptoms of menopause.*

Balances Hormone Levels*
Promotes a Healthy Sex Drive*
Relieves Hot Flashes, Mood Swings, and Decreased Energy*
Control Nervousness, tension and irritability*
Promotes Weight Maintenance and Weight Loss*

VitaWoman is also a prescription-free alternative, with natural ingredients. It is not a synthetic chemical and contains no artificial hormones. It has none of the potential adverse side effects you may find with a chemical drug that your doctor prescribes and you don?t need to visit your doctor's office!*

MG:VitaWoman is a botanical alternative which contains a blend of natural herbal extracts developed to ease the transition of menopause and provide effective menopausal symptom relief... not just from the onset but through the duration of typical menopausal symptoms.*

VitaWoman has been developed as a natural alternative support product.* Formulated with the best-known combination of high-potency phytoestrogen botanicals, black cohosh, soy isoflavones, evening primrose oil, wild yam and other natural ingredients, which have a long empirical history of relieving menopausal symptoms, as well as, supporting the body's hormonal balance.*

MG: Black Cohosh-
Black Cohosh Essentials is a powerful herbal formulation aimed to deal with your most severe symptoms associated withpremenstrual syndrome (PMS)andmenopause.

- Addresses theentire rangeof perimenopause, menopause and PMS symptoms.*
-Provides ahealthier and safer alternativeto estrogen or hormone replacement therapy (ERT/HRT) with almost no side effects.*
-According to recent study, provides a significantbreast cancer protective effect.*
-Proved to be effective- approved as a non-prescription drug in Germany, has been successfully used by Native Americans for centuries.

Black Cohosh helps reduce:

- hot flashes*
- night sewats*
-headaches*
- breast soreness*
- heart palpitations*
- cramps*
- swelling*
- fatigue*
- mood swings*
- depression*
- stress and anxiety*
- nervousness and irritibility*
- vaginal atrophy


TM: SoyIsoflavones-
Isoflavones are a class of phytochemicals, which are compounds found only in plants (phyto means plant). They are also a type of phytoestrogen, or plant hormone, that resembles human estrogen in chemical structure yet are weaker. By mimicking human estrogen at certain sites in the body, isoflavones provide many health benefits that help you to avoid disease.Soy contains many individual isoflavones, but the most beneficial are genistein and daidzein.

Soy isoflavones have antioxidant properties which protect the cardiovascular system from oxidation of LDL (the bad) cholesterol. Oxidized LDL cholesterol accumulates in the arteries as patches of fatty buildup which blocks the flow of blood, resulting in atherosclerosis. Genistein inhibits the growth of cells that form this artery clogging plaque.

Being a weak form of estrogen, isoflavones can compete at estrogen receptor sites, blocking the stronger version naturally produced by the body from exerting its full effect. Since high blood levels of estrogen are an established risk factor for breast cancer; weaker forms of estrogen may provide protection against this disease. Genistein has been found to hinder breast cancer as well as prostate cancer. Results from a new University of California study show that genistein slowed prostate cancer growth and caused prostate cancer cells to die. It acts against cancer cells in a way similar to many common cancer-treating drugs.

Isoflavones also play an important role in protecting and maintaining strong and healthy bones. Evidence shows that genistein and daidzein prevent bones from breaking down. Independent studies conducted at the University of Illinois and the University of Hong Kong concluded that consuming soy isoflavones can increase bone mineral content and bone density. Another study at the University of Texas suggested that isoflavones may also stimulate bone formation. By preserving bone health, increasing bone mass and inducing bone turnover, researchers noted the potential role of soy isoflavones in preventing, and possibly even reversing, the effects of osteoporosis.

The North American Menopause Society suggests that soy isoflavones can also be a natural alternative to estrogen replacement therapy for relief of mild menopausal symptoms. It may help offset the drop in estrogen and regulate its fluctuations that occur at menopause. Many women have reported a reduction in their hot flashes and night sweats when they regularly consume soy foods, like tempeh or tofu.

MG: The Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)-

EPO has been shown to be beneficial for a wide range of conditions.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) has been shown to eradicate swollen abdomen and breast discomfort as well as reducing irritability and depression.
Eczema and other skin disorders available on prescription for eczema Psoriasis may be helped by EPO and Fish Oils(Omega III).
Cholesterol and Blood Pressure has been shown to reduce high serum cholesterol and blood pressure, but may take several weeks or longer to achieve.
Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferers have discontinued use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs after supplementation, but it is more effective when taken in conjunction with fish oils(Omega III).
Alcoholism may make withdrawal easier, and reduce post-drinking depression.
Immune System low levels of essential fatty acids may stop the action of interferon, and bodys natural virus killer.
Other conditions Obesity, Benign Breast Disease, Childhood Hyperactivity and Schizophrenia have all been shown to be helped by EPO supplementation.


TM: The Benefits of Wild Yam-
Menstrual problems in North and Central America, wild yam has been used traditionally as a relaxing remedy for painful menstruation, ovarian pain and to alleviate cramps. Many women have found this a useful herb during the menopause.
Anti-inflammatory due to the herbs anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic action, it has been regularly used to ease the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis and rheumatism.
Muscle spasms and pain due to the high levels of plant steroids, the wild yam has been effective in pain relief for many centuries, and is also effective in the relief of digestive problems such as colic, irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulitis.


TM: VitaWoman's ingredients have all been recommended as alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) by leading herbal experts.* In a recent landmark study it said that the herbs actually work as well as low dose estrogen in eliminating hot flashes, mood swings, irritability, insomnia and anxiety.* And, unlike estrogen, VitaWoman doesn't have the associated cardiac health risks.*

VitaWoman is one of the Most Complete Hormonal Balancing formulations in t he market place developed for pre-menopausal and menopausal women!* Other ingredients used to complete this outstanding formula are Passiflora, Valeriana, Horsetail andSage:

MG: Passiflora(Passion flower)-
Though its name is Passion, its effect is peace. This gentle calming remedy aids sleeplessness in the very young, very old and everyone in between - worriers, workaholics and alcoholics alike. If nervousness, worry and excitement trigger a bursting "top-will-pop-off' headache, Passiflora can help put it to sleep, too. This gentle reliever is a favorite in lower potencies.

Keynotes:
Sleeplessness
Nervousness
Stress
Worry
Headaches

Tm: Valeriana Uses Based on Scientific Evidence:

Insomnia*

Several studies in adults suggest that valerian improves the quality of sleep and reduces the time to fall asleep (sleep latency), for up to four to six weeks.* Ongoing nightly use may be more effective than single-dose use, with increasing effects over four weeks.* Better effects have been found in poor sleepers.* However, most studies have not used scientific ways of measuring sleep improvements, such as sleep pattern data in a sleep laboratory.

Anxiety disorder

Several studies of valerian have reported benefits in reducing non-specific anxiety symptoms. Valerian has also been given in combination with other herbs, such as passionflower and St. John's wort(all 3 are in VitaWoman)to treat anxiety. More research is needed before a recommendation can be made.

TM: Horsetail Medicinal Uses and Indications
Horsetail has not been extensively studied in people, but professional herbalists recognize that the herb has diuretic (promotes the excretion of urine) properties that may be useful for the following health problems*:
Urinary tract infections*
Kidney stones*
* Weight gain*

Horsetail may also be effective in supportive therapy for osteoporosis, increasing bone density.*
? In one study in people in 1999, 122 Italian women took horsetail dry extract or Osteosil calcium 270 mg twice daily (a horsetail-calcium combination used in Italy for osteoporosis and fractures)(take Coral Calcium with VitaWoman).* After a year of therapy, a statistically significant improvement in bone density was reported in both the horsetail and Osteosil calcium groups, with an average improvement of 2.3 % in vertebral bone density in the Osteosil group.*
Horsetail is also used to treat infections of the urinary tract, kidney, and bladder stones; and as an antioxidant.*
Some studies have found that horsetail also may help improve memory and cognitive function. It may also have anticonvulsant properties.

TM: Sage Uses
Sage is a valuable agent in the delirium of fevers and in the nervous excitement frequently accompanying brain disorders and nervous conditions*. It is highly effective as a stimulant tonic for upset stomachs and nervous system and weakness of digestion generally*. It was for this reason that the Chinese valued it, giving it the preference to their own tea. It is considered a useful medicine in typhoid fever and beneficial in biliousness and liver complaints, kidney troubles, haemorrhage from the lungs or stomach, for head colds as well as sore throat and an inflammation of the tonsils leading to abscessand measles, for pains in the joints, lethargy and palsy.* It will check excessive perspiration in consumption or pulmonarytuberculosiscases, and is useful as an emmenagogue(stimulates blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus.*)

MG: You may ask yourself how does VitaWoman work? Well, as you'veseen,it contains the most comprehensive formula available today that addresses menopausal symptoms efficiently and with no side effects.* No need to worry about using synthetic drugs or hormones.* ??Don't you want to increase your quality of lifeduring menopause?* Live free of hot flashes, free yourself of depression, sleep better, balance your struggle with menopausal weight gain, have better sex!*VitaWomanis your complete formula to help you manage your menopause while remaining free of the health risks associated with synthetic hormones.*
TM:VitaWoman specifically targets the support of your hormonal pathway imbalances while reducing menopause symptoms.*

VitaWoman allows women to experience the time of natural reproductive change without discomfort and won?t disrupt normal life functioning.*

Vitawoman formula is chock full of phytoestrogens and other beneficial ingredients that supply the body with safe, naturally-occurring phytoestrogen complexes.*

Vitawoman formula contains calming herbs to help naturally diminish the discomfort of menopausal symptoms and essential nutrients so often lacking during and after menopause.* Nutrients like vitamin's E, B12 and folic acid which are essential to menopausal women.*

VitaWoman scientific formula is a safe alternative to synthetic hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy and provides more complete coverage for menopause symptoms than just soy products.*


MG: You might wonder, doesVitaWoman have any adverse side effects???The natural ingredients you will find inVitaWoman have gone through numerous studies and no known adverse side effects have been found as a result oftheir use.*
VitaWoman is Safe, has Natural Ingredientsand is Effective!*

For this reason, natural-based supplements that promise to relieve the discomforts and illnesses brought about by menopause are experiencing an upsurge. VitaWoman is a product that was developed to relieve common menopausal troubles and improve the health of menopausal women.*

VitaWoman is composed of a proprietary blend of herbal and other natural essences that are known to ease menopausal symptoms.* Chaste berry(Vitex Agnus-Castus), Dong Quai, and Red Clover are three of the major components of VitaWoman that are said to be effective in helping women deal with problems brought about hormonal changes during menopause.*

?? MG: Chaste Berry
This fruit comes from Vitex agnus, a small tree found in Europe and Asia. Although chaste berry does not contain phtyoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that mimic human sex hormone estrogen, it has terpenoids, irdoid glycosides and flavonoids. These elements are helpful in marginally raising the secretion of prolactin by the pituitary glands.* Studies have shown that a slight elevation of the levels of prolactin eases cyclic breast tenderness associated with menopause and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).*

Dong Quai
Since time immemorial, Chinese healers have already been using Dong Quai as a blood tonic and balancer for female sex hormones.* For many years, Asian women have found comfort from menopausal and PMS symptoms with the help of dong quai.*
Since this herb, which is also known as Chinese Angelica and female ginseng, contains phytoestrogens and vitamins A, B12 and E, it has been found helpful in easing vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and maintaining the balance of sex hormones.* Furthermore, the sedative qualities of dong quai make it effective in minimizing stress, depression, sleep problems and mood swings associated with PMS and menopause.*
Clinical studies have confirmed that women who are taking supplements with dong quai experienced a 25% decline in the severity of menopausal symptoms.* What's more, this Chinese herb also reduces a menopausal woman's risks of developing heart ailments.*

TM: Red Clover
Bee-bread, cow clover, and purple clover are the other names for red clover, a plant thatnatutrally occursin Asia and Europe. Experts believe that red clover is one of the herbs that are rich in plant estrogen compounds.* Red clover also contains many vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, potassium, calcium and magnesium, which are essential for relieving symptoms caused by hormonal imbalance.*
According to a research conducted in the Netherlands, women who took red clover supplements in a period of two months reported a 44% reduction in their episodes of hot flashes.* Since this plant is a good source of calcium, many also believe that it slows down, and even prevents, bone loss.*

Based on clinical and historical findings, one or more these important herbs should be present in any menopausal supplement for it to have a positive effect. Vitamark may have raised the bar by combining all these herbs(red clover, vitex agnus-castus, dong quai, sage, wild yam, evening primrose oil, st. john's wort, passiflora, valeriana, and horsetail also includes the nutrients, vitamins E, B12 and folic acid)into a powerful proprietary formula. And in doing so, VitaWoman should effectively relieve menopausal symptoms, and support the body's hormonal balance.*??MG: Thanks for this information tonight. I know thatVitawoman is part of my daily health regimen. Well it's time to say goodnight, Tommy.??TM: Before we go, I'd like to invite any of you that have been inspired to share your testimonial, to do so at this time.??TESTIMONIALS??TM: Thanks for sharing. Please remember that this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

?? REFERENCES for Folic Acid?Source: J. Durga, P. Verhoef, L.J.C. Anteunis, E. Schouten. and F.J. Kok, Annals of Internal Medicine,2 January 2007, Volume 146, Issue 1, Pages 1-9, Effects of Folic Acid Supplementation on Hearing in Older Adults - A Randomized, Controlled Trial??J Durga, PJ van Boxtel, EG Shouten, FJ Kok, J Jolles, MB Katan, and P Verhoef, The Lancet, 20 January 2007, Volume 369, Pages 208-215, Effects of 3-year Folic Acid Supplementation on cognitive function in older adults in the FACIT trial: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial??News Target (www.newstarget.com), 11/27/02, "Folic acid proven to prevent heart disease and stroke."??British Medical Journal 2002; 325: 1,202, "Homocysteine and cardiovascular disease: evidence on causality from a [72 studies] meta-analyses.

Historical References Of Passionflower:
The earliest reference on American medicinal plants, Schoepf's Materia Medica Americana, a Latin work, was published in Germany in 1787. It mentioned use of the plant to treat the geriatric epilepsy. Later it was introduced into medicine in 1839 or 1840 by Dr. L. Phares of Mississippi.

Dr. E. D. Stapleton presented his experience in using P. incarnata tincture to treat insomnia in a 1904 issue of the Detroit Medical Journal.

The dried flowering and fruiting tops of Passiflora. incarnata were listed in National Formulary from 1916 to 1936.

FDA & Passionflower & Herbal Research:
Prior to 1978 it was approved as a sedative and sleep aid as OTC product. During 1978 review, FDA dropped it from the list due to non-availability of proven medicinal values. It was mainly because of the negligence of American Pharmacy companies as industry was responsible for providing data on safety and usefulness of non-prescription medicine during the review process. It is listed in GRAS or Generally regarded as safe category.

This herb is widely accepted and researched and used in European countries.
Books & Literature About Passionflower:
Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 2067.
Foster S. Herbs for Your Health. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1996, 689.
Ernst E, ed. Passionflower. The Desktop Guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Edinburgh: Mosby; 2001:140-141.
Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, Ore: Eclectic Medical; 1998:109-110.
Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Boston, Mass: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998: 179-180.
Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000:293-296.
Mowrey, D. (1990) Guaranteed Potency Herbs. A Compilation of writing on the subject
Foster, S. The Herb Companion (August/September): 18-23, 1991.


The Clinical References & Research Studies Of Passionflower:
Passionflower For GAD Or Generalized Anxiety Disorder:
A double blind pilot trial was done by Akhondzadeh et al at Roozbeh Psychiatry Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. This study was published in Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics. October 2001, 26-5-363-7. Its extract is given.

Extract: Passionflower was given a double blind trial for comparison of its efficacy against Oxazepam for the treatment of GAD. The conclusion of this study suggest that passionflower is effective for treatment of GAD. Its onset of action is quite slow. The herbal extract has better advantage as the job impairment was very little next morning. This study suggested to conduct further bigger tests.

Akhondzadeh S, et al. P. incarnata's usefulness for treating GAD: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam. J Clin Pharm Ther 2001;26:363-7.
Speroni E, et al. Sedative effects of crude extract of passiflora incarnata after oral administration. Phytotherapy Res 1996;10:S92-4.
Dhawan K, Kumar S, Sharma A. Anti-anxiety studies on extracts of passiflora incarnata Linnaeus. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2001;78:165-70. ??Dhawan K, Kumar S, Sharma A. Anxiolytic activity of aerial and underground parts of Passiflora incarnata. Fitoterapia 2001;72:922-6.
Krenn L. Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata L.) - a reliable herbal sedative. [German] Wien Med Wochenschr 2002;152(15-16):404-6
Wolfman C, Viola H, Paladini A, Dajas F, Medina JH. Possible anxiolytic effects of Passiflora coerulea. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 1994;47(1):1-4
Herb Clip: Passionflower., "An Herbalist's View of Passionflower" American Botanical Council, Austin, Texas April 10, 1996.
Bourin M, Bougerol T, Guitton B, et al. A combination of plant extracts in the treatment of outpatients with adjustment disorder with anxious mood: controlled study versus placebo. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 1997;11(2):127-132.
Natural Standard: An organization that produces scientifically based reviews of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) topics
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services dedicated to research
Dhawan K, Kumar S, Sharma A. Comparative anxiolytic activity profile of various preparations of Passiflora incarnata Linnaeus: a comment on medicinal plants' standardization. J Altern Complement Med 2002;Jun, 8(3):283-291.
Zal HM. Five herbs for depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Uses, benefits, and adverse effects. Consultant. 1999;3343-3349.
Speroni, E. and A. Manhattan. Neuropharmacological Activity of Extracts from Passiflora incarnata. Planta Medica. 54: 488-491, 1988.

Passionflower In Withdrawal Of Addictive Drugs:
Akhondzadem S, et al. P. incarnata useful for treating opiate addiction: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. J Clin Pharm Ther 2001;26:369-73. ??Soulimani R, et al. Behavioral effects of passiflora incarnata l. and its indole alkaloid and flavonoid derivatives and maltol in the mouse. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 1997;57:11-20.

Passionflower In Epilepsy:
Spinella M: Herbal medicines and epilepsy: The potential for benefit and adverse effects. Epilepsy Behav 2001; 2(6):524-532. (PMID 12609386)
Reduction of stress and sleeplessness may be expected to decrease seizures in some people with epilepsy.

Red Clover Research:
The effect of red clover isoflavones on menopausal symptoms, lipids and vaginal cytology in menopausal women: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Gynecology Endocrinol. 2005 Nov;21(5):257-264.
Foundation for Health and Well Being in the Climacteric 'FUCLIM', Guayaquil, Ecuador.
The unexpected results of the Women's Health Initiative study have decreased the use of conventional hormone therapy, changing physicians' and patients' attitudes towards hormone therapy and increasing their interest in alternative options. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of isoflavones contained in red clover extracts (Trifolium pratense) on menopausal symptoms, lipids and vaginal cytology in menopausal women. Sixty postmenopausal women aged >40 years, non-users of hormone therapy, with Kupperman index score 15, were double-blindly randomized to receive either a commercially available red clover isoflavone supplement (80 mg/day) or placebo for 90 days. Subsequently, after a 7-day washout period, subjects switched to receive the opposite treatment for a further 90 days. Results. There was no significant effect on body mass index, weight or blood pressure after either treatment phase. Red clover isoflavone supplementation significantly decreased the rate of menopausal symptoms and had a positive effect on vaginal cytology as expressed by improvement in karyopyknotic cornification and basal cell maturation indices. Mean total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglyceride levels also decreased; however, only the latter was significantly lower compared with placebo. Conclusions. Compared with placebo, red clover isoflavone supplementation in postmenopausal women significantly decreased menopausal symptoms and had a positive effect on vaginal cytology and triglyceride levels.

Comparison of the in vitro estrogenic activities of compounds from hops (Humulus lupulus) and red clover (Trifolium pratense).
? J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Aug 10;53(16):6246-53. Overk CR, Yao P, ?Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, UIC/NIH Center for Botanical Dietary Supplements Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
? Because the prevailing form of hormone replacement therapy is associated with the development of cancer in breast and endometrial tissues, alternatives are needed for the management of menopausal symptoms. Formulations of Trifolium pratense L. (red clover) are being used to alleviate menopause-associated hot flashes but have shown mixed results in clinical trials. The strobiles of Humulus lupulusL. (hops) have been reported to contain the prenylflavanone, 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), as the most estrogenic constituent. Extracts of hops and red clover and their individual constituents including 8-PN, 6-prenylnaringenin (6-PN), isoxanthohumol (IX), and xanthohumol (XN) from hops and daidzein, formononetin, biochanin A, and genistein from red clover were compared using a variety of in vitro estrogenic assays. On the basis of these data, hops and red clover could be attractive for the development as herbal dietary supplements to alleviate menopause-associated symptoms.

Phytoestrogens derived from red clover: An alternative to estrogen replacement therapy?
J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2005 Apr;94(5):499-518.
The benefits of plant extracts from soy and red clover as alternatives to conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have been debated in the past. Here, an attempt has been made to summarize the biochemical and pharmacological data in the light of clinical aspects. Red clover and soy extracts contain isoflavones, which have a high affinity to estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha), estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta), progesterone receptor (PR) and androgen receptor (AR). The higher affinity to ERbeta compared to ERalpha has been used as an explanation why red clover extracts function as food additives to treat menopausal disorders and may reduce risk of breast cancer. Biochemical analysis shows that these representatives of phytoestrogens have multiple actions beside selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)-activity. They act as selective estrogen enzyme modulators (SEEMs), have antioxidant activity and interact with transcription factors such as NF-kappaB. Furthermore, it is indicated that they have protective effects on osteoporosis and the cardiovascular system. Currently 40-50mg of isoflavones (biochanin A, daidzein, formononetin and genistein) are recommended as daily dose. This recommendation is based on the daily intake of phytoestrogens in a traditional Japanese diet.

Modest protective effects of isoflavones from a red clover -derived dietary supplement on cardiovascular disease risk factors in perimenopausal women.
J Nutr. 2004 Jul;134(7):1759-64.?Data suggest that soy protein, a source of isoflavones, may have favorable effects on cardiovascular risk factors. Women (n = 205), ages 49-65 y, were randomized into this double blind, placebo-controlled trial of 43.5 mg red clover-derived isoflavones/d. A total of 177 women completed the trial. There were no differences between treatments for changes from baseline to 12 mo in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, fibrinogen, and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1). Interactions between treatment and menopausal status were significant for changes in triglycerides and PAI-1, and changes were significant among perimenopausal women. Although there were potentially beneficial changes in triglycerides and PAI-1 among perimenopausal women consuming red clover isoflavones, this study suggests that isoflavones alone are not responsible for the well-documented effects of soy protein on blood lipids.
Effect of red clover isoflavones on cox-2 activity in murine and human monocyte/macrophage cells.?Nutr Cancer. 2004;49(1):89-93. ?Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is associated with a reduction in the incidence of a range of cancers, the mechanism of which is thought to be cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition. Because long-term ingestion of foods rich in isoflavones, such as legumes (beans, peas, lentils) has been associated with reduced cancer incidence, it was considered useful to examine the COX-inhibitory activities of individual isoflavones. Red clover dietary supplements also contain varying ratios of the 4 isoflavones commonly found in legume-based diets, namely, daidzein, genistein, formononetin, and biochanin. Thus, it is possible that the lower rates of some cancers in populations with a high intake of dietary isoflavones is linked to their inhibition of COX activity.??Red clover isoflavones in practice: a clinician's view.?J Br Menopause Soc. 2004 Mar;10 Suppl 1:7-12.?The subject of phytoestrogen use must be seen against the background of increasing controversy surrounding the role of hormone replacement therapy. Phytoestrogens such as those derived from red clover may help with hot flushes, which are a common menopausal complaint. Red clover isoflavones have more evidence base than most herbal medicinal products, although the literature is beset by difference in methodologies making direct comparison between studies difficult. There certainly does not appear to be any increased risk for women with breast cancer, who often suffer severely from sweats and flushes. There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend red clover isoflavones use for bone protection in a group of women who are at high risk.
The effects of dietary supplementation with isoflavones from red clover on cognitive function in postmenopausal women.?Climacteric. 2004 Mar;7(1):70-7.?To examine the effects of dietary isoflavone supplementation with an extract from red clover on cognitive function in postmenopausal women. DESIGN: Thirty postmenopausal women aged greater than 60 years received either two tablets of an extract of aglycone isoflavones from red clover (each containing formononetin 25 mg, biochanin 2.5 mg and less than 1 mg of daidzein and genistein) for 6 months in a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Cognitive function tests were performed at baseline and at the end of isoflavone or placebo therapy.
RESULTS: Isoflavone supplementation was associated with an apparent improvement in block design (a test of visual-spatial intelligence) compared to placebo (isoflavone +12%, placebo -3%; p = 0.03), no improvement in verbal memory compared to an improvement on placebo (isoflavone +1%, placebo +29%; p = 0.023) and a deterioration in digit recall compared to placebo (isoflavone -6%, placebo +12%; p = 0.029). However, these findings were not statistically significant when corrections were made for potential chance findings due to multiple comparisons. CONCLUSION: Isoflavone supplementation does not appear to have major short-term effects on cognitive function in postmenopausal women. However, further clinical trials are required to determine whether small effects or long-term effects on cognitive function occur during isoflavone supplementation.

The effects of red clover isoflavones on bone density in women: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.?Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Feb;79(2):326-33. ?Isoflavone phytoestrogen therapy has been proposed as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT has a beneficial effect on bone, but few trials in humans have investigated the effects of isoflavones on bone. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the effect on bone density of a red clover-derived isoflavone supplement that provided a daily dose of 26 mg biochanin A, 16 mg formononetin, 1 mg genistein, and 0.5 mg daidzein for 1 y. Effects on biochemical markers of bone turnover and body composition were also studied. Women aged 49-65 y (n = 205) were enrolled in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial; 177 completed the trial. Bone density, body composition, bone turnover markers, and diet were measured at baseline and after 12 mo. Loss of lumbar spine bone mineral content and bone mineral density was significantly lower in the women taking the red clover isoflavone supplement than in those taking the placebo. There were no significant treatment effects on hip bone mineral content or bone mineral density, markers of bone resorption, or body composition, but bone formation markers were significantly increased in the red clover group compared with placebo in postmenopausal women. These data suggest that, through attenuation of bone loss, red clover isoflavones have a potentially protective effect on the lumbar spine in women.??Red clover derived isoflavones and mammographic breast density: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.?Atkinson C, Warren RM, Sala E et al. Breast Cancer Res. 2004;6:R170-R179. ?Isoflavones are hypothesized to protect against breast cancer, but it is not clear whether they act as estrogens or anti-estrogens in breast tissue. Our aim was to determine the effects of taking a red clover derived isoflavone supplement daily for 1 year on mammographic breast density. Effects on estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), lymphocyte tyrosine kinase activity and menopausal symptoms were also assessed. A total of 205 women (age range 49-65 years) with Wolfe P2 or DY mammographic breast patterns were randomly assigned to receive either a red clover derived isoflavone tablet (26 mg biochanin A, 16 mg formononetin, 1 mg genistein and 0.5 mg daidzein) or placebo. In contrast to studies showing that conventional hormone replacement therapies increase mammographic breast density, the red clover isoflavone supplement did not increase mammographic breast density in this population of women. Furthermore, there were no effects on estradiol, gonadotrophins, lymphocyte tyrosine kinase activity, or menopausal symptoms.

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) Monograph: A Clinical Decision Support Tool.?1 Broadway 14th Floor, Cambridge, MA?J Herb Pharmcother. 2003;2(3):49-72.?Red clover, a legume resembling soy is used by man as a phytoestrogen. Other uses include asthma, pertussis, cancer and gout. The authors systematically review red clover in terms of pharmacology, efficacy, safety, side effects, standardization, dosing, toxicology as well as other parameters.??Effects of dietary supplementation with isoflavones from red clover on ambulatory blood pressure and endothelial function in postmenopausal type 2 diabetes.?Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St. George Hospital UNSW, Kogarah, NSW, Australia.?The aim of this study was to determine whether dietary supplementation with isoflavones from red clover affected ambulatory blood pressure and forearm vascular endothelial function in postmenopausal type 2 diabetic women. Sixteen postmenopausal type 2 diabetics treated with diet or oral hypoglycaemic therapy completed a randomized double-blind crossover trial of dietary supplementation with isoflavones from red clover (approximately 50 mg/day) for 4 weeks compared to placebo. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure recordings and forearm vascular responses to acetylcholine, nitroprusside and L-nitromonomethylarginine (L-NMMA) were measured at the end of each treatment period. RESULTS: Mean daytime systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly lower during isoflavone therapy compared to placebo. The increase in forearm vascular resistance following L-NMMA was significantly greater during isoflavone supplementation, suggesting an improvement in basal endothelial function. Plasma lipoproteins, glycated haemoglobin and forearm vascular responses to acetylcholine and nitroprusside did not differ significantly between isoflavone and placebo therapy. CONCLUSION: Isoflavone supplementation from red clover may favorably influence blood pressure and endothelial function in postmenopausal type 2 diabetic women. Red clover herb Red clover blossom.??*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.