Effects of Extracts from<i>Cimicifuga racemosa</i>on Gonadotropin Release in Menopausal Women and Ovariectomized Rats

REMIFEMIN® is an ethanolic extract of the rhizome of Cimicifuga racemosa (C.r.) and is used to relieve climacteric hot flushes. In the present study the effects of this preparation on LH and FSH secretion of menopausal women were investigated. After an 8 weeks treatment, LH but not FSH levels were significantly reduced in patients receiving the Cimicifuga extract. To further characterize the endocrinologically active principles of this plant extract, a lipophilic extract of C.r. was prepared and subjected to Sephadex chromatography. Fractions obtained were tested for their ability to reduce LH secretion in ovariectomized (ovx) rats and to compete in vitro with 17β-estradiol for estrogen receptor binding sites.