Improvement of postmenopausal depressive and anxiety symptoms after treatment with isoflavones derived from red clover extracts
Received 31 August 2009; received in revised form 28 October 2009; accepted 30 October 2009. published online 19 November 2009.
Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the effect of isoflavones derived from red clover extracts (MF11RCE) over anxiety and depressive symptoms among postmenopausal women.
Methods
One hundred and nine postmenopausal women aged 40 or more were randomly assigned to receive two daily capsules of MF11RCE (80mg red clover isoflavones, Group A) or placebo of equal appearance (Group B) for a 90-day period. After a washout period of 7 days, medication was crossed over and taken for 90 days more. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were measured at baseline, 90 and 187 days with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Zung's Self Rating Depression Scale (SDS).
Results
After receiving the MF11RCE compound the total HADS (anxiety and depression subscale scores also) and the total SDS scores decreased significantly. This effect was equivalent to a 76.9% reduction in the total HADS score (76% for anxiety and 78.3% for depression) and an 80.6% reduction in the total SDS score. After placebo, total HADS (anxiety and depression subscale also) and total SDS scores also decreased significantly in comparison to baseline but only equivalent to an average 21.7% decline.
Conclusion
Red clover derived isoflavones (MF11RCE) were effective in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms among postmenopausal women.
aDivision of Obstetrics and Gynecology General Teaching Hospital Korneuburg, Austria
bInstituto para la Salud de la Mujer, Guayaquil, Ecuador
cStudy Center Med XIX, Grinzingerstr. 83, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
dDivision of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Corresponding author at: Instituto Para la Salud de la Mujer, Vélez 616 y García Avilés, PO Box 09-02000-70-A, Guayaquil, Ecuador. Tel.: +593 4 252 6825; fax: +593 4 252 6825.
ABSTRACT