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Abstract

Grant Number: 5F32AT002420-04
Project Title: Alleviation of menopausal symptoms by C. racemosa
PI Information:NameEmailTitle
RUHLEN, RACHEL L. ruhlenr@missouri.edu

Abstract: DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Hot flashes, the most common symptom of menopause, cause extreme discomfort and disrupt sleep patterns. Depression and mood changes during menopause also compromise quality of life. Hormone therapy, the primary treatment for menopausal symptoms, is associated with increased risk of breast and endometrial cancer. The majority of menopausal women refuses or fails to comply with hormone therapy, suggesting the need for alternative treatments. Black cohosh, a plant which has proven effective in reducing menopausal hot flashes in several small clinical trials, does not contain estrogenic compounds, but does contain agonists for serotonin receptors. Our hypothesis is that black cohosh alleviates hot flashes and depression in animal models through serotonergic action. Aim 1 will test the hypothesis that black cohosh extracts alleviate hot flashes using an ovariectomized rat model implanted with thermosensors. Aim 2 is designed to deliver solid behavioral data to support the antidepressant activity of black cohosh through the Forced Swim Test animal model of depression. Aim 3 will test the possibility that effects of estrogen therapy on menopausal complaints occur through modulation of serotonin action in a neuronal cell culture model.

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Institution: UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA
310 JESSE HALL
COLUMBIA, MO 65211
Fiscal Year: 2006
Department: BIOCHEMISTRY
Project Start: 01-AUG-2004
Project End: 31-JUL-2007
ICD: NATIONAL CENTER FOR COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
IRG: ZAT1


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