Therapeutic efficacy of botanicals in psychological disorders in menopausal women: a systematic and scoping review
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Understanding the emotional impact of menopause on women is of utmost importance, especially with the predictable estimate of 1.2 billion menopausal women globally by 2030. Depression, anxiety, and stress are common during menopause, and botanical medicines, particularly from Unani traditions, may offer effective, natural therapeutic options. This study combines systematic and scoping review methods to assess the clinical efficacy of botanical interventions and map the broader research landscape.
METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Science Direct and PROSPERO from 2000 to 2024, following both PRISMA 2020 and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The scoping phase identified a wide range of botanicals and research trends, while the systematic review focused on randomized controlled trials evaluating efficacy. Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used for methodological quality assessment. Network visualization and word cloud techniques were also employed to identify related terms from the prior studies included in the analysis.
RESULTS: Sixteen RCTs involving 1,112 participants (mean age ±SD: 69.5 ± 21.88) were included. Most studies had a low risk of bias. Bioactive compounds such as withaferin A, quercetin, rosmarinic acid, and thymoquinone demonstrated antidepressant, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective effects through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, GABAergic, and serotonergic mechanisms. Machine learning approaches showed potential for…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,112 participants or records.
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