Posted by Exert PUB Med on 7/24/2019 to
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CAOH Commentary:
Research indicates Sea Buckthorn oil contains beta carotene, trace minerals, omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids and additionally is the richest source of omega 7 essential fats. Omega 7 essential fatty acids are important structural components of mucous membranes which form the protective lining of internal organs such as the vaginal, digestive and respiratory tracts, as well as the surface of the eyes and mouth. Sea Buckthorn oil not only promotes healthy regeneration of these membranes but also provides nutrients essential for the proper functioning of the membranes in the vaginal tract.
Author information:
1. Aromtech Ltd, Tornio, Finland. Electronic address: [email protected].
2. Food Chemistry and Food Development, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Finland.
3. Statfinn Ltd, Turku, Finland.
4. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Central Hospital of Turku, Finland
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Vaginal atrophy, the thinning and drying of vaginal mucosa, is associated with menopause. The standard estrogen treatment is not suitable for all women.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of oral seabuckthorn (SB) oil supplementation on vaginal atrophy.
METHOD:
1. Aromtech Ltd, Tornio, Finland. Electronic address: [email protected].
2. Food Chemistry and Food Development, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Finland.
3. Statfinn Ltd, Turku, Finland.
4. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Central Hospital of Turku, Finland
A total of 116 postmenopausal women experiencing symptoms of vaginal dryness, itching or burning were randomized to this placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Ninety-eight participants completed the intervention of three months, during which they consumed 3g of SB or placebo oil daily. At the beginning and end, factors of vaginal health were scored by a gynecologist, vaginal pH and moisture were measured and vaginal health index was calculated. Symptoms of atrophy and menopause were evaluated at study visits and by daily logbooks. Serum samples were collected for the analysis of circulating lipids, liver enzymes and C-reactive protein.
RESULTS: Compared to placebo, there was a significantly better rate of improvement in the integrity of vaginal epithelium in the SB group when both compliant and non-compliant participants were included (odds ratio (OR)=3.1, 95% CI 1.11-8.95). A beneficial trend was observed when only the compliant participants were included (OR=2.9; 95% CI 0.99-8.35). There was a tendency (P=0.08) toward better improvement of vaginal health index from baseline to the end in the SB group [(0.8 (SD 2.8)] compared to placebo [-0.1 (SD 2.0)].
CONCLUSIONS: SB oil showed beneficial effects on vaginal health, indicating it is a potential alternative for mucosal integrity for those women not able to use estrogen treatment for vaginal atrophy.
Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.. All rights reserved. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25104582
KEYWORDS: Menopause; Mucous membrane; Sea buckthorn; Vaginal atrophy
