Randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial of the effect of Morus nigra L. (black mulberry) leaf powder on symptoms and quality of life among climacteric women

Objective To test the efficacy of Morus nigra L. (MN) leaf powder for treating climacteric symptoms by comparison with hormone therapy (HT) and placebo. Methods A randomized controlled trial among 62 climacteric women attending Hospital of the Federal University of Maranhão, Brazil. Women were divided into MN, HT, and placebo groups, and received 250 mg of MN leaf powder, 1 mg of estradiol, or placebo for 60 days. Primary outcomes were the Blatt–Kupperman index (BKI) for climacteric symptoms and SF‐36 health questionnaire scores. Results Baseline sociodemographic variables, BKI scores, symptoms, and SF‐36 domains did not differ among the groups. There was a reduction in mean BKI in the MN (17.5 vs 9.7, P