Keat, Tan Boon
(2006)
Effect on kacip fatimah (labisia pumila) water extract on mamographic density- a pilot study.
Masters thesis, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Abstract
Introduction
Kacip Fatimah is a traditional herb that contains phytoestrogen and is commonly used by
the Malay population in Malaysia to treat various gynecological illnesses. It is also used
as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy due to its estrogenic effect.
Postmenopausal hormone use is associated with increase in mammographic density and
mammographic density is an independent risk factor for breast cancer.
Objective
Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of Kacip Fatimah (Labisia pumila) water extract
on mammographic density in postmenopausal women.
Material and Method
A prospective, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study was conducted.
A total of 69 postmenopausal women were equally randomized to receive Kacip Fatimah
water extract 140 mg/day, 280 mg/day, 560 mg/day or placebo. Mammograms were
performed at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. Mammographic density was
evaluated according to percentage scale, BIRAD classification and computer assisted
measurement of breast density.
Result
The categorical assessments showed that there was no significant shift in categorical
classification as assessed by BIRAD and percentage categories in either control or
treatment groups. There was slight increase in breast density as assessed by computer
assisted method although the increases were not statistically significant. The increases in
breast density over pretreatment baseline were 0.2 °/o, 0.1 %, 1.5 % and 0.6 % for placebo,
140 mg group, 280 mg group and 560 mg group, respectively. These values were not
significantly different from one another. This small increase in breast density might be
due to the fact that phytoestrogen is a weak estrogen.
Conclusion
Kacip Fatimah extract given over a period of 6 months did not significantly affect
mammographic density.
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