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Objectives: Many women have turned to complementary and alternative medicines for relief from their perimenopausal symptoms. The prevalence of plant-based medicine use among perimenopausal women highlights the need for investigation into these interventions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of soy preparations for the treatment of perimenopausal symptoms by performing a systematic review of randomised clinical trials (RCTs). Methods: Literature searches were performed using four computerised databases to identify RCTs of soy preparations for the treatment of perimenopausal symptoms. Manufacturers of soy products were contacted and our own files were also searched. There were no restrictions on the language of publication. Trials were considered if they used mono-preparations of soy or soy isoflavones, and if the outcome measures related to the physical and/or psychological impact of menopause in healthy women and scored at least three on the Jadad scale. Results: Thirteen RCTs were identified that investigated the use of soy preparations for perimenopausal symptoms. Ten of these trials fitted our inclusion criteria. The results of these studies are not conclusive. Four of these randomised controlled trials were positive, suggesting soy preparations are beneficial for perimenopausal symptoms. Six were negative; with one of the six showing a positive trend. Conclusions: There is some evidence for the efficacy of soy preparations for perimenopausal symptoms. However, the heterogeneity of the studies performed to date means it is difficult to make a definitive statement. Adverse event data from the trials suggest that there are no serious safety concerns with soy products in short-term use. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Tea leaves contain varying amounts of polyphenols of which the majority are catechins. There has been a sizable amount of research on the potential effect of green tea catechins for cancer risk, cardiovascular disease risk and weight loss; all conditions that are relevant to mid-life health. The aim was to produce an overview of the evidence for green tea for these three important health conditions. Methods: The databases Medline (& Medline in process) and Embase, were searched for systematic reviews and meta-analyses using customised search strategies performed up until April 2012. Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews criteria were used to assess the quality of the included reviews. Relevant data were extracted into predefined tables. The results are described and discussed narratively. Results: We included eight systematic reviews and meta-analyses covering the topics of cancer risk (n =2), cardiovascular risk (n =4) and weight loss (n =2). Conclusions: The evidence for green tea and cancer risk is inadequate and inconclusive. However there is some positive evidence for risk reduction of breast, prostate, ovarian and endometrial cancers with green tea. RCTs of green tea and cardiovascular risk factors suggest that green tea may reduce low-density lipoproteins and total cholesterol, although studies are of short duration. There is no robust evidence to support a reduction in coronary artery disease risk in green tea drinkers. There are a considerable number of RCTs to suggest that green tea does reduce body weight in the short term, but this not likely to be of clinical relevance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]