MARSHALL-BLUM ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF CLINICAL TRIAL FOR MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS

BANGOR, MAINE, JULY 24, 2002 -- Fueled by the recent controversy reporting that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may be more of a disadvantage than an advantage for women experiencing menopausal symptoms, it seems reasonable to explore herbal blends as an effective alternative. HRT has been associated with added risk for cardiac and stroke events. Many menopausal, peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women have serious doubts about the efficiency of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and are choosing to seek alternative ways of managing their symptoms.

Abundance Marketing of Stoney Creek, ON has formulated an herbal blend designed to relieve menopausal symptoms. A clinical trial featuring randomized, triple blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group design showed statistically significant differences at the 0.05 level for a number of common menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, depression, cramps, nervousness, dizziness, headaches, concentration, palpitations, breast tenderness, and water retention. Irritability and night sweats met the 0.10 level for differences. One hundred women were randomized following signing an IRB-approved consent form. Thirty-four and twenty-three subjects completed the trial respectively for the product and placebo groups in this three-month trial. The baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Self-evaluation was assessed monthly by questions from several published articles. No significant adverse events were reported in this study.

Marshall-Blum Herbal Research Clinic is an independent research company based in Bangor, Maine, which continues to produce high quality studies on herbal products of interest in todays marketplace. Dr. James Blum is a medical clinical researcher who is an adjunct professor with the University of Maine and Husson College.