The University of Illinois at Chicago is seeking participants for a clinical trial investigating whether two herbal products -- black cohosh and red clover -- are effective in relieving symptoms of menopause.

The yearlong study, the only one of its kind in the United States, will seek to determine whether the botanicals offer an alternative to hormone replacement therapy for relief of hot flashes. Recent studies have linked long-term use of HRT with significant health risks.

A total of 112 healthy, menopausal women are being recruited to participate in the study. Each woman will be randomly assigned to one of four groups taking black cohosh, red clover, Prempro (a combined estrogen and progestin hormone replacement drug) or a placebo. Health effects will be closely watched over about 14 clinic visits.

The researchers will determine whether the botanicals can lessen the frequency and intensity of hot flashes or alleviate other menopausal symptoms, including insomnia, joint pain and fatigue. They will also examine whether the botanicals help treat problems associated with menopause such as decreased libido.

Lipid levels, bone turnover and effects on the endometrial tissue in the uterus will be monitored, as well as any longer-term effects and possible risks associated with use of the botanicals.

The UIC study is funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health. It is being conducted under the UIC/NIH Center for Botanical Dietary Supplements Research, directed by Norman Farnsworth.