Solgar Botanical Female Complex is a food supplement in 30 vegetable capsules, made for women and positioned by Solgar for the menopause. It combines red clover flower, sage leaf extract and a hops extract (Lifenol) with a base of Montmorency cherry, kelp and beetroot, plus flaxseed, liquorice root, turmeric root and other plant ingredients. It is taken as 1 capsule a day, so one pack lasts 30 days.

Key Features

• Three lead botanicals: Red clover flower, sage leaf extract and Lifenol hops extract are the first plant ingredients listed on the label.
• Lifenol hops extract: Solgar describes Lifenol as a specific hop cone extract standardised for prenylflavonoids.
• Wholefood base: Montmorency cherry powder, kelp and beetroot extract form the base blend, with flaxseed, broccoli and grape seed extract also included.
• One capsule a day: The directions are 1 capsule daily, preferably at mealtime.
• Suitable for vegans and vegetarians: Solgar lists the product as vegan and vegetarian, and free from sugar, salt and starch.

Does Botanical Female Complex relieve hot flushes?

This page makes no claim that it does, because no claim for these plant ingredients could be verified from UK sources. The NHS says red clover may help with some menopause symptoms but that this is not supported by scientific evidence, and it advises speaking to a GP or pharmacist before using a complementary therapy.

Can I take it with other medicines?

Speak to your GP or pharmacist first. The NHS says some herbal remedies may cause serious side effects if they are taken with other medicines.

How long does one pack last?

At the directed 1 capsule a day, a pack of 30 capsules lasts 30 days. See Usage and Instructions for the full directions.

• Vegetarian
• Vegan
• Gluten-Free

Active ingredients: Red clover (Trifolium pratense) (flower), sage leaf extract (Salvia officinalis), hops extract (Lifenol) (Humulus lupulus) (flower), base blend (Montmorency cherry powder (Prunus cerasus) (fruit), kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum) (whole plant), beetroot extract), flaxseed powder, liquorice root extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra), broccoli powder (flower), turmeric root extract (Curcuma longa), dandelion extract (Taraxacum officinale), grape seed extract, schisandra berry extract (Schisandra chinensis).

Other ingredients: Vegetable capsule shell (hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose), bulking agents (maltodextrin, dicalcium phosphate), anti-caking agents (silicon dioxide, vegetable magnesium stearate).

For adults, take 1 vegetable capsule daily, preferably at mealtime, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. Do not exceed directions for use.

Please note the following:

• Speak to your GP or pharmacist before use if you take other medicines. The NHS says some herbal remedies may cause serious side effects if they are taken with other medicines.
• This supplement contains liquorice root extract. The British Heart Foundation advises that people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should probably avoid or limit liquorice.
• Do not exceed the directions for use.
• Food supplements should not be used instead of a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.