A Chinese medicine which is claimed to delay menopause will be on the market in about two years, according to scientists at Chinese University.

The rejuvenating medicine would be modified from a Chinese medicine for women, Bak Foong pills, which had been used for about 120 years, said the director of the university's epithelial cell biology research centre, Professor Chan Hsiao-chang.

It is the culmination of a $9.8 million three-year joint project by a team of scientists at the university and Hong Kong-based Chinese medicine manufacturer Eu Yan Sang.

Eu Yan Sang director and general manager Alice Wong Suet-ying said one of the main benefits of the new medicine was its ability to delay menopause.

"We understand the menopause can cause both physical discomfort and psychological distress to women. As people nowadays live longer, we really want to delay their ageing process and [for them to] live a quality life," she said.

Professor Chan said the drug would be based on Bak Foong, which laboratory tests had shown helped adjust oestrogen levels, lowered blood pressure and aided the immune system.

"The principle of Chinese medicine is to readjust and balance the elements in our bodies back to a normal and healthy level," he said. "If we can better readjust or enhance the level of oestrogen through the new medicine, we believe it can also delay menopause."

The ingredients of Bak Foong pills include ginseng and deer antlers. But Professor Chan said more ingredients were being added to the new formula.

　　From Healthy.net